A. 
General. No temporary sign may be illuminated. No sign located in a residential zone may be illuminated, except that on parcels two acres in size or greater, signs may be halo illuminated or illuminated as necessary for allowable digital signs. Permanent signs allowed by this chapter may be nonilluminated, or illuminated by internal light fixtures, halo illuminated, or have external indirect illumination, unless otherwise specified. All illuminated signs shall comply with the time limitations of subsection (D) of this section.
B. 
Externally Illuminated Signs.
1. 
Except as provided in this subsection, externally illuminated signs shall be illuminated only with steady, stationary, fully shielded light sources directed solely onto the sign without causing glare. Light shielding shall ensure that the lamp or light source is not visible beyond the premises and shall further ensure that the light is contained within the sign face.
2. 
A light fixture mounted above the sign face may be installed with its bottom opening tilted toward the sign face, provided:
a. 
The bottom opening of the light fixture is flat, i.e., it could be covered by a flat board allowing no light to escape; and
b. 
The uppermost portion of the fixture's opening is located no higher than the top of the sign face, as shown in Figure 1 below. Light fixtures aimed and installed in this fashion shall be considered fully shielded.
Figure 1
C. 
Internally Illuminated Signs.
1. 
Internally illuminated signs shall be constructed with an opaque sign face background with translucent text, symbols, logo shields, or any combination of these. If the sign owner desires to have the entire sign face visible at night, an external light source may be used to illuminate the sign, subject to the illumination standards in this chapter.
2. 
In no case may an internally illuminated sign, a digital sign, or an EMCS exceed a light output of 50 nits in a residential zone or 100 nits in a nonresidential zone during nighttime hours.
3. 
Neon sign lighting is allowed only within the TC, C, MUR, BP, I, and P zoning districts. Neon lighting shall not exceed 100 nits per sign face and may be used as text or copy, but shall not be used as a sign graphic. Neon signs with solid backgrounds are not allowed in windows in order to ensure maximum light and visibility through windows. Examples of neon signs are shown in Figures 2a and 2b below.
Figure 2a (Allowed)
Figure 2b (Prohibited)
D. 
Time Limitations. All illuminated signs over three square feet in area shall be turned off by 11:00 p.m., or when the business closes, whichever is later. Signs subject to time limitations are required to have functioning and properly adjusted automatic shut-off timers.
(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A))
A. 
Temporary Signs. The construction of temporary signs is limited to the materials described in the definition of "temporary sign" in EMC § 18.97.300, Definitions. In addition, the temporary sign must also conform to the requirements of this chapter, including, but not limited to, EMC § 18.97.240, Temporary signs.
B. 
Permanent Signs. Permanent signs must be manufactured of durable materials that are designed to withstand the natural elements and the effects of water and wind (see Figures 3 and 4). The following additional requirements apply to any permanent sign larger than 30 square feet, except for window signs located inside glass:
1. 
Paper-faced signs, including vinyl-coated paper and those applied with adhesives, are not allowed. Canvas or vinyl signs must be made of minimum 20-ounce materials with polymeric plasticizers for durability.
2. 
Sign faces made of canvas, fabric, vinyl, or similar pliable materials that are attached to permanent sign structures must be mounted behind a perimeter frame or trim cap so that the edges of the sign face are not exposed. Flags made of 100 percent spun polyester are exempt from this requirement.
Figure 3
Figure 4
(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A))
A. 
Rights-of-Way. No sign, permanent or otherwise, may be placed within the public right-of-way, except governmental signs (EMC § 18.97.030(E)) or as otherwise permitted by first obtaining a street use permit or a special event permit from the city. See EMC § 18.97.240(G) for restrictions on temporary signs within the right-of-way but outside the roadway.
B. 
Attached to Vehicles on Private Premises. No sign may be mounted, attached, or painted on a trailer, boat, or motor vehicle that is parked, stored, or displayed conspicuously on private premises in a manner intended to attract the attention of the public, excluding signs that are permanently painted or wrapped on the surface of the vehicle, or adhesive vinyl film affixed to the interior or exterior surface of a vehicle window, or signs magnetically attached to motor vehicles or rolling stock that are actively used in the daily conduct of business (see Figure 5). All vehicles covered by this subsection shall be operable and parked in a lawful or authorized manner within a required parking stall that is marked and striped for the parking of vehicles.
Figure 5
C. 
Attached to Other Fixtures. No sign may be painted, attached, or mounted on any fuel tanks, storage containers, or solid waste receptacles or their enclosures, except for information that is required by law.
D. 
Freeway-Oriented Signs. Freeway-oriented signs are prohibited, except in the following instances:
1. 
Building-mounted wall signs per EMC § 18.97.160, window signs per EMC § 18.97.250, and temporary signs per EMC § 18.97.240 as otherwise allowed by this chapter may face the freeway if:
a. 
They are installed by a business that has its primary customer entrance facing the freeway; and
b. 
The wall, window or temporary sign also faces an intervening parking lot or frontage road that serves the business.
2. 
Freestanding signs as otherwise allowed by this chapter may be permitted for businesses located on and facing frontage roads along freeways, even if such signs are incidentally visible from the freeway.
(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A); Ord. 25-0687, 8/26/2025)
Sign area for all sign types is measured as follows:
A. 
Background Panel or Surface. Sign copy mounted, affixed, or painted on a background panel or surface distinctively painted, textured, or constructed as a background for the sign copy is measured as that area contained within the smallest rectangle, parallelogram, triangle, or circle that will enclose the sign copy and the background, as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6
B. 
Individual Letters or Graphics. Sign copy mounted as individual letters or graphics against a wall, fascia, mansard, or parapet of a building or surface of another structure, that has not been painted, textured, or otherwise altered to provide a distinctive background for the sign copy, is measured as the sum of the smallest square, rectangle, parallelogram, triangle, or circle that will enclose every word, sentence, and complete message, and each graphic in the sign.
C. 
Illuminated Surface. Sign copy mounted, affixed or painted on an illuminated surface or illuminated element of a building or structure is measured as the entire illuminated surface or illuminated element which contains sign copy, as shown in Figure 7. Such elements may include, but are not limited to, illuminated canopy fascia signs, interior illuminated awnings, or both.
Figure 7
D. 
Backlit Translucent Panels. Backlit translucent panels and spandrels, with or without text or graphics, are measured as the area of the height and width of any internally illuminated translucent panel or spandrel, including the side panels if the structure or spandrel is greater than six inches in width.
E. 
Multi-Face Signs. Multi-face signs, as shown in Figure 8, are measured as follows:
1. 
Two-Face Signs. If the interior angle between the two sign faces is 45 degrees or less, the sign area is of one sign face only. If the angle between the two sign faces is greater than 45 degrees, the sign area is the sum of the areas of the two sign faces.
2. 
Three- or Four-Face Signs. The sign area is 50 percent of the sum of the areas of all sign faces.
3. 
Spherical, free-form, sculptural or other nonplanar sign area is measured as 50 percent of the sum of the areas using only the four vertical sides of the smallest four-sided polyhedron that will encompass the sign structure, as show in Figure 8 below. Signs with greater than four polyhedron faces are prohibited.
Figure 8
(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A))
Sign height is measured as follows:
A. 
Freestanding Signs. Sign height is measured as the vertical distance from natural grade at the base of a sign to the top of the sign, including the sign support structure; except that signs within 25 feet of an adjacent road may be measured as follows:
1. 
If natural grade at the base of a sign is higher than the grade of the adjacent road, sign height shall be measured from the base of the sign as shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9
2. 
If natural grade at the base of the sign is lower than the grade of an adjacent road, the height of the sign shall be measured from the top of curb or road-grade elevation; provided, that fill is placed between the curb and the sign and extends at least five feet beyond the base of the sign in all directions, as shown in Figure 10. Any cut, fill, or grading work must comply with applicable site grading, fill, or excavation requirements contained elsewhere in the EMC.
Figure 10
(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A))
A. 
Support Elements. Any angle iron, bracing, guy wires, or similar features used to support a sign shall not be visible.
B. 
Electrical Service. When electrical service is provided to freestanding signs or landscape wall signs, all such electrical service is required to be underground and concealed. Electrical service to building-mounted wall signs, including conduit, housings, and wire, shall be concealed. A building permit (electrical) must be issued prior to the installation of any new signs requiring electrical service.
C. 
Raceway Cabinets. Raceway cabinets, where used as an element of building-mounted wall signs, shall match the building color scheme at the location of the building where the sign is located. Where a raceway cabinet provides a contrast background to sign copy, the colored area is considered part of the sign face and is counted in the aggregate sign area permitted for the site or business. Examples of raceway cabinets are shown in Figure 11.
Figure 11
D. 
Limitation on Attachments and Secondary Uses. All permitted sign structures and their associated landscape areas shall be kept free of supplemental attachments or secondary uses, including, but not limited to, supplemental signs not part of a permitted sign, light fixture, newspaper distribution rack, or trash container. The use of sign structures and associated landscape areas as bicycle racks or support structures for outdoor signs is prohibited.
(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A))
A digital sign is not a separately allowed sign type. The purpose of this section is to regulate the manner in which digital sign technology can be applied to sign types that are otherwise allowed in this chapter. This section is not intended to allow more signs or larger signs than otherwise permitted in this chapter. No permit shall be issued for a digital sign that does not comply with the following standards:
A. 
Zoning. Allowed in all zoning districts.
B. 
Number. One digital sign per 100 feet of street frontage in the TC, C, MUR, BP, I, and P zoning districts. One digital sign per 100 feet of street frontage in residential zones on parcels two acres or greater in size, not to exceed one sign per parcel.
C. 
Setback Location. As allowed under the specific sign type; however, a minimum separation spacing in the TC, C, MUR, BP, I, and P zoning districts of 100 feet is required in order to comply with subsection (B) of this section.
D. 
Size and Area. Maximum of 30 square feet, or as otherwise limited by the size limits of this chapter.
E. 
Height. As allowed under the specific sign type.
F. 
Design. Maximum luminance: 50 nits during nighttime hours. Motion limits: no motion allowed except for instantaneous change of message. Minimum hold between messages: eight seconds.
G. 
Programming. To ensure that digital signs are programmed and continue to operate according to local standards, digital signs shall be designed for local on-site control and programing.
(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A))
An EMCS is not a separately allowed sign type. The purpose of this section is to regulate the manner in which EMCS technology can be applied to sign types that are otherwise allowed in this chapter. This section is not intended to allow more signs or larger signs than otherwise permitted in this chapter. No permit shall be issued for an EMCS that does not comply with the following standards:
A. 
Zoning. Only allowed in the TC, C, MUR, BP, I, and P zoning districts.
B. 
Number. One EMCS per 100 feet of street frontage, not to exceed one per business or tenant space. Parcel area must meet or exceed one acre and contain at least 100 feet of contiguous street frontage to allow an EMCS.
C. 
Setback Location. As allowed under the specific sign type; however, a minimum separation spacing of 100 feet is required in order to comply with subsection (B) of this section.
D. 
Size and Area. Maximum of 30 square feet, or as otherwise limited by the size limits of this chapter.
E. 
Height. As allowed under the specific sign type.
F. 
Design – Maximum Luminance.
1. 
Daytime: 5,000 nits.
2. 
Nighttime: 50 nits.
3. 
Signs shall include auto-dimming features with light-sensory capabilities to dim the sign to allowable luminance levels during nighttime hours.
G. 
Motion Limits. No motion except for a fade-in of the next message with the fade transition being no more nor less than one and one-half seconds. Fade transition is required rather than instantaneous message changes to avoid sudden or startling flashes of light. The minimum hold between messages shall be 10 seconds, plus one and one-half seconds for a transition fade. Signs shall have no flashing copy or lights; revolving beacon lights; chasing, blinking, or stroboscopic lights; or fluttering, undulating, swinging, or otherwise moving parts.
H. 
Programming. To ensure that EMCS are programmed and continue to operate according to local standards, EMCS shall be designed for local on-site control and programming. The applicant shall provide a written certificate from the sign manufacturer that the nighttime light intensity has been factory preset not to exceed allowable levels under this section, and that this setting is protected from end-user modification by password-protected software or other method that ensures compliance.
(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A))