The City’s Building Official may require that proposed building-mounted signs that weigh 400 pounds or more, monument signs 50 square feet or more in face area and freestanding signs 15 feet or more in height undergo structural review in order to preserve the public health, safety or welfare. When structural review is required, the applicant shall pay the full amount of the City’s cost to conduct such review. Construction details that describe either the proposed foundation (for freestanding signs) or wall brackets (for building-mounted signs) must be submitted with the sign permit application. Structural calculations for the sign shall be prepared by a licensed Washington State structural engineer.
(Ord. 2742, 10/17/2024)
A.
When a sign triggers structural review, per TMC Section 19.16.020, the applicant or installer shall contact the City to request a footing inspection before the concrete has been poured or bracket inspection before a building-mounted sign is installed.
B.
It is the responsibility of the installer to obtain an electrical permit and associated inspections from the City if the sign uses electrical power.
C.
It is the responsibility of the installer to contact the City for a final inspection for all signs when installation is complete.
(Ord. 2742, 10/17/2024)
All signs, including their support structures, shall be kept in good repair, specifically:
1.
Signs shall be regularly painted or appropriately maintained.
2.
Damaged signs or support structures shall be replaced in accordance with the original permit unless the sign is non-conforming, per TMC Chapter 19.36.
3.
All lighting shall be maintained in good working order with no broken or burned-out lamps. Signs do not have to be illuminated at all times; however, if they are illuminated, the entire sign shall be illuminated and there shall be no dark portions of the sign.
4.
Electrical and power cords shall not be visible.
5.
Cabinet signs with missing sign faces are strictly prohibited within the City.
6.
If a building-mounted sign is removed, the building wall shall be restored to a condition to match the remaining wall area. There shall be no evidence that a sign was located on the building.
(Ord. 2742, 10/17/2024)
A.
The Director shall order the removal of any sign that is abandoned as defined by TMC Section 19.08.020. The particular mitigation measures shall be based on the circumstances outlined below:
1.
Non-conforming Freestanding Sign. In the event that a non-conforming freestanding sign has been abandoned and the sign is not covered under a grace period found in TMC Chapter 19.36, the Director shall order the property owner to remove the sign and sign structure within 45 days of issuance of a Notice and Order from the City.
2.
Non-conforming Building-Mounted Sign. In the event that a non-conforming building-mounted sign has been abandoned, the Director shall order the property owner to remove the sign within 45 days of issuance of a Notice and Order from the City. The building wall shall be completely restored, as ordered by the Director.
3.
Conforming Freestanding Sign. In the event that a conforming freestanding sign is abandoned, the Director shall order the property owner to install a blank face on the sign within 30 days of issuance of a Notice and Order, until such time as a new tenant obtains a sign permit from the City.
4.
Conforming Building-Mounted Sign. In the event that a conforming building-mounted sign is abandoned, the Director shall order the property owner to install a blank face on the sign within 30 days of issuance of a Notice and Order until such time as a new tenant obtains a sign permit from the City. Building-mounted signs utilizing channel letters shall be completely removed and the wall restored within 30 days of issuance of a Notice and Order.
B.
It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to provide sufficient evidence that a sign is conforming to the regulations of the City’s current Sign Code.
(Ord. 2742, 10/17/2024)
The Director shall order the immediate removal of any sign or sign support structure that in his/her opinion poses an imminent threat to public safety or damage to adjacent structures.
(Ord. 2742, 10/17/2024)