A. 
The purpose of this chapter is to establish limits on the use of and requirements for the removal of non-conforming signs. Subject to the remaining restrictions of this chapter, non-conforming signs that were otherwise lawful at the time of their installation, may be continued until their removal is triggered. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to billboards.
(Ord. 2742, 10/17/2024)
A. 
All permanent signs that do not conform to the specific standards of this code may be considered legally non-conforming if the sign was erected in conformance with a valid permit, if a permit was required, and complied with all applicable laws at the time of the sign’s installation. Non-conforming rights are not granted to temporary signs or signs that were in violation of previous versions of the Sign Code.
B. 
Any monument sign that was installed in the City prior to the effective date of this code and that exceeds Sign Code standards as to sign area, height or setback by 15 percent or less shall be deemed a conforming sign.
C. 
Loss of Legal Non-conforming Status:
Non-conforming signs shall either be removed or immediately brought into compliance with this chapter upon the occurrence of one or more of the following events:
1. 
When a non-conforming sign permit is required but not obtained within 180 days of notice of non-conformance.
2. 
When an application is submitted to the City for a project that is subject to design review, on any non-conforming building-mounted signs on the premise affected by the construction and all non-conforming free-standing signs lose their non-conforming status.
3. 
When any change to the structure or sign panel/face/copy or any relocation, re-erection, alteration, replacement or change in any way to a sign is proposed.
4. 
When the sign meets the definition of abandoned.
5. 
Damage of 25 percent or more in the value of either the non-conforming sign or the structure to which it is affixed.
D. 
Maintenance:
Ordinary maintenance and repair of a sign shall be permitted without loss of nonconforming status if the cost of all maintenance and repair over a two-year period is less than 25 percent of the cost of replacing the sign.
(Ord. 2742, 10/17/2024)
A. 
Relocation, re-erection, alteration, replacement or change in any way to the structure or sign panel/face/copy of any existing sign classified as a freeway interchange signs under the previous sign code is prohibited and will result in a loss of non-conforming status. Ordinary maintenance and repair of a sign shall be permitted without loss of non-conforming status if the cost of all maintenance and repair over a two-year period is less than 25 percent of the cost of replacing the sign.
(Ord. 2742, 10/17/2024)
A. 
No additional permanent building-mounted signage is permitted on a tenant space that contains a non-conforming building-mounted sign. No additional permanent free-standing signs are permitted on a premises that contains a non-conforming freestanding sign other than a sign that was classified as “freeway interchange” under the previous Sign Code.
(Ord. 2742, 10/17/2024)
A. 
In order to assist with the removal of non-conforming signs within the Tukwila International Boulevard Corridor, the City Council may develop a grant program to provide financial incentives to property owners and businesses.
1. 
Applications to the grant program shall be reviewed quarterly and approved by the Director, subject to the availability of allocated funds.
2. 
In order to be eligible for grant funding the project must comply with the following requirements:
a. 
Sites must be located within the Tukwila International Boulevard Redevelopment Area, Zoning Code Figure 18-9.
b. 
Removal of non-conforming signs listed in TMC Section 19.36.030 shall have a higher priority than removal of non-conforming signs listed in TMC Section 19.36.020.
c. 
Payment of the grant award shall not occur until after the sign has been removed and properly disposed of.
d. 
No applicant or business shall receive more than $2,000 from the grant.
e. 
The Director is hereby authorized to develop written procedures for award and administration of the grant funds.
(Ord. 2742, 10/17/2024)