The following signs are permitted in all zoning districts within the city subject to the provisions of Articles II and III of this chapter:
A. 
City entrance sign;
B. 
Construction sign;
C. 
Nonpolitical sign;
D. 
Political sign;
E. 
Real estate sign;
F. 
Repealed by Ord. 2823;
G. 
Temporary signs;
H. 
Incidental sign;
I. 
Neighborhood community bulletin board;
J. 
Informational or nonadvertising sign;
K. 
Digital message sign.
(Ord. 1896 § 2 (part), 1999; Ord. 2648 § 3, 2018; Ord. 2823 § 10, 2022)
A. 
Identification Signs.
1. 
Single-Family Dwellings. One identification sign is permitted for each occupancy. Only address and name of occupant is allowed on the identification sign. Said sign shall not exceed an area of two square feet, shall not exceed a height of six feet, shall be attached directly to a building, fence, standard or mailbox, and shall be unlighted or indirectly lighted. Signs identifying home occupations shall not be allowed.
2. 
Multifamily Complexes. Identification signs displaying the name and/or address of the complex are permitted as follows:
a. 
Freestanding Sign. One wall sign or freestanding sign is allowed for each street frontage of the premises. Maximum sign area for each street frontage is limited to two square feet per dwelling unit not to exceed 18 square feet. Sign shall not exceed a height of six feet.
b. 
Wall Signs. One wall sign or freestanding sign is allowed for each street frontage of the premises. Maximum sign area for each street frontage is limited to two square feet per dwelling unit not to exceed 18 square feet or 10 percent of the facade to which it is attached, whichever is less.
c. 
Window Signs. Sign area shall not exceed 20 percent of the total window area of any facade. Window signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.030(D).
d. 
Projecting signs are prohibited.
e. 
Awning or Canopy Signs. Sign area shall be calculated as part of the total allowed area for a wall sign. No canopy sign shall extend above the top of the canopy.
f. 
Roof signs are prohibited.
g. 
Suspended Signs. Suspended signs shall meet standards as set forth in SMC § 18.44.170.
B. 
Single-Family Residential Sign. In addition to the other permitted signs, one single-family residential sign is permitted on the premises. Said sign shall be a freestanding or wall sign with a maximum size of six square feet in area and six feet in height. If freestanding, said sign shall be 10 feet from any property line. Said sign shall contain no commercial message and not advertise a home occupation.
C. 
Identification Sign for Conditional Use. One freestanding or wall sign identifying the conditional use is permitted for each street frontage up to a maximum of two signs on the premises. Said signs shall be a maximum of 40 square feet in area and 15 feet in height and set back 10 feet from any property lines, except that signs for a professional office use shall be a monument sign limited to a maximum of 20 square feet in area and five feet in height.
D. 
General Standards. All signs permitted under this section shall meet the following standards:
1. 
All signs are to be surface lit by external light sources rather than illuminated from inside except readerboard signs for schools and public facilities.
2. 
Neon tube signs are prohibited.
E. 
Other Signs Permitted.
1. 
Farm product identification signs per SMC § 18.44.160(H).
2. 
Neighborhood identification sign per SMC § 18.44.150.
(Ord. 1896 § 2 (part), 1999; Ord. 2134 § 27, 2005; Ord. 2499 § 4, 2014)
A. 
Aggregate Sign Area. The aggregate sign area for any premises shall not exceed one and one-half square feet for each foot of street frontage. The aggregate sign area for corner lots shall not exceed one square foot for each foot of street frontage. Unless otherwise exempt, signs permitted in accordance with this section are subject to the total aggregate sign area.
B. 
Multiestablishment Buildings. A multiestablishment building is a single building that contains more than one commercial or mixed-use establishment. A multiestablishment building may erect the following signs up to the maximum aggregate sign area:
1. 
Building Identification Sign. Sign(s) identifying the name and/or address of the building are allowed as follows. The names of individual establishments in the building may be placed on up to 70 percent of the sign area.
a. 
Freestanding Sign.
i. 
Freestanding signs are prohibited along Main Street between Wood Avenue and the Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way.
ii. 
One wall sign or freestanding sign is allowed for each street frontage not to exceed a total of two signs on the premises.
iii. 
The maximum sign area permitted is 150 square feet. No one face shall exceed 75 square feet. The freestanding sign shall not exceed a height of 15 feet within 15 feet of any lot line abutting a public street right-of-way. For each additional one-foot setback beyond 15 feet the sign height may be increased by two feet to a maximum height of 35 feet.
iv. 
Low, horizontal monument signs are preferred.
b. 
Wall Signs. One wall sign or freestanding sign is allowed for each street frontage not to exceed a total of two signs on the premises. The maximum sign area permitted for a building identification wall sign is equal to five percent of the facade to which it is attached, or 150 square feet, whichever is less.
c. 
Window Signs. Sign area shall not exceed 20 percent of the total window area of any facade. Window signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.030(D).
d. 
Projecting Signs. Projecting signs are prohibited on Main Street between Traffic Avenue and Wood Avenue. Projecting signs where allowed shall be erected in accordance with SMC § 18.44.170.
e. 
Awning or Canopy Signs. Sign area shall be calculated as part of total allowed area for a wall sign. No canopy sign shall extend above the top of the canopy.
f. 
Roof signs are prohibited.
g. 
Suspended Signs. Suspended signs shall meet the standards set forth in SMC § 18.44.170.
2. 
Individual Establishment Identification Signs. Each individual establishment in a multiestablishment building is allowed a minimum of 30 square feet of signage as set forth below. Aggregate sign area shall not apply to signs for individual establishments.
a. 
Freestanding signs are prohibited.
b. 
Wall Signs. A maximum of two wall signs are allowed, except that an establishment on a building corner is allowed one additional wall sign on the ground floor up to 10 square feet. The maximum sign area permitted is equal to five percent of the facade to which it is attached, or 150 square feet, whichever is less.
c. 
Window Signs. Sign area shall not exceed 20 percent of the total window area of any facade. Window signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.030(D).
d. 
Projecting Signs. Projecting signs are prohibited on Main Street between Traffic Avenue and Wood Avenue. Projecting signs where allowed shall meet the standards set forth in SMC § 18.44.170.
e. 
Awning or Canopy Signs. Sign area shall be calculated as part of total allowed area for a wall sign. No canopy sign shall extend above the top of the canopy.
f. 
Roof signs are prohibited.
g. 
Suspended Signs. Suspended signs shall meet the standards set forth in SMC § 18.44.170.
C. 
Single Establishment Buildings. Any commercial building or multifamily development site occupied by a single establishment may erect signs as follows up to the maximum aggregate sign area:
1. 
Freestanding Sign.
a. 
Freestanding signs are prohibited along Main Street between Wood Avenue and the Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way.
b. 
One freestanding sign is allowed per street frontage of the premises up to a maximum of two signs. The maximum sign area permitted is 150 square feet. No one face shall exceed 75 square feet.
c. 
The freestanding sign shall not exceed a height of 15 feet within 15 feet of any lot line abutting a public street right-of-way. For each additional one-foot setback beyond 15 feet the sign height may be increased by two feet to a maximum height of 35 feet.
d. 
Low, monument signs are preferred.
2. 
Wall Signs. A maximum of two wall signs are allowed on the premises, except that an establishment on a corner is allowed one additional wall sign on the ground floor up to 10 square feet. Sign area shall not exceed five percent of the area of the building facade to which it is attached, or 150 square feet, whichever is less. A single establishment building is allowed a minimum of 30 square feet of total signage.
3. 
Window Signs. Sign area shall not exceed 20 percent of the total window area of any facade. Window signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.030(D).
4. 
Projecting Signs. Projecting signs are prohibited on Main Street between Traffic Avenue and Wood Avenue. Projecting signs where allowed shall be erected in accordance with SMC § 18.44.170.
5. 
Awning or Canopy Signs. Sign area shall be calculated as part of total allowed area for a wall sign. No canopy sign shall extend above the top of the canopy.
6. 
Roof signs are prohibited.
7. 
Suspended Signs. Suspended signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.170.
8. 
Electronic Reader Board Signs (ERBS). ERBS are allowed west of the White River for single-establishment retail buildings with a total floor area greater than 40,000 square feet, as follows:
a. 
ERBS shall not display more than one message per eight seconds.
b. 
Animation between messages shall not be allowed.
c. 
ERBS are allowed only as a wall sign in lieu of a wall sign allowed in subsection (C)(2) of this section. An ERBS shall not exceed 75 percent of the allowed sign square footage, or 125 square feet, whichever is less. Freestanding ERBS are not allowed.
d. 
Only one ERBS is allowed per site and parcel.
e. 
The difference between the off and solid-message measurement using the ERBS measurement criteria shall not exceed 0.3 foot-candles over ambient lighting conditions when measured at the recommended distance, based on the ERBS size. The measurement distance shall be calculated by using the following formula: measurement distance = the square root of the (area of the sign square feet x 100).
f. 
ERBS shall be programmed to automatically adjust illumination for all times of day and night based on ambient light conditions using photocell technology.
D. 
Other Signs Allowed.
1. 
Sandwich board/sidewalk signs are allowed subject to the provisions of SMC § 18.44.120.
2. 
Rear Entrance Signs. Any building with a rear entrance from a public or private parking lot or alley may have a rear entrance sign which shall be either a wall sign or a marquee or awning sign. Said sign shall not exceed 10 percent of the facade to which it is attached.
E. 
General Standards. Signs as may be allowed per this section shall be subject to the following standards:
1. 
Signs may be attached flush to the building so long as they do not obscure historic building details.
2. 
All new signs, except for neon tube signs, are to be surface lit by external light sources rather than illuminated from inside.
3. 
Businesses are to create individual styled signage which distinguishes their establishment. The use of icons and symbols are ways to demonstrate the product or service provided.
4. 
Signs which relate to pedestrian eye level may be painted on the storefront glass.
5. 
Decorative motifs are allowed if they are consistent with the character, integrated with the building architecture, and are not used as advertising for the business.
(Ord. 1896 § 2 (part), 1999; Ord. 2647 § 1, 2018; Ord. 2774 § 32, 2021)
A. 
Aggregate Sign Area. The aggregate sign area for the premises shall not exceed one and one-half square feet for each foot of street frontage. The aggregate sign area for corner lots shall not exceed one square foot for each foot of street frontage. Signs permitted in accordance with this section are subject to the aggregate sign area.
B. 
Multi-Establishment Buildings. A single building that contains more than one establishment may erect the following signs up to the maximum aggregate sign area:
1. 
Building Identification Sign. Sign(s) identifying the name and/or address of the building are allowed as follows. Said sign(s) may contain the names of individual establishments in the building on up to 70 percent of the sign area.
a. 
Freestanding Signs.
i. 
One wall sign or freestanding sign is allowed for each street frontage not to exceed a total of two signs.
ii. 
The maximum sign area permitted is 150 square feet. No one face shall exceed 75 square feet. The freestanding sign shall not exceed a height of 15 feet within 15 feet of any lot line abutting a public street right-of-way. For each additional one-foot setback beyond 15 feet the sign height may be increased by two feet to a maximum height of 35 feet.
iii. 
Low, horizontal monument signs are preferred.
b. 
Wall Signs. One wall sign or freestanding sign is allowed for each street frontage not to exceed a total of two signs. The maximum sign area permitted for a building identification wall sign is equal to five percent of the facade to which it is attached, or 150 square feet, whichever is less.
c. 
Window Signs. Sign area shall not exceed 20 percent of the total window area of any facade. Window signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.030(D).
d. 
Projecting Signs. Projecting signs are prohibited on the north side of Main Street between Lewis Avenue and Valley Avenue. Projecting signs where allowed shall be erected in accordance with SMC § 18.44.170.
e. 
Awning or Canopy Signs. Sign area shall be calculated as part of total allowed area for a wall sign. No canopy sign shall extend above the top of the canopy.
f. 
Roof signs are prohibited.
g. 
Suspended Signs. Suspended signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.170.
2. 
Individual Establishment Identification Signs. Each individual establishment in a multi-establishment building is allowed a minimum of 30 square feet of signage as set forth below. Aggregate sign area shall not apply to signs for individual establishments.
a. 
Freestanding signs are prohibited.
b. 
Wall Signs. A maximum of two wall signs are allowed, except that an establishment on a building corner is allowed one additional wall sign on the ground floor, up to 10 square feet. The maximum sign area permitted is equal to five percent of the facade to which it is attached, or 150 square feet, whichever is less.
c. 
Window Signs. Sign area shall not exceed 20 percent of the total window area of any facade. Window signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.030(D).
d. 
Projecting Signs. Projecting signs are prohibited on the north side of Main Street between Lewis Avenue and Valley Avenue. Projecting signs where allowed shall be erected in accordance with SMC § 18.44.170.
e. 
Awning or Canopy Signs. Sign area shall be calculated as part of total allowed area for a wall sign. No canopy sign shall extend above the top of the canopy.
f. 
Roof signs are prohibited.
g. 
Suspended Signs. Suspended signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.170.
C. 
Single Establishment Buildings. Any commercial building occupied by a single establishment may erect signs as follows up to the maximum aggregate sign area:
1. 
Freestanding Signs.
a. 
One freestanding sign is allowed per street frontage of the premises up to a maximum of two signs. The maximum sign area permitted is 150 square feet. No one face shall exceed 75 square feet.
b. 
The freestanding sign shall not exceed a height of 15 feet within 15 feet of any lot line abutting a public street right-of-way. For each additional one-foot setback beyond 15 feet, the sign height may be increased by two feet to a maximum height of 35 feet.
c. 
Low, monument signs are preferred.
2. 
Wall Signs. A maximum of two wall signs are allowed on the premises, except that an establishment on a corner is allowed one additional wall sign on the ground floor up to 10 square feet. Sign area shall not exceed five percent of the area of the building facade to which it is attached, or 150 square feet, whichever is less. A single establishment building is allowed a minimum of 30 square feet of total wall signage.
3. 
Window Signs. Sign area shall not exceed 20 percent of the total window area of any facade. Window signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.030(D).
4. 
Projecting Signs. Projecting signs are prohibited on the north side of Main Street between Lewis Avenue and Valley Avenue. Projecting signs where allowed shall be erected in accordance with SMC § 18.44.170.
5. 
Awning or Canopy Signs. Sign area shall be calculated as part of total allowed area for a wall sign. No canopy sign shall extend above the top of the canopy.
6. 
Roof signs are prohibited.
7. 
Suspended Signs. Suspended signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.170.
D. 
Other Signs Allowed. The following signs are allowed subject to the provisions of Article III of this chapter:
1. 
Neighborhood identification sign per SMC § 18.44.150.
2. 
Sandwich board/sidewalk sign per SMC § 18.44.120.
3. 
Rear Entrance Signs. Any building with a rear entrance from a public or private parking lot or alley may have a rear entrance sign which shall be either a wall sign or a marquee or awning sign. Said sign shall not exceed 10 percent of the facade to which it is attached.
E. 
General Standards. Signs allowed in this section shall be subject to the following:
1. 
Signs may be attached flush to the building so long as they do not obscure historic building details.
2. 
All new signs, except for neon tube signs and digital message signs allowed under subsection (C)(8) of this section, are to be surface-lit by external light sources rather than illuminated from inside.
3. 
Businesses are to create individual styled signage which distinguishes their establishment. The use of icons and symbols are ways to demonstrate the product or service provided.
4. 
Signs which relate to pedestrian eye level may be painted on the storefront glass.
5. 
Decorative motifs are allowed if they are consistent with the character, integrated with the building architecture, and are not used as advertising for the business.
(Ord. 2147 § 18, 2005; Ord. 2490 §§ 1, 2, 2014; Ord. 2571 § 1, 2016; Ord. 2647 § 2, 2018; Ord. 2774 § 33, 2021; Ord. 2823 § 11, 2022; Ord. 1896 § 2 (part), 1999)
Signs located in a mixed-use development shall conform to SMC § 18.44.230. Cabinet signs are prohibited on properties located within the area defined as East Main Street in SMC § 18.43.020. Internally illuminated channel-letter signs may be allowed when such signage enhances the design of the building and avoids repetition in sign type, style, size, and color. A cabinet sign is characterized as a single geometric shape in "box" form that typically contains all the text and/or logo symbols within a single enclosed cabinet and may or may not be illuminated. Channel-letter signs are characterized as three-dimensional individually cut letters or figures affixed to a structure and may or may not be illuminated.
A. 
Aggregate Sign Area. The aggregate sign area for the premises shall not exceed one and one-half square feet for each foot of street frontage. Aggregate sign area for corner lots shall not exceed one square foot for each foot of street frontage. The permitted signs enumerated below are subject to the total aggregate sign area.
B. 
Multi-Establishment Buildings. A single building that contains more than one establishment may erect the following signs up to the maximum aggregate sign area:
1. 
Building Identification Sign. Sign(s) identifying the name and/or address of the building are allowed as follows. Said sign(s) may contain the names of individual establishments in the building for up to 70 percent of the sign area.
a. 
Freestanding Signs.
i. 
One freestanding sign is allowed per street frontage of the premises up to a maximum of two signs. The maximum sign area permitted is 150 square feet. No one face shall exceed 75 square feet.
ii. 
The freestanding sign shall not exceed a height of 15 feet within 15 feet of any lot line abutting a public street right-of-way. For each additional one-foot setback beyond 15 feet, the sign height may be increased by two feet to a maximum height of 35 feet.
iii. 
Low, monument signs are preferred.
iv. 
Freestanding signs on properties located within the area defined as East Main Street in SMC § 18.43.020 that are placed between the buildings and East Main Street shall have a maximum sign height of six feet and shall be monument signs; except, where the front building setback is five feet or less, then no freestanding signs are allowed.
v. 
Freestanding signs located within 20 feet of a combined driveway as defined in SMC § 18.43.020 shall be allowed to contain names of establishments served by that combined driveway.
b. 
Wall Signs. One wall sign or freestanding sign is allowed for each street frontage not to exceed a total of two signs. The maximum sign area permitted for a building identification wall sign is equal to five percent of the facade to which it is attached, or 250 square feet, whichever is less.
c. 
Window Signs. Sign area shall not exceed 10 percent of the total window area of any facade. Window signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.030(D).
d. 
Projecting Signs. On properties where a freestanding sign cannot be erected due to setback requirements or building placement, a projecting sign may be allowed in lieu of the permitted freestanding sign. Said projecting sign shall not exceed 15 square feet (outside dimensions). Signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.170. Projecting signs are not allowed along East Main Street from Valley Avenue to 160th Avenue East.
e. 
Awning or Canopy Signs. Sign area shall be calculated as part of total allowed area for a wall sign. No canopy sign shall extend above the top of the canopy.
f. 
Roof signs are prohibited.
g. 
Suspended Signs. Suspended signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.170.
2. 
Individual Establishment Identification Signs. Each individual establishment in a multi-establishment building is allowed a minimum of 30 square feet of signage as set forth below. Aggregate sign area shall not apply to signs for individual establishments.
a. 
Freestanding signs are prohibited.
b. 
Wall Signs. A maximum of two wall signs are allowed, except that an establishment on a building corner is allowed one additional wall sign on the ground floor up to 10 square feet. The maximum sign area permitted is equal to five percent of the facade to which it is attached, or 250 square feet, whichever is less.
c. 
Window Signs. Sign area shall not exceed 10 percent of the total window area of any facade. Window signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.030(D).
d. 
Projecting Signs. Projecting signs are permitted and shall meet the standards set forth in SMC § 18.44.170.
e. 
Awning or Canopy Signs. Sign area shall be calculated as part of total allowed area for a wall sign. No canopy sign shall extend above the top of the canopy.
f. 
Roof signs are prohibited.
g. 
Suspended Signs. Suspended signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.170.
C. 
Single Establishment Buildings. Any commercial building occupied by a single establishment may erect signs as follows up to the maximum aggregate sign area:
1. 
Freestanding Signs.
a. 
One freestanding sign is allowed per street frontage of the premises up to a maximum of two signs. The maximum sign area permitted is 150 square feet. No one face shall exceed 75 square feet.
b. 
The freestanding sign shall not exceed a height of 15 feet within 15 feet of any lot line abutting a public street right-of-way. For each additional one-foot setback beyond 15 feet, the sign height may be increased by two feet to a maximum height of 35 feet.
c. 
Low, horizontal monument signs are preferred.
d. 
Freestanding signs on properties located within the area defined as East Main Street in SMC § 18.43.020 that are placed between the buildings and East Main Street shall have a maximum sign height of six feet and shall be monument signs; except, where the front building setback is less than five feet, then no freestanding signs are allowed.
e. 
Freestanding signs located within 20 feet of a combined driveway as defined in SMC § 18.43.020 shall be allowed to contain names of establishments served by that combined driveway.
2. 
Wall Signs. A maximum of two wall signs are allowed on the premises, except that an establishment on a corner is allowed one additional wall sign on the ground floor up to 10 square feet. Sign area shall not exceed five percent of the area of the building facade to which it is attached, or 250 square feet, whichever is less. A single establishment building is allowed a minimum of 30 square feet of total wall signage. Signs may be illuminated externally or internally.
3. 
Window Signs. Sign area shall not exceed 10 percent of the total window area of any facade. Window signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.030(D).
4. 
Projecting Signs. On properties where a freestanding sign cannot be erected due to setback requirements or building placement, a projecting sign may be allowed in lieu of the permitted freestanding sign. Said sign shall meet the requirements as set forth in SMC § 18.44.170. Projecting signs are not allowed along East Main Street from Valley Avenue to 160th Avenue East.
5. 
Awning or Canopy Signs. Sign area shall be calculated as part of total allowed area for a wall sign. No canopy sign shall extend above the top of the canopy.
6. 
Roof signs are prohibited.
7. 
Suspended Signs. Suspended signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.170.
8. 
Electronic reader board signs (ERBS) are allowed west of the White River as follows:
a. 
ERBS shall not display more than one message per eight seconds.
b. 
Animation between messages shall not be allowed.
c. 
ERBS are allowed on wall signs in lieu of a wall sign allowed in subsection (C)(2) of this section. An ERBS shall not exceed 75 percent of the allowed sign square footage, or 125 square feet, whichever is less. If ERBS are installed on freestanding signs they cannot exceed 75 percent of the allowed square footage of the sign. At least 25 percent of the sign must be fixed identification sign.
d. 
Only one ERBS is allowed per site and parcel.
e. 
The difference between the off and solid-message measurement using the ERBS measurement criteria shall not exceed 0.3 foot-candles over ambient lighting conditions when measured at the recommended distance, based on the ERBS size. The measurement distance shall be calculated by using the following formula: measurement distance = the square root of the (area of the sign square feet x 100).
f. 
ERBS shall be programmed to automatically adjust illumination for all times of day and night based on ambient light conditions using photocell technology.
(Ord. 1896 § 2 (part), 1999; Ord. 2015 § 9, 2002; Ord. 2040 § 7, 2003; Ord. 2088 § 7, 2004; Ord. 2170 §§ 1, 2, 2006; Ord. 2253 §§ 6, 7, 2008; Ord. 2374 § 2, 2011; Ord. 2602 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2647 § 3, 2018)
A. 
Aggregate Sign Area. The aggregate sign area for the premises shall not exceed one and one-half square feet for each foot of street frontage. Aggregate sign area for corner lots shall not exceed one square foot for each foot of street frontage. The permitted signs enumerated below are subject to the total aggregate sign area.
B. 
Multi-Establishment Buildings. A single building that contains more than one establishment may erect the following signs up to the maximum aggregate sign area:
1. 
Building Identification Sign. Sign(s) identifying the name and/or address of the building are allowed as follows. Said sign(s) may contain the names of individual establishments in the building for up to 70 percent of the sign area.
a. 
Freestanding Signs.
i. 
One freestanding sign is allowed. The maximum sign area permitted is 300 square feet. No one face shall exceed 150 square feet. The freestanding sign shall not exceed a height of 45 feet.
ii. 
One additional freestanding sign is allowed for those properties located within 100 feet of a state route and access to the site does not front along the state route. The maximum sign area permitted is 50 square feet. No one face shall exceed 25 square feet. The additional freestanding sign shall not exceed a height of six feet.
b. 
Wall Signs. One wall sign or freestanding sign is allowed for each street frontage not to exceed a total of two signs. The maximum sign area permitted for a building identification wall sign is equal to five percent of the facade to which it is attached, or 300 square feet, whichever is less.
c. 
Window Signs. Sign area shall not exceed 10 percent of the total window area of any facade. Window signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.030(D).
d. 
Projecting Signs. On properties where a freestanding sign cannot be erected due to setback requirements or building placement, a projecting sign may be allowed in lieu of the permitted freestanding sign. Said projecting sign shall not exceed 15 square feet (outside dimensions). Signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.170.
e. 
Awning or Canopy Signs. Sign area shall be calculated as part of total allowed area for a wall sign. No canopy sign shall extend above the top of the canopy.
f. 
Roof signs are prohibited.
g. 
Suspended Signs. Suspended signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.170.
2. 
Individual Establishment Identification Signs. Each individual establishment in a multi-establishment building is allowed a minimum of 30 square feet of signage as set forth below. Aggregate sign area shall not apply to signs for individual establishments.
a. 
Freestanding signs are prohibited.
b. 
Wall Signs. A maximum of two wall signs are allowed, except that an establishment on a building corner is allowed one additional wall sign on the ground floor up to 10 square feet. The maximum sign area permitted is equal to five percent of the facade to which it is attached, or 300 square feet, whichever is less.
c. 
Window Signs. Sign area shall not exceed 10 percent of the total window area of any facade. Window signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.030(D).
d. 
Projecting Signs. Projecting signs are permitted and shall meet the standards set forth in SMC § 18.44.170.
e. 
Awning or Canopy Signs. Sign area shall be calculated as part of total allowed area for a wall sign. No canopy sign shall extend above the top of the canopy.
f. 
Roof signs are prohibited.
g. 
Suspended Signs. Suspended signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.170.
C. 
Single Establishment Buildings. Any commercial building occupied by a single establishment may erect signs as follows up to the maximum aggregate sign area:
1. 
Freestanding Signs.
a. 
One freestanding sign is allowed. The maximum sign area permitted is 300 square feet. No one face shall exceed 150 square feet.
b. 
The freestanding sign shall not exceed a height of 45 feet. Such maximum height shall be available regardless of sign setback.
c. 
One additional freestanding sign is allowed at the frontage road entrance for those properties located within 100 feet of a state route and access to the site does not front along the state route. The maximum sign area permitted is 50 square feet. No one face shall exceed 25 square feet. The additional freestanding sign shall not exceed a height of six feet.
2. 
Wall Signs. Sign area shall not exceed five percent of the area of the building facade to which it is attached, or 300 square feet, whichever is less. A single establishment building is allowed a minimum of 30 square feet of total wall signage. Said sign may be illuminated externally or internally. A maximum of two wall signs are allowed on the premises, except as follows:
a. 
On buildings with total building facade area greater than 12,500 square feet and less than 25,000 square feet: an additional two wall signs are allowed, on the first two stories only, up to a maximum of 80 square feet each.
b. 
On buildings with a total building facade area of 25,000 square feet or greater: an additional four wall signs are allowed, on the first two stories only, up to a maximum of 80 square feet each.
3. 
Window Signs. Sign area shall not exceed 10 percent of the total window area of any facade. Window signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.030(D).
4. 
Projecting Signs. On properties where a freestanding sign cannot be erected due to setback requirements or building placement, a projecting sign may be allowed in lieu of the permitted freestanding sign. Said sign shall meet the requirements as set forth in SMC § 18.44.170.
5. 
Awning or Canopy Signs. Sign area shall be calculated as part of total allowed area for a wall sign. No canopy sign shall extend above the top of the canopy.
6. 
Roof signs are prohibited.
7. 
Suspended Signs. Suspended signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.170.
8. 
Electronic Reader Board Signs. Electronic reader board signs (ERBS) are allowed in the IC zone south of State Route 410 as follows:
a. 
ERBS shall not display more than one message per eight seconds.
b. 
Animation between messages shall be limited to one second.
c. 
No single electronic message is permitted to be repeated by flashing more than once every 16 seconds.
d. 
ERBS may only be allowed as part of a wall sign, in lieu of one wall sign allowed in subsection (C)(2) of this section. ERBS shall not exceed 75 percent of the square footage of the wall sign face allowed in subsection (C)(2) of this section, or 175 square feet, whichever is less. Freestanding ERBS are not allowed.
e. 
Only one ERBS is allowed per site and parcel.
f. 
The difference between the off and solid-message measurement using the ERBS measurement criteria shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles. The measurement distance shall be calculated by using the following formula: measurement distance = the square root of the (area of sign square feet x 100).
g. 
ERBS shall be programmed to automatically adjust illumination for all times of day and night.
(Ord. 2374 § 3, 2011; Ord. 2571 § 2, 2016; Ord. 2647 § 4, 2018)
A. 
Aggregate Sign Area. The aggregate sign area for lots in the M-1 zone shall not exceed one-half square foot for each one foot of street frontage; and the aggregate sign area for corner lots shall not exceed one square foot for each one foot of street frontage. In the M-2 zone the aggregate sign area shall not exceed one square foot for each one foot of street frontage. The permitted signs enumerated below are subject to the total aggregate sign area.
B. 
Single Establishment Buildings. Any industrial building occupied by a single establishment may erect signs as follows up to the maximum aggregate sign area:
1. 
Freestanding Signs.
a. 
One wall sign and one freestanding sign are allowed for each street frontage of the premises not to exceed a total of three signs.
b. 
The maximum sign area permitted is 150 square feet. No one face shall exceed 75 square feet.
c. 
The freestanding sign shall not exceed a height of 15 feet within 15 feet of any lot line abutting a public street right-of-way. For each additional one-foot setback beyond 15 feet, the sign height may be increased by two feet to a maximum height of 35 feet.
d. 
Low, horizontal monument signs are preferred.
2. 
Wall Signs. A maximum of two wall signs are allowed on the premises. The maximum sign area permitted is equal to five percent of the facade to which it is attached, or 300 square feet, whichever is less. A single establishment building is allowed a minimum of 30 square feet of total wall signage.
3. 
Window Signs. Sign area shall not exceed 10 percent of the total window area of any facade. Window signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.030(D).
4. 
Projecting Signs. Projecting signs are permitted in lieu of freestanding signs. Projecting signs shall be erected in accordance with SMC § 18.44.170.
5. 
Awning or Canopy Signs. Sign area shall be calculated as part of total allowed area for a wall sign. No canopy sign shall extend above the top of the canopy.
6. 
Roof signs are prohibited.
7. 
Suspended Signs. Suspended signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.170.
C. 
Multi-Establishment Buildings. A single building that contains more than one establishment may erect the following signs up to the maximum aggregate sign area:
1. 
Building Identification Sign. Sign(s) identifying the name and/or address of the building are allowed as follows. Said sign(s) may contain the names of individual establishments in the building on up to a maximum of 70 percent of the sign area.
a. 
Freestanding Signs.
i. 
One wall sign or freestanding sign is allowed for each street frontage of the premises not to exceed a total of two signs.
ii. 
The maximum sign area permitted is 150 square feet. No one face shall exceed 75 square feet.
iii. 
The freestanding sign shall not exceed a height of 15 feet within 15 feet of any lot line abutting a public street right-of-way. For each additional one-foot setback beyond 15 feet, the sign height may be increased by two feet to a maximum height of 35 feet.
iv. 
Low, horizontal monument signs are preferred.
b. 
Wall Signs. One wall sign or freestanding sign is allowed for each street frontage of the premises not to exceed a total of two signs. The maximum sign area permitted for a building identification wall sign is equal to five percent of the facade to which it is attached, or 300 square feet, whichever is less.
c. 
Window Signs. Sign area shall not exceed 10 percent of the total window area of any facade. Window signs shall comply with the standards in SMC § 18.44.030(D).
d. 
Projecting Signs. Projecting signs are permitted in lieu of freestanding signs. Projecting signs shall be erected in accordance with SMC § 18.44.170.
e. 
Awning or Canopy Signs. Sign area shall be calculated as part of total allowed area for a wall sign. No canopy sign shall extend above the top of the canopy.
f. 
Roof signs are prohibited.
g. 
Suspended Signs. Suspended signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.170.
2. 
Individual Establishment Identification Signs. Each individual establishment in a multi-establishment building is allowed a minimum of 30 square feet of signage as set forth below. Aggregate sign area shall not apply to signs for individual establishments.
a. 
Freestanding signs are prohibited.
b. 
Wall Signs. The maximum sign area permitted is equal to five percent of the facade to which it is attached, or 300 square feet, whichever is less.
c. 
Window Signs. Sign area shall not exceed 10 percent of the total window area of any facade. Window signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.030(D).
d. 
Projecting Signs. Projecting signs are permitted and shall meet the standards set forth in SMC § 18.44.170.
e. 
Awning or Canopy Signs. Sign area shall be calculated as part of total allowed area for a wall sign. No canopy sign shall extend above the top of the canopy.
f. 
Roof signs are prohibited.
g. 
Suspended Signs. Suspended signs shall meet the standards in SMC § 18.44.170.
D. 
Other Signs Permitted. All signs listed in Article III of this chapter are permitted, provided the proposed signs meet height and size restrictions. Aggregate sign area shall apply.
1. 
Neighborhood and business park identification signs per SMC § 18.44.150.
2. 
Any commercial or retail use allowed through a conditional use process may use the general commercial district standards set forth in SMC § 18.44.240.
(Ord. 1896 § 2 (part), 1999; Ord. 2359 § 1, 2011; Ord. 2602 § 2, 2017; Ord. 2647 § 5, 2018)
All parts, portions, units and materials composing the sign, together with the frame, background, supports or anchorage thereto, shall be maintained in a proper state of safety, repair and state of preservation. The surface of all signs shall be kept neatly painted. If after written notice from the city that a sign is not properly maintained or does not directly relate to the locale upon which it is attached, and any corrections are not made within a 90-day period, the city shall remove the sign at the owner's expense.
(Ord. 1896 § 2 (part), 1999)