A.
Scope and Purpose. This chapter establishes regulations governing the installation, alteration, relocation, maintenance, use and removal of all signs in the City. It is recognized that the businessperson's right to identify their business contributes to the economic well-being of the community; however, that right should be exercised in a way as to bring benefit to the businessperson without affecting the welfare of the public. In general, this City takes the view that signs should be scaled to the building and property frontage to which the sign is related. The purpose of these regulations is to accomplish the following:
1.
To encourage commercial communication that is responsive to the needs of the public in locating a business establishment by identification, address, product and/or service information;
2.
To protect business sites from the loss of prominence and reduced effectiveness of individual signs resulting from unregulated number, size, and location of signs;
3.
To enhance the visual character and identity of the City;
4.
To reduce clutter and visual distraction;
5.
To ensure that signs in the City do not adversely affect traffic safety by obstructing vehicle sight distance, interfering with official traffic signs, signals and devices, and unduly directing a driver's attention away from the demands of safe driving; and
6.
To protect the public health, safety, and welfare by regulating the placement, removal, installation, maintenance, size, and location of signs.
B. "A-frame or A-board sign" "Abandoned or dilapidated sign" "Administrator" "Animated sign or display" "Awning or canopy sign" "Balloon" "Banner" "Billboard" "Building-mounted sign" "Buildout" "Bulletin board" Canopy Sign. "Center identification sign" "Changeable copy sign" "City" "City-sponsored event signs" and "civic event signs" "Clear view zone" "Code Enforcement Officer" "Commercial sign" "Construction sign" "Copy" "Directional sign, on-site" "Drive-through business sign" "Electrical sign" "Electronic changeable message sign" "Exposed building face" "Facade" "Feather sign" "Festoons, pennants, or blinking lights" "Flag" "Flashing sign" "Freestanding sign" "Frontage" "Frontage, building" "Fuel price sign" "Garage or yard sale sign" "Government sign" "Graffiti" "Height" "Holographic sign or display" "Human sign" "Identification sign" "Identification sign" "Illuminated sign" "Incidental sign" "Inflatable advertising device" "Instructional sign" "Kiosk" "Maintenance" "Marquee sign" "Monument sign" "Moving sign" "Multi-tenant complex" "Mural" "Nameplate" "Neon (outline tubing) sign" "Nonconforming sign, legal" "Obsolete sign" "Off-site sign" or "off-premises sign" "On-site sign" "Pedestal sign" "Person" "Point of purchase display" "Pole or pylon sign" "Projecting sign" "Public right-of-way" Public Uses. "Real estate, off-site sign" "Real estate, on-site sign" "Roof sign" "Scrolling displays" "Sign" "Sign area" "Sign face" "Simulation of traffic signs" "Snipe sign" "Temporary sign" "Tenant directory sign" "Time and temperature sign" "Traveling displays" "Under canopy sign" "Vehicle sign" "Wall sign" "Warning sign" "Window sign"
Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this code, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
means a portable sign consisting of two sign faces hinged at the top and separated at the bottom to make it self-standing.
means any sign remaining in place that has not been maintained appropriately, as defined in subsection (G) of this section, or if the activity conducted on the subject property ceases for 180 consecutive days. For the purpose of this section, "dilapidated" shall mean a condition of decay, deterioration or partial ruin especially through neglect or misuse.
means the Director of Community Development or his/her designated representative.
means a sign or display that uses movement or the appearance of movement through the use of patterns of lights, changes in color or light intensity, computerized special effects, video displays, or through any other method; except for the scrolling of a static message or scene onto or off a sign board in one direction per message.
means a sign on the vertical surface or flap that is printed on, painted on, or attached to an awning or canopy.
means a decorative inflatable device, into which a gas (typically helium) is inserted in order to cause it to rise or float in the atmosphere. (See also "Inflatable advertising device.")
means a sign made of fabric or any nonrigid material with no enclosing framework.
means a permanent off-site outdoor advertising sign containing a message, commercial or otherwise, unrelated to any use or activity on the subject property on which the sign is located, but not including civic event signs, government signs, or instructional signs.
means any sign attached to the face of a building including without limitation wall signs, marquee signs, under canopy signs and projecting signs.
indicates the time when all lots are sold in a subdivision or buildings are completed and a certificate of occupation is issued for other types of development.
means a permanent sign box attached to a building facade containing no permanent advertising copy and designed to conform to the requirements of subsections (I)(4)(f) and (I)(4)(g) of this section.
See "Awning or canopy sign."
means a building-mounted or freestanding sign that identifies the name and/or logo of a development containing more than one office, retail, institutional or business park use or tenant and which may separately identify the tenants.
(other than electronic changeable message sign) means a sign whose informational content can be changed or altered (without changing or altering the sign frame, sign supports or electrical parts) by manual or mechanical means.
means the City of Maple Valley unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
are signs associated with an event that has been approved by City Council resolution or are directly related to a City-endorsed activity.
means the definition set forth in MVMC § 18.40.090 for sight distance requirements.
means the City Building Official or his/her designee.
is a sign displayed for the purpose of identifying a commercial use, or advertising a service, product, business or venture that is offered for trade or sale.
means a temporary sign identifying a construction project including, but not limited to, a planned new commercial or residential building, and may include the project lender, architect, contractor, subcontractor, and/or material supplier participating in construction on the property on which the sign is located.
means the graphic content of a sign surface in either permanent or removable letter, pictographic, symbolic, or alphabetic form.
means a sign giving directions, instructions, or facility information and which may contain the name or logo of an establishment but no advertising copy (e.g., parking, exit or entrance signs).
means any sign intended to give information on product selection and pricing as used in a drive-through business, such as a menu sign, but not primarily intended to advertise the business.
means a sign or sign structure in which electrical wiring, connections, or fixtures are used.
means an electronically activated sign whose message content or display, either in whole or in part, may be changed by means of electrical, electronic or computerized programming. A sign or portion of a sign on which the message or display is an electronic indication of fuel price shall be considered an electronic changeable message sign. A sign on which the sole message or display is an electronic indication of time and/or temperature shall be considered an electronic changeable message sign. Drive-through business/menu signs are not considered electronic changeable message signs.
means the building exterior wall of a single-occupant building or the building exterior wall of an individual tenant's leased space in a multi-tenant complex, including the vertical distance between the eaves and ridge of a pitched roof above it, used for sign area calculation for building-mounted signs.
means the entire building front including the parapet.
means a type of portable signage that features a narrow printed fabric or other material attached to a pole or lightweight frame and designed to resemble a feather.
means a string of ribbons, tinsel, small flags, pinwheels, or similar items that attract attention through movement, reflection, or illumination.
means any piece of cloth of individual size, color and design used as a symbol, signal, emblem or for decoration.
means a sign of which any portion of it changes light intensity, switches on and off in a constant pattern, or contains moving parts or the optical illusion of motion caused by use of electrical energy or illumination, with a display that appears for less than one and one-half consecutive seconds.
means a sign supported permanently upon the ground by poles, pylons, braces or a solid base and not attached to any building. Freestanding signs include those signs otherwise known as "pedestal signs," "pole signs," "pylon signs," and "monument signs."
means the length of the property line along any public right-of-way on which it borders.
means the length of an outside building wall on a public right-of-way.
means a sign or portion of a sign displaying only the price of fuel for motorized vehicles or equipment. The portion of a freestanding sign that displays corporate identity or text unrelated to the price of fuel is not a fuel price sign and is subject to sign permit requirements.
means a temporary sign announcing an event, use or condition of personal concern to the sign user, including but not limited to "garage sale," "yard sale" or "lost animal" signs.
means any temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained by any city, public utility, county, state, or federal government for designation of or direction to any school, hospital, historical site, property, or facility, including without limitation traffic signs, directional signs, warning signs, informational signs, and signs displaying a public service message.
means the inscription of symbols, words, or pictures by painting, spray painting or other means of defacing public or private property.
(of a sign) means the vertical distance measured from the highest point of the sign face to the grade of the adjacent street or the surface grade beneath the sign, whichever is less.
means any sign or display that creates a three-dimensional image through projection.
means a sign that is worn (including costumes) or held by a human for commercial advertising or promotion purposes.
means a sign whose copy is limited to the name and address of a building, institution, or person and/or to the activity or occupation being identified.
(residential) means a freestanding or wall sign identifying a recognized subdivision, condominium complex, or residential development.
means a sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.
means a small sign, emblem, or decal informing the public of goods, facilities or services available on the premises (e.g., a credit card sign or a sign indicating hours of business).
means an advertising device that is inflated by some means and used to attract attention, advertise, promote, market or display goods and/or services. These devices include large single displays or a display of smaller balloons connected in some fashion to create a larger display.
means a sign which designates public information including, without limitation, public restroom signs, public telephone signs, exit signs and hours of operation signs.
means a freestanding sign, which may have a round shape or which may have two or more faces, and which is used to provide directions, advertising or general information.
means the cleaning, painting and minor repair of a sign in a manner that does not alter the basic copy, design or structure of the sign.
means any sign attached to or supported by a marquee, which is a permanent roof-like projecting structure attached to a building.
means a freestanding sign having the appearance of a solid base of landscape construction materials such as brick, stucco, stonework, textured wood, tile or textured concrete materials compatible with the materials of the primary structure on the subject property.
means any sign that uses movement, by either natural or mechanical means, or change of lighting, either natural or artificial, to depict action to create a special effect or scene; or signs that rotate or have a part(s) that moves or revolves (except the movement of the hands of a clock).
means a commercial development containing two or more uses or businesses.
means a design or representation that is painted or drawn on the exterior surface of a structure and that does not advertise a business, product, service, or activity.
means a nonilluminated building-mounted identification sign giving only the name, address, and/or occupation of an occupant or group of occupants of the building.
means a sign consisting of glass tubing, filled with neon gas, or other similar gas, which glows when electric current is sent through it.
means any sign that was legally in existence on December 13, 1999, or the effective date of these sign regulations, but does not comply with these sign regulations or any other ordinances as adopted by the City of Maple Valley.
means a sign that advertises a product that is no longer made, a business that is no longer in operation or an activity or event that has already occurred, except for historical signs or markers.
means a sign relating, through its message and content, to a business activity, use, product, or service not available on the subject property on which the sign is located with the exception of signs for schools, community centers, Chamber of Commerce, and government agencies as described in subsection (H)(3)(a) of this section.
means a sign which contains only advertising strictly applicable to a lawful use of the subject property on which the sign is located, including without limitation signs indicating the business transacted, principal services rendered, and goods sold or produced on the subject property, or name of the business and name of the person occupying the subject property.
means a freestanding sign supported permanently upon the ground by one or more solid bases, which base or bases shall be equal to at least 50 percent of the sign area.
means any individual, corporation, association, firm, partnership, or other legal entity.
means advertising of a retail item accompanying its display (e.g., an advertisement on a product dispenser, tire display, etc.).
means a freestanding sign supported permanently upon the ground by poles or braces and not attached to any building.
means a sign, such as a blade sign, other than a flat wall sign, which is attached to and projects from a building wall or other structure not specifically designed to support the sign.
means land owned, dedicated or conveyed to the public, used primarily for the movement of vehicle, wheelchair, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic, or land privately owned, used primarily for the movement of vehicle, wheelchair, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic, so long as such privately owned land has been constructed in compliance with all applicable laws and standards for a public right-of-way.
For the purpose of the sign code, "public uses" shall mean publicly owned or funded facilities including but not limited to public schools, libraries, City Hall, community centers, museums, fire stations and performing arts centers. Religious institutions and grange halls are excluded from this definition.
means a portable or temporary sign announcing the proposed sale of property other than the property upon which the sign is located and providing directions to the subject property.
means a sign placed on the subject property and announcing the sale or rental of the subject property.
means any sign erected above the eaves or on the roof of a building or structure.
means the vertical movement of a static message or display on an electronic changeable message sign.
means any device, structure, fixture, or placard that uses colors, words, letters, numbers, symbols, graphic designs, logos, or trademarks for the purpose of: (1) providing information or directions; or (2) identifying or advertising any place, establishment, product, good, or service and includes all supports, braces, guys and anchors associated with such sign.
means the entire area of a sign on which graphics, letters, figures, symbols, trademarks and/or text is to be placed, excluding sign structure, architectural embellishments and framework. Sign area is calculated by measuring the perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of the module or sign face containing the graphics, letters, figures, symbols, trademarks, and/or text; provided, however, that individual letters, numbers or symbols using a canopy, awning or wall as the background, without added decoration or change in the canopy, awning or wall, have sign area calculated by measuring the perimeter enclosing each letter, number or symbol and totaling the square footage of these perimeters.
means the area of a sign on which the graphics, letters, figures, symbols, trademark or text is placed.
means any sign using the words "stop," "look," or "danger," or any other words, symbols, characters, color or shape in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
means a sign or poster placed on trees, fences, light posts, or utility poles, except those posted by a government or public utility.
means a sign constructed and intended for short-term use. "Temporary signs" include, but are not limited to, portable signs designed to be moved easily and not permanently affixed to the ground or to a structure or building, e.g., A-board, T-frame, swing-frame, etc.
means a sign for listing the tenants or occupants of a multi-tenant building or center.
means any sign that displays the current time and temperature, without any commercial messages.
means the horizontal movement of a static message or display on an electronic changeable message sign.
means any sign intended generally to attract pedestrian traffic, suspended beneath a canopy or marquee, which is at a 90-degree right angle to the adjacent exposed building face and which contains no commercial messages other than the name of the business.
means any sign attached to or placed on a parked vehicle or trailer used principally for advertising purposes, rather than transportation, but excluding signs relating to the sale, lease, or rental of the vehicle or trailer and excluding signs which identify a firm or its principal product on a vehicle operated during the normal course of business.
means either a sign applied with paint or similar substance on the surface of a wall or a sign attached essentially parallel to and extending not more than 24 inches from the wall of a building with no copy on the sides or edges.
means any sign which is intended to warn persons of prohibited activities such as "no trespassing," "no hunting," and "no dumping."
means any sign affixed to the inside of a window and intended to be viewed from the exterior of the structure.
C.
Permits.
1.
Permit Requirements. No sign governed by the provisions of this code shall be erected, moved, enlarged, altered or relocated by any person without a permit issued by the City unless such sign is expressly excluded from this permitting requirement pursuant to subsection (C)(3) of this section. An applicant shall pay the permit fees set forth in the City's fee schedule except that, in cases where a legal nonconforming sign is being voluntarily replaced by a sign that conforms to the current sign regulations, permit fees shall be waived by the Community Development Department. No new permit is required for signs which have valid, existing permits and which conform with the requirements of this code on the date of its adoption unless and until the sign is altered or relocated. Signs which, on the date of adoption of this code, have permits but do not conform to this code's requirements may be eligible for characterization as nonconforming signs.
2.
Permit Applications. Applications for permits shall be made on the forms provided by the City of Maple Valley Community Development Department.
3.
Permit Exceptions.
a.
Maintenance and Operation. A sign permit is not required for maintenance of a sign or for operation of a changeable copy sign and/or an electronic changeable message sign.
b.
Exempt Signs. A sign permit is not required for the following signs:
i.
Address identification with numbers and letters not more than 10 inches in height.
ii.
Barber poles.
iii.
A change to center identification signs or tenant directory signs when the change is of an individual tenant's identification on an existing sign. This exemption includes copy changes to conforming signs that do not involve enlarging the sign or structurally altering the sign.
v.
Content identification for separate purpose devices such as phone booths, product dispensers, recycling containers, collection containers, gas pumps, etc., indicating only the contents or purpose of the device.
vi.
Directional signs, on-site. Each sign shall not exceed four square feet in sign area if the directional sign is indicating one direction and shall not exceed eight square feet in sign area if such sign is indicating more than one direction. Center or complex names or logos shall comprise not more than 20 percent of the total sign area.
vii.
Drive-through business sign. Signs shall be limited in number to two per drive-through aisle, and limited to locations abutting the drive-through lane. Signs shall not exceed five feet in height, and shall not exceed 45 square feet per sign face. Menu sign lettering, logos and photos shall be limited in size for viewing from the drive-through lane only.
viii.
Flags of any nation, government, educational institution, or noncommercial organization. One flag containing the name or corporate logo of a business. Decorative flags without corporate logos or other forms of advertising are also excluded from permit requirements. Decorative flags must be spaced a minimum of 50 feet apart. Each flag may be a maximum of 20 square feet.
ix.
Fuel price signs. Signs shall be located on the property where fuel is sold, shall be limited to one monument sign per street frontage, not to exceed five feet in height, and sign area shall not exceed 20 square feet per sign face. The portion of a freestanding sign that displays corporate identity or text unrelated to the price of fuel is not a fuel price sign and is subject to sign permit requirements. Electronic changeable fuel price signs are permitted.
x.
Government signs. The City must approve the location, number and the content of such signs.
xi.
Gravestones or other memorial displays associated with cemeteries or mausoleums.
xii.
Historical site plaques and signs integral to a historic building or site.
xiii.
Holiday decorations and/or decorative lights displayed in conjunction with recognized holidays.
xiv.
Incidental signs attached to a structure or building, providing that the total of all such signs per use or business shall not exceed two square feet.
xv.
Instructional signs.
xvi.
Integral design features when such features are an essential part of the architecture of a building (including religious symbols) and when such features do not represent a product, service, or registered trademark.
xvii.
Interior signs located completely within a building or structure and not intended to be visible from outside the structure, exclusive of window signs.
xviii.
Nameplates not to exceed two square feet per sign face, and permanently affixed to the building in which the tenant is located.
xix.
Nonblinking small strings of lights, which are part of decoration to be used in association with landscaped areas and trees.
xx.
Signs required by law. Signs required by law meeting the current design standards of Washington State, the Uniform Building Code and the Uniform Sign Code.
xxi.
Under canopy signs not exceeding the width of the canopy and eight square feet in size; and provided, that a minimum separation exists between such signs equal to 20 lineal feet or the distance between the building entrance or entrances for each business to which the sign relates, whichever is less.
xxii.
Warning signs.
xxiii.
Window signs – internal. Up to 20 percent of window area.
D.
Prohibited Signs. The following signs or displays are prohibited in all zones within the City. Prohibited signs are subject to removal by the City at the owner's or user's expense. Confiscated signs are destroyed after 15 days. Owners may recover their signs within that time period by paying a fine prescribed in the fee schedule.
1.
Abandoned or obsolete signs;
2.
Signs which constitute a safety hazard to the public;
3.
Animated signs or displays;
4.
Banners, except as expressly allowed as temporary signage pursuant to subsection (E) of this section;
5.
Billboards and all other types of off-premises signs, except as expressly permitted in subsection (C)(3)(b) of this section;
6.
Directional off-site real estate signs;
7.
Flashing signs or displays;
8.
Graffiti;
9.
Holographic signs or displays;
10.
Inflatable advertising devices, except as expressly allowed as temporary signage pursuant to subsection (E) of this section;
11.
Balloons for commercial purposes except as expressly permitted in subsection (E) of this section;
12.
Moving signs;
13.
Signs that obstruct or interfere with free access to or egress from a required exit from a building or structure or along a pedestrian or vehicular route;
14.
Festoons, pennants, feather signs or blinking lights;
16.
Real estate signs advertising properties or developments located outside the City;
17.
Signs in a public right-of-way, except temporary signs as expressly permitted in subsection (E) of this section;
18.
Roof signs;
19.
Scrolling displays;
20.
Simulations of traffic signs;
21.
Snipe signs;
22.
Traveling displays; and
23.
Vehicle signs including any sign attached to or placed on a parked vehicle or trailer used principally for advertising purposes, rather than transportation, but excluding signs relating to the sale, lease, or rental of the vehicle or trailer and excluding signs which identify a firm or its principal product on a vehicle operated during the normal course of business.
E.
Temporary Signs. No temporary signs shall be located within center medians, roundabouts, or the amenity zone along the outside turning edge of a roundabout, traffic circle, or island. Temporary signs shall not obstruct sight distances or create traffic hazards. Temporary signs shall not be illuminated. The following temporary signs are allowed. Only on-site commercial temporary signs and off-site directional development signs require a sign permit.
1.
Noncommercial Temporary Signs. All noncommercial temporary signs on public right-of-way or private property shall be regulated as follows:
a.
Noncommercial temporary signs must not exceed eight square feet in area and shall not exceed 42 inches in height.
b.
On roads that only have a shoulder and no sidewalk, noncommercial temporary signs must be placed beyond the edge of the asphalt, and may not be placed so that any part of the sign extends over the asphalt.
c.
Noncommercial temporary signs shall not be placed in a manner that negatively affects the health of trees, shrubs or other landscaping.
d.
Placement of off-premises noncommercial temporary signs on private property is subject to the landowner's authorization.
2.
Commercial Temporary Signs. Commercial temporary signs shall be regulated as follows:
a.
Real Estate Signs.
i.
Off-Site – Individual Property or Residences.
(A)
Maximum Number of Signs. The maximum number of off-site open house event signs shall be limited to five per property per open house event. An "open house event" is an event held at a specific location that is open for the public to view real estate for sale or rent. No other off-site real estate signs are permitted.
(B)
Size. The area of off-site open house event signs shall be no greater than six square feet per sign face.
(C)
Toppers Permitted. In addition to the size limitation in subsection (E)(2)(a)(i)(B) of this section, off-site open-house event signs are permitted to have one topper as long as they are no more than 24 inches wide and six inches in height, placed on top of the off-site open house event sign. Toppers may indicate certain traits of the subject property (such as waterfront or acreage).
(D)
Address and Seller Identification Required on Signage. Each off-site open house event sign shall identify the address of the open house to which the sign pertains and the contact information of the seller or seller's representative holding the open house event, so that the City can readily enforce these regulations. Such identification is not required to be on the face of the sign but can be placed on the inside, non-face portion of the sign. Signs that identify a real estate group, but do not identify a representative, are not in compliance with this section.
(E)
Allowable Time Period. Off-site open house event signs, including toppers, may be placed one hour before the event and must be removed within one hour of the conclusion of the event. These signs are not permitted before 9:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
(F)
Agent in Attendance. The seller or seller's representative identified on the signage must be physically present at the property offered for sale or rent during the open house event.
Signs not in compliance with this section will be confiscated by the City.
ii.
On-Site. For purposes of this subsection, "on-site real estate signs" shall be yard-arm signs that announce the sale or rental of the subject real property.
(A)
Maximum Number of Signs. The number of on-site real estate signs shall be limited to one per agent(s) per street frontage or public entrance if no street frontage exists. Except, if the real property that is for sale or rent is lakefront property or abuts the golf course, that property is permitted to have one additional on-site real estate sign fronting the golf course or Lake Wilderness, Pipe Lake, or Lake Lucerne. The number of on-site open house event signs shall be limited to one per property per open house event.
(B)
Size. For dwelling units, the area of the on-site real estate sign and the on-site open house event sign shall be no greater than six square feet per sign face. For other uses and developments, the size shall not exceed 32 square feet per sign face.
(C)
Toppers and Perma Flyers. In addition to the size limitations in subsection (E)(2)(a)(ii)(B) of this section, all on-site real estate signs are permitted to have one topper, no more than 24 inches wide and six inches in height, placed on top of the on-site real estate sign, and one perma flyer, no more than 12 inches wide and 24 inches in height, placed on the arm of the yard sign on-site real estate sign. Toppers may indicate certain traits of the subject property (such as waterfront or acreage) and the status of the sale (such as pending, reduced price or sold). Perma flyers may indicate details of the subject property.
(D)
Allowable Time Period. On-site real estate signs, including any toppers and perma flyers, must be removed when the sale closes, or in the case of a rental or lease, when the tenant takes possession. On-site open house event signs may be placed one hour before the event and must be removed within one hour of the conclusion of the event. On- site open house event signs are not permitted before 9:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
Signs not in compliance with this section will be confiscated by the City.
b.
On-Premises Temporary Signs in Commercial Zones.
i.
Shall not exceed six square feet per side and 42 inches in height.
ii.
Shall not be located in the City right-of-way.
iii.
No more than one temporary sign may be utilized per entity and/or business.
iv.
All signs shall be located on the premises to which they are advertising and/or located.
v.
Only permitted during business hours and must be removed each day upon the close of business.
c.
Garage and Yard Sale Signs. The sign may be an off-premises sign and shall be limited to six square feet per sign face; the sign must be immediately removed at the end of an event. There shall be no more than five such signs advertising an event. Banner signs no larger than 32 square feet in size may be placed on a neighborhood monument sign or placed on stakes at the entrance to a neighborhood to advertise a yearly neighborhood garage sale. The banner sign may be placed up to five days in advance of the event no more than one time per year.
d.
Construction Signs. Such signs are limited to two signs per project and each sign does not exceed 32 square feet per sign face and 12 feet in height. Construction signs for the project, commercial and residential, shall not be displayed prior to issuance of a building permit and shall be removed prior to buildout or the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the project.
e.
Special Sale Signs. Special sale or promotional signs are limited to banner signs only. Special sale or promotional signs, designed to advertise or promote, for short time frames, specific events, merchandise and/or prices, shall be permitted in all zones; provided, that such signs are displayed no more than 90 days in any 12-month period. All such signs must be attached to the facade, wall or window of the building occupied by the business conducting the sale or event advertised, or affixed to posts securely anchored to the ground on the premises. No business shall have more than two signs for each facade or wall of the building to which they are attached, or two banner signs affixed to posts. The total sign size shall not exceed 50 percent of the size of the allowed building-mounted sign or 50 percent of the size of the allowed freestanding sign.
f.
Grand Opening Signs. Grand opening signs (which include business name changes) may include banners, searchlights, inflatable advertising devices and portable reader board signs. Searchlights, inflatable advertising devices and portable reader board signs are limited to a maximum of five days. Banners are limited to a total of 14 days. Grand opening signs allowed shall be in addition to the 90-day time frame identified in subsection (E)(2)(e) of this section, Special Sale Signs.
g.
Bulletin Board. A business may install a permanent bulletin board in addition to permanent wall signage. The bulletin board shall not exceed 50 percent of the total allowed permanent wall sign area; provided, each tenant is allowed a minimum of 15 square feet; and further provided, the maximum size of a bulletin board shall not exceed 32 square feet. Temporary signage may be placed at any time within the confines of the bulletin board. An initial permit is required for the installation of the bulletin board, but no subsequent permits are required for placement of temporary signage therein.
h.
Human Signs. Human signs as defined in subsection (B) of this section are considered a temporary sign and are subject to permit requirements. Human signs are limited to five days in a 12-month period per property, location or business. Human signs are not allowed in the public right-of-way.
i.
Development Directional Signs and Flags. New residential developments inside the City of Maple Valley shall be allowed to place three off-site directional signs. The area of such signs shall be limited to 16 square feet per sign face and 32 square feet total per sign and shall be removed at buildout. Decorative flags for new developments containing corporate logos or the name of the development are allowed on site. Decorative flags must be spaced a minimum of 50 feet apart and shall be removed at buildout.
3.
City-Sponsored Event or Civic Event Signage. All signage, including banners, located on City facilities are permitted only in conjunction with a City-sponsored event or a civic event. Signage may be placed up to 30 days in advance of the event and must be removed within five days of the close of the event.
F.
Legal Nonconforming Signs – Loss of Legal Nonconforming Status. A nonconforming sign shall immediately lose its legal nonconforming designation if:
1.
The sign is structurally altered in any way or the gross floor area of any structure that houses or supports the use with which the legal nonconforming sign is associated is increased;
2.
The applicant is making any change, alteration or performing work other than normal maintenance to any structure that houses or supports the use with which the nonconforming sign is associated and the fair market value of those changes, alterations or other work exceeds 25 percent of the assessed value of the structure as determined by the King County Assessor;
3.
The subject property containing the sign is abandoned for 90 or more consecutive days or the activity conducted on the subject property related to the legal nonconforming sign(s) ceases for 180 consecutive days;
4.
The applicant is making changes, alterations or performing any work to the legal nonconforming sign other than regular and normal maintenance. Prohibited sign alterations include relocating or replacing the sign; provided, however, that replacing any individual tenant's identification sign in either a center identification sign which separately identifies the tenants or in a tenant directory sign shall not result in the loss of such sign's legal nonconforming status;
5.
Signs have not been maintained and meet the definition of "abandoned sign" in subsection (B) of this section;
6.
Any legal nonconforming sign for a business or use undergoes a name change, or a sign has 20 percent or more of the text (except billboards, changeable copy signs, and tenant directory signs) or structure changed. Such signs shall be immediately brought into compliance with current sign regulations;
7.
Any legal nonconforming sign that is damaged in excess of 50 percent of the current replacement value of the sign. Such sign shall be immediately brought into conformance with current sign regulations.
G.
Sign Regulations – All Zoning Districts.
1.
Applicability. The regulations of this section shall apply in all zoning districts and to all signs governed by this code, subject to the specific regulations of each zoning district.
2.
Structural Requirements. The applicable provisions of MVMC Title 15, Building and Construction, shall govern the structure and installation of all signs within the City.
3.
Maintenance. All signs, together with all of their supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be maintained in good repair and in a safe, neat, clean, and attractive condition.
4.
Illumination. The light directed on, or internal to, any sign shall be so shaded, shielded and/or directed so that the light intensity or brightness shall not adversely affect surrounding or facing properties or adversely affect safe vision of operators of vehicles moving on private or public roads, highways, or parking areas, or adversely affect safe vision of pedestrians on a public right-of-way. Light shall not shine upon nor reflect into residential structures.
5.
Landscaping. At the time of installation, all freestanding signs shall include landscaping and curbing around the base of the sign to prevent vehicles from hitting the sign structure and to improve the overall visual appearance of the structure. Landscaping shall be in proportion to the size and height of the signs, with a minimum of one square foot of landscaping for each square foot of sign area, up to a maximum of 64 square feet per sign, and shall be maintained throughout the life of the sign.
6.
Combined Sign Package. Businesses on split-zoned lots or on different, but abutting, lots may combine their signage. Abutting lots include lots separated by a vehicular access easement or tract. In such cases, the lot frontage and other measurements used to determine sign dimensions shall be taken from the combined frontage or other relevant measurements of the split-zoned or abutting parcels. The zoning at the location of the proposed sign shall control which sign requirements apply. The provisions for multi-tenant complexes shall control sign height and sign area for freestanding signs.
7.
Decorative Mounting Structures. Decorative mounting structures or framework with no commercial content may be used around a sign and may add up to 24 inches to the width and height allowed pursuant to subsection (H) of this section.
8.
Permission of Property Owner. Permission of the property owner is required for placement of all signage. Documentation shall be required for permit application.
H.
Regulations by Zoning District.
1.
Residential Zoning Districts. The following regulations shall apply to all residentially zoned property within the City and properties designated residential or public use within a Master Planned Community zone:
a.
Residential Development Signs.
i.
Multifamily Complex Identification Sign. Multifamily residential developments shall be permitted two monument identification signs per entrance. The identification signs shall not exceed 32 square feet per entrance, shall not exceed a height of six feet and shall not be internally illuminated. Sign location is limited to the on-site entrances of the development.
ii.
Subdivision Identification Signs. Residential subdivisions shall be permitted two monument identification signs per entrance. The identification signs shall not exceed 32 square feet per entrance, shall not exceed a height of six feet and shall not be internally illuminated. Sign location is limited to the on-site entrances of the development.
b.
Commercial and Institutional Signs.
i.
Legally nonconforming and conditionally permitted commercial and institutional uses shall each be permitted one monument sign for each street frontage providing direct vehicle access to the site. Sign location is limited to the on-site entrances of the development. The sign area shall not exceed 64 square feet for the total of all faces and no one sign face shall exceed 32 square feet. The height for monument signs shall not exceed six feet.
ii.
Public Uses as Defined in Subsection (B) of This Section. One changeable copy pylon sign is allowed in addition to the commercial and institutional sign described in subsection (H)(1)(b)(i) of this section. The changeable copy sign area shall not exceed 50 square feet for the total of all faces and no one face shall exceed 25 square feet. For sites with frontage greater than 150 feet on a public street one square foot of additional sign area shall be allowed for each 10 feet of frontage over and above 150 feet, up to a maximum of 100 square feet with no one face exceeding 50 square feet. Changeable copy signs are limited to 12 feet in height.
Sign Regulations – Residential Zoning Districts | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign Provision | Multifamily Complex | Single-Family Subdivision | Commercial/ Institutional | Public Uses |
Number and Type | 2 monument signs per entrance | 2 monument signs per entrance | 1 monument sign per street frontage providing direct vehicular access | Same as Commercial/ Institutional, plus 1 changeable copy pylon sign |
Maximum Sign Area | 32 SF/entrance | 32 SF/entrance | 64 square feet total, 32 SF/face | Pylon sign 50 SF total, 25 SF/face. If frontage > 150 feet, 1 SF additional sign area/10 feet frontage above 150 feet, up to 100 SF total, 50 SF/face. |
Height | 6 feet | 6 feet | 6 feet | 12 feet (pylon sign) |
2.
Commercial (CB, NB, FCC, RLTC and REC) Zoning Districts. The following regulations shall apply to all Commercial zoned property within the City:
a.
Sign Types. Freestanding and building-mounted sign types are allowed in Commercial, Regional Learning and Technology, and Regional Employment Center zoning districts.
b.
Sign Height. The height of a freestanding sign shall be calculated at the rate of one-half foot in sign height for every five lineal feet of frontage on a public right-of-way; provided, however, that sign height shall be calculated at the rate of one foot in sign height for every five lineal feet of frontage on a public right-of-way for any multi-tenant complex; and provided further, that such sign in no case shall exceed a maximum height of 12 feet. Every applicant is entitled to a minimum height of five feet. The height of a building-mounted sign shall be limited so as not to project above the roofline of the exposed building face to which the sign is attached.
c.
Sign Area – Freestanding Signs. For any multi-tenant complex, the sign area allowed shall be calculated at the rate of two square feet per lineal foot of frontage on a public right-of-way not to exceed a maximum sign area of 128 square feet for the total of all sign faces with no one face exceeding 64 square feet. For other uses, allowed sign area shall be calculated at the rate of one square foot per lineal foot of frontage on a public right-of-way not to exceed a maximum sign area of 80 square feet for the total of all sign faces with no one sign face exceeding 40 square feet.
Notwithstanding the foregoing sign area calculations, every applicant is entitled to a minimum sign area of 50 square feet for the total of all faces with no one sign face exceeding 25 square feet.
d.
Sign Area – Building-Mounted Signs. The total sign area of a building-mounted sign for all businesses or tenants, excluding under canopy signs, shall not exceed 15 percent of the exposed building face to which they are attached; provided, however, that no individual sign shall exceed 120 square feet and every applicant is entitled to a minimum sign area of 30 square feet.
e.
Number and Location of Signs. A property in a Commercial, RLTC or REC zoning district may have one freestanding sign per frontage on a public right-of-way, as defined by subsection (B) of this section, providing direct vehicular access. For businesses having frontage on two or more streets, the location of the freestanding sign is limited to the street providing direct vehicular access. In instances where distance, topography or visual obstructions interfere with signage, the freestanding sign shall contain limited directional information or symbols, and may be located on the street frontage not providing direct vehicular access. If the visual obstruction is later removed the sign must be relocated to the entrance providing vehicular access. This provision does not allow additional signage. Building-mounted signs are limited to two per business or tenant.
f.
Illumination. Signs in the Commercial, RLTC and REC zoning districts may be internally illuminated except in situations where the MPC, commercial or business park sign would create spillover lighting on a residential zoning district or residential use. In such cases, signs may only be illuminated with indirect lighting. Illumination must be in accordance with the provisions of subsection (G)(4) of this section.
Sign Regulations – Commercial (CB, NB, TC) and RLTC and REC Zoning Districts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Sign Type | Maximum Height | Maximum Sign Area | Number of Signs |
Freestanding | 12 feet | Single tenant: 1 SF per LF of street frontage, not to exceed 80 SF total, 40 SF/face Multiple tenant: 2 SF per LF of frontage, not to exceed 128 SF total, 64 SF/face | 1 per street frontage |
Building-Mounted | Top of roofline | 15% of exposed building face to which the sign is attached, up to 120 SF | 2 per business or tenant |
3.
Parks, Recreation and Open Space, Public, and Commercial Zones.
a.
Digital Message Signs. Digital message signs are allowed for those properties owned by the school, community center, Chamber of Commerce, the City, and other government entities as follows:
i.
The digital message sign shall be considered a freestanding sign.
ii.
The digital message sign shall not exceed a height of 12 feet in the PRO, CB, and FCC zones and 14 feet in the PUB zone.
iii.
The digital message sign shall not exceed 60 square feet in area. The electronic portion shall not exceed more than 60 percent of the total sign area.
iv.
The digital message sign shall be a monument sign.
I.
Construction Standards.
1.
Structural Components. To the maximum extent possible, signs should be constructed and installed so that angle irons, guy wires, braces and other structural elements are not visible. This limitation does not apply to structural elements that are an integral part of the overall design such as decorative metal or wood.
2.
Sign Setback Requirements. The required setback from the property lines for all signs six feet or less in height shall be zero feet. Signs greater than six feet in height shall be set back from the property line not less than six feet in all zones. No sign shall be placed so as to interfere with required sight triangles or which creates a safety hazard.
3.
Dimensional and Design Standards. The following drawings illustrate the dimensional standards for pedestal, pylon and monument signs. The average ground elevation for sign base shown below shall be measured from the grade of the finished sidewalk or street, whichever is higher.
4.
Design Criteria.
a.
Sign Base. The base of the sign must be constructed from landscape materials such as brick, stucco, stonework, textured wood, tile or textured concrete or materials that are harmonious with the character of the primary structures on the subject property and subject to the Community Development Director's approval. No visible gap shall be allowed between the sign base of a monument or pedestal sign and the finished grade.
b.
Sign Face. The color, shape, material, lettering and other architectural details of the sign face must be harmonious with the character of the primary structure.
c.
Minor Deviations. The Community Development Director may approve minor deviations from the dimensional standards for signs, except for maximum sign height, if he or she concludes that the resulting sign does not significantly change the relative proportion of the sign base to the sign face.
d.
Location. No sign shall be located so as to physically obstruct any door or exit from a building. No sign shall be located so as to be hazardous to a motorist's or pedestrian's ingress to or egress from buildings or parking areas. No sign shall be located within the clearview zone.
e.
Landscaping Around Freestanding Signs. To improve the overall appearance of the sign and to reduce the risk of motor vehicles hitting the sign or supports of the sign, an area adjacent to the base of each freestanding sign must be landscaped equal to the sign area; provided, however, that the City will not require more than 128 square feet of landscaped area. This landscaping must include vegetation and may include other materials and components such as brick or concrete bases, planter boxes, pole covers or decorative framing, subject to approval by the Community Development Department.
f.
Bulletin Board. Bulletin board construction must be of durable material that is harmonious with the character of the building upon which it is to be placed. The entire sign face must be enclosed within a transparent case constructed from weatherproof material.
g.
Example of Bulletin Board.
 |
J.
Variance From Sign Code.
1.
Scope. This section establishes the procedure and criteria the City will use in making a decision upon an application for a variance from the provisions of the sign code.
2.
Required Review Process. The City will review and decide upon applications for a variance to any of the provisions of this code using Process 2 (as described in Chapter 18.100 MVMC).
3.
Criteria. A variance to any provision(s) of this code may be granted only if appropriate findings are made relative to all of the following:
a.
The literal interpretation and strict application of the provisions and requirements of the sign regulations would cause undue and unnecessary hardship because of unique or unusual conditions pertaining to the specific building, parcel or subject property;
b.
A sign package consistent with the provisions of this section would not provide the use or the business with effective signage;
c.
The variance is necessary because of special circumstances relating to the size, shape, topography, location or surroundings of the subject property to provide it with use rights and privileges permitted to other properties in the vicinity and zone in which the subject property is located;
d.
The variance is not granted for the convenience of the applicant or for the convenience of regional or national businesses that wish to use a standard sign;
e.
The special circumstances of the subject property are not the result of the actions of the applicant, the owner of the property or a self-induced hardship; and
f.
The granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property or improvements in the vicinity and in the zone in which the subject property is located.
4.
Conditions and Restrictions. As part of any approval of a request for a variance under this section, the City may impose any conditions, limitations or restrictions it considers appropriate under the circumstances. This may include, but is not limited to, requiring that the owner of the subject property sign a covenant or other written document to be filed with the County to run with the property by which, at a time certain or upon specific events, the signs on the subject property would be brought into compliance with all applicable City regulations then in effect.
(Ord. O-99-109 § 1; Ord. O-03-228 § 1; Ord. O-11-441 § 1; Ord. O-12-490 § 9; Ord. O-12-499 § 9; Ord. O-14-550 § 1; Ord. O-17-611 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. O-20-691 § 1; Ord. O-24-831 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. O-25-848 § 1)