A. 
All signs, including supporting structures, shall be erected or placed totally within the boundaries of the site and not within any public right-of-way, except for the following:
1. 
Public authority and other traffic-related signs;
2. 
Temporary banner signs erected by the city;
3. 
Approved signs overhanging public walkways;
4. 
Approved portable signs per EMC § 19.10.210; and
5. 
Temporary signs authorized by EMC § 19.10.050(C).
B. 
Intersections Standard. A vision clearance triangle setback shall be maintained from the edge of all intersections from private and public roadways, alleys and driveways.
C. 
General Road Standard. A vision clearance triangle setback shall be maintained from the edge of existing or planned roadways. Signs may be allowed within the clear-vision setback if:
1. 
The top of the sign is three feet or less above the grade;
2. 
The bottom of the sign is eight feet or greater above the grade; and
3. 
The posts and support structure have a diameter no greater than 12 inches within this area.
D. 
A pedestrian clearance is required for any projecting or suspended sign eight feet above grade or sidewalk as measured to the bottom of the sign.
E. 
A projecting sign may extend over a public right-of-way or public pedestrian walkway up to six feet past the property line, but in no case shall the sign extend over a street or other area used by motor vehicles.
F. 
The setbacks for freestanding signs may be reduced to zero, provided the applicant provides justification and documented proof that the sign's placement will not hinder vision clearance triangle for existing and future development on the site.
G. 
Freestanding signs shall not extend beyond property lines.
(Ord. 2645 § 2, 2018)
The intent of the following design criteria is to promote efficient communication through high-quality signing which is clear, legible, attractive, and easy to read while maintaining and enhancing the character of a charming, vital, rural community. Applicants are encouraged to design signs that are compatible with the building's architectural concept with respect to materials, color, lettering, and placement. Unless exempted by EMC § 19.10.050, signs shall not be permitted or installed until the appropriate decision maker has issued a finding of conformance with the criteria of this chapter, including:
A. 
Quantity. The number and types of sign permitted by zone are regulated by EMC § 19.10.170 through § 19.10.200;
B. 
Materials.
1. 
Temporary Signs. The construction of temporary signs is limited to the materials described in the definition of "temporary sign," (EMC § 19.10.030, Definitions). In addition, the temporary sign must also conform to the requirements of this chapter, including but not limited to EMC § 19.10.210 (Temporary signs).
2. 
Permanent Signs. The exterior face(s) of permanent signs must be manufactured of durable materials that withstand the effects of water and wind including the use of wood, metal, stone, brick, glass, heavy gauge plastics, canvas and/or vinyl. The use of paper, including vinyl coated, is prohibited. The following additional requirements apply to any permanent signs larger than 30 square feet, except for window signs located inside glass:
a. 
Canvas or vinyl signs must be made of minimum 20-ounce materials with polymeric plasticizers for durability.
b. 
Sign faces made of canvas, fabric, vinyl or similar pliable materials that are attached to permanent sign structures must be mounted behind a perimeter frame or trim cap so that the edges of the sign face are not exposed, except that flags made of 100 percent spun polyester are exempt from this requirement.
C. 
Lighting. Lighting shall be subtle and consistent with design and shall not obstruct vision or cause glare on surrounding uses.
1. 
If external or flood lighting is used, it shall be arranged so that the light source is steady, stationary, shielded from view and directed solely onto the sign without causing glare.
2. 
Internally Illuminated Signs.
a. 
Internally illuminated signs shall be constructed with an opaque sign face background with translucent text, symbols and/or logo shields. If the sign owner desires to have the entire sign face visible at night, an external light source may be used to illuminate the sign, subject to the illumination standards in this chapter.
b. 
In no case may an internally illuminated sign or an electronic changeable copy sign exceed a light output of 50 nits in a residential zone or 100 nits in a nonresidential zone during nighttime hours.
c. 
Neon sign lighting is allowed in non-residential zones only and shall not exceed 100 nits per sign face. Neon signs with solid backgrounds are not allowed in windows in order to ensure maximum light and visibility through windows.
D. 
Electronic Changeable Copy Signs. An electronic changeable copy sign is not a separately allowed sign type. The purpose of this section is to regulate the manner in which electronic changeable copy sign technology can be applied to sign types that are otherwise allowed in this chapter. It is not intended to allow more signs or larger signs than otherwise permitted in this chapter. No permit shall issue for an electronic changeable copy sign which does not comply with the following standards:
1. 
Maximum size: 35 square feet.
2. 
Density.
a. 
A maximum of one electronic changeable copy sign per 200 feet of street frontage in all nonresidential zones (HCB and P), not to exceed one sign per parcel;
b. 
One electronic changeable copy sign per 150 feet of street frontage in the R-2 zone abutting State Route 169, not to exceed one sign per parcel. This is intended for limited commercial operations within residential zones, excluding home occupations and single-family uses;
c. 
Electronic changeable copy signs must comply with the requirements in EMC § 19.10.090; however, review and approval shall be made by the community development director;
d. 
Shall meet the standards in EMC § 19.10.090(E)(2); and
e. 
Electronic changeable copy signs are permitted only in HCB, P and R-2 zones as noted above.
3. 
Maximum Luminance.
a. 
Daytime: 5000 nits.
b. 
Nighttime (one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise):
i. 
All nonresidential zones: 100 nits, except within 500 feet of a residential zone: 50 nits
c. 
Signs shall include auto-dimming features with light-sensory capabilities to dim the sign to allowable luminance levels during nighttime hours.
4. 
Motion Limits. No motion except for a fade in of the next message with the fade transition being no more nor less than one second. Fade transition is required rather than instantaneous message changes to avoid sudden or startling flashes of light.
5. 
Minimum hold between messages: four seconds, plus one second transition fade.
6. 
Programming. To ensure that ECCS are programmed and continue to operate according to local standards, ECCS shall be designed for local on-site control and programming. The applicant shall provide a written certificate from the sign manufacturer that the nighttime light intensity has been factory preset not to exceed allowable levels under this section, and that this setting is protected from end-user modification by password-protected software or other method that ensures compliance.
(Ord. 2645 § 2, 2018)
The following signs shall be permitted, subject to the following limitations:
A. 
Nameplates. Nameplates not exceeding one and one-half square feet in area containing the name of the occupant of the premises.
B. 
Plaques. Each individual unit may have one wall mounted plaque. Wall-mounted plaques shall not exceed two square feet in size.
C. 
Wall or Freestanding Sign Permitted. One wall or one freestanding sign is permitted as follows:
1. 
Wall or freestanding signs are only allowed for a parcel in excess of one acre or for a subdivision in excess of five lots.
2. 
Signs shall be illuminated only by indirect or diffused light.
3. 
Signs may be located on the front wall of the building or in the front yard area.
4. 
Total sign area shall not exceed 20 square feet per face, and freestanding sign heights shall not exceed six feet above ground level.
5. 
Electronic changeable copy signs shall comply with the spacing requirements outlined in EMC § 19.10.160(D)(2)(a) and (b).
(Ord. 2645 § 2, 2018)
Signs in the CB, NB, and GO zoning districts shall comply with the standards set forth in this chapter. Where standards conflict, the more restrictive standards shall be used. The objective is to encourage both pedestrian-oriented and vehicle/pedestrian-oriented signs for each building.
A. 
Maximum Number of Signs by Building Type and Zone.
1. 
Single-Tenant Buildings. Buildings with one street-facing facade shall be allowed a maximum of two signs of any combination of sign types permitted within this section. Buildings with multiple street-facing facades shall be allowed a maximum of four signs of any combination of types permitted within this section. A maximum of two signs shall be allowed along any single building facade.
2. 
Multitenant Buildings in Which Tenants Have Separate Entries – CB Zoning Districts. Each tenant shall be allowed a maximum of two signs of any combination of sign types (including nameplates on shared signs) permitted within this section regardless of the number of street-facing facades.
3. 
Multitenant Buildings in Which Tenants Have Separate Entries – NB and GO Zoning Districts. Tenants fronting a single street shall be allowed one building sign of any type permitted in this section; tenants fronting multiple streets shall be allowed two building signs in any combination of sign types permitted in this section, one per street front.
4. 
Multitenant Buildings in Which Tenants Share an Entry – CB, NB and GO Zoning Districts. Buildings with one street-facing facade shall be allowed a maximum of two signs in any combination of sign types permitted in this section. Buildings with multiple street-facing facades shall be allowed a maximum of four signs, of any type, including freestanding signs, permitted within this section. A maximum of two signs shall be allowed along any single building facade.
B. 
Wall Signs.
1. 
Dimensions.
a. 
Signs shall be mounted between 60 and 90 percent of the height of the first-story building facade.
b. 
Signs shall not project more than 15 inches from the wall surface.
Wall Sign Dimensions
2. 
Number and Location by Building Type and Zone.
a. 
Single-Tenant Buildings.
i. 
Wall signs shall be placed on the street-facing facade(s) or where a public entrance is located.
ii. 
For buildings fronting on one street, total wall signage shall not exceed 10 percent of the square footage of the street-facing facade.
iii. 
For buildings fronting on multiple streets, total wall signage shall not exceed 10 percent of the square footage of the primary facade and 10 percent of the square footage of the secondary facade.
b. 
Multitenant Buildings in Which Tenants Have Separate Entries – CB Zoning Districts.
i. 
Wall signing for each tenant shall not exceed 10 percent of the tenant lease space street-fronting facade(s).
ii. 
Tenant building signs shall be generally compatible with one another through the use of similar materials, sizes and types of sign components.
iii. 
If appropriate, the administrator may consider an additional building sign identifying the building name and/or address only.
c. 
Multitenant Buildings in Which Tenants Have Separate Entries – NB and GO Zoning Districts.
i. 
Tenants fronting a single street shall be allowed one building sign; tenants fronting multiple streets shall be allowed two building signs, one per street front.
ii. 
The total building signing for each tenant shall not exceed 10 percent of their lease space primary street fronting facade.
iii. 
Tenant building signs shall be compatible with one another through the use of similar materials, sizes and types of sign components.
iv. 
If appropriate, the administrator may consider an additional building sign identifying the building name and/or address only.
d. 
Multitenant Buildings in Which Tenants Share an Entry – CB, NB and GO Zoning Districts.
i. 
At least one sign shall identify the building.
ii. 
At least one sign shall identify the names of all tenants on individual nameplates. Nameplates shall be of uniform size and shape.
iii. 
Total building signing shall not exceed 10 percent of the street-facing facade(s).
3. 
Exceptions. Exceptions shall be considered when unusual facade design would result in significant practical difficulty in placing the sign as required in this chapter. The administrator may waive the requirement for the sign to be placed within 60 to 90 percent of the first-floor building facade only if warranted by extraordinary design, aesthetic placement, compatibility with the building, and compatibility with neighboring buildings.
C. 
Freestanding Signs.
1. 
Location. Signs shall be allowed when the building facade is set back from the public right-of-way and the sign can be installed on premises. Mounding below freestanding signs shall be prohibited unless approved by the administrator. All approved mounding shall include landscaping.
2. 
Number and Size by Building Type and Zone.
a. 
One freestanding sign shall be allowed per development.
b. 
The maximum height above finished grade is seven feet.
c. 
The maximum size per sign face is 16 square feet for single tenant buildings in all zones and multitenant buildings in the CB zoning districts.
d. 
The maximum size per sign face is 20 square feet in the NB and GO zoning districts. Freestanding signs shall be counted toward the maximum number of signs allowed as defined by building type in subsection A of this section.
e. 
For multitenant buildings with shared entries in the CB zoning districts, nameplates on shared freestanding signs are counted toward the maximum number of signs allowed for each tenant.
f. 
For multitenant buildings with shared entries in the NB and GO zoning districts, nameplates on shared freestanding signs are not counted towards the maximum number of signs, as defined by building type in subsection A of this section, allowed for each tenant.
g. 
Nameplates on shared freestanding signs should be generally compatible with each other.
h. 
Freestanding signs are not permitted within the CB1 and CB2 zoning districts. The community development director may approve a freestanding sign within these zones if the sign includes a decorative base as described in EMC § 19.10.060(F).
3. 
Incentives. The community development director may grant an increase in the sign height or a change in sign type under the following circumstances:
a. 
Decorative Freestanding Sign Incentive. If the administrator finds a freestanding sign support structure to be extraordinarily decorative and complementary to the building and/or surrounding area, the administrator may choose not to include the support structure in calculating the sign's size. The "decorative support structure" is defined in EMC § 19.10.060(F)(2).
b. 
Monument Sign Incentive. The administrator may grant a 20 percent increase in sign face size for freestanding signs which are of monument design. The administrator may grant the increase in size after finding the proposed sign has an attractive base constructed of natural materials (stone, brick, wood), incorporates a significant landscape area around the base, is not internally lit, and uses diffuse lighting only. This incentive shall not be allowed in addition to any other incentive which increases the sign size.
D. 
Projecting Signs.
1. 
Number. A maximum of one projecting sign per business per facade is allowed.
2. 
Size. Signs shall have a maximum size of 12 square feet per side and a maximum width of four feet.
3. 
Location and Clearance. Signs shall have a minimum sidewalk clearance of eight feet, a maximum sidewalk clearance of 10 feet, and a maximum projection of four feet from the building facade. Signs shall extend no closer than two feet from the plane of the curb line and may not extend to or above the building roof.
4. 
Exceptions. A projecting sign larger than 12 square feet per side and/or projecting more than four feet out from the building and/or placed outside of 60 to 90 percent of the first-floor facade area may be allowed if the administrator finds that it is of extraordinary design and appropriate for its location. The following factors shall be considered during the review process: sign design, building design, scale of the building in relation to the sign, sign placement, awning type and placement, height above the sidewalk, and density and sizes of existing projecting signs within the block.
Projecting Sign Dimensions
E. 
Signs Suspended from Awnings. Signs shall have a maximum sign size of eight square feet per side, a minimum sidewalk height clearance of eight feet, and may not project farther than the awning nor be closer than two feet from the plane of the curb line.
Signs Suspended from Awnings
F. 
Awning Signs.
1. 
Location and Size. Signs shall be allowed on the vertical face of the canopy only and shall cover no more than 50 percent of the potential sign surface area. Awnings shall be a minimum of eight feet above the finished grade of the sidewalk, have heights in proportion to the height of the building facade, and be located no closer than two feet from the plane of the curb line.
2. 
Total Sign Area for Building. The area of the awning/canopy copy shall be included in the maximum building sign area allowed for the business.
Awning Sign Dimensions
G. 
A-Board/Changeable Copy Sign/Portable Freestanding Signs.
1. 
Number and Location. One A-board or moveable changeable copy sign or portable freestanding sign per business shall be allowed; provided, that it shall not exceed six square feet per side, three feet in height, or two feet in width.
2. 
Location.
a. 
These signs may either be on premises or immediately off premises, and shall be taken inside each night. Off-premises signs must be within 30 feet of the subject business' location.
b. 
Signs shall not be located in any planter strip and shall not block sidewalks or present a safety hazard.
c. 
At least 36 inches of sidewalk clearance shall be required.
Board Sign Dimensions
H. 
Banner/Flag Exception. Banners, pennants, and flags may be allowed on a "permanent" basis, in which case they shall be included in the maximum total allowable sign area for a building or tenant lease space. The intent is to allow for small, attractive flags and pennants used by merchants downtown. Such signs may also be allowed on a temporary basis per EMC § 19.10.210, Temporary signs, in which case they would not count towards the total allowable sign area. Pole-supported banners are permitted in HCB and LI only per EMC § 19.10.210.
I. 
Service Island Exception. In the NB and GO zones, in addition to the other permitted signage, service islands shall be allowed one sign on the canopy fascia per street frontage, not to exceed 20 percent of the area of canopy fascia to which the sign is mounted. A portion of any freestanding sign may include an electronic changeable copy that includes one color on a black background.
J. 
Off-Premises Sign Exception. This exception may only be provided to buildings without street frontage. One off-premises sign shall be allowed on private property with proper consent of the owner of the property fronting the nearest public street. Written proof of consent shall be provided to the administrator, and the sign shall meet all other conditions of this chapter. No other exceptions or incentives shall be provided for such signs. See EMC § 19.10.210 for temporary off-premises signs.
(Ord. 2645 § 2, 2018)
Signs in the HCB and LI zoning districts shall comply with the standards set forth in this chapter. Where standards conflict, the more restrictive standards shall be used.
A. 
Wall Signs. See EMC § 19.10.180(B).
1. 
Size and Number for Single-Tenant Buildings. Wall signs shall be placed only on the street-facing facade(s) unless special approval is granted by the administrator. Multiple building signs may be used, but shall be consistent in appearance (size, color, spacing, style, illumination, etc.). Total building signage shall not exceed the following maximum sign size (as based on each street-facing facade):
Facade Area
Building Sign Size Maximum
0 – 199 sq. ft.
15% or 15 sq. ft., whichever is greater
200 – 499 sq. ft.
13% or 30 sq. ft., whichever is greater
500 – 999 sq. ft.
13% up to a 115 sq. ft. maximum
1,000 – 1,499 sq. ft.
12% up to a 150 sq. ft. maximum
1,500 – 2,999 sq. ft.
10% up to a 200 sq. ft. maximum
3,000 sq. ft. or greater
7% up to a 250 sq. ft. maximum
2. 
Size and Number for Multitenant Buildings. Wall signs should be of compatible size and style with one another. Building signs shall be placed only on the street-facing facade(s) unless special approval is granted by the administrator.
a. 
Tenants with One Street Front. One building sign shall be allowed per tenant lease space, not to exceed 10 percent of the tenant lease space facade.
b. 
Tenants with Multiple Street Fronts. Two building signs shall be allowed per tenant lease space. The primary facade sign shall not exceed 10 percent of the primary tenant lease space facade; the secondary facade sign shall be placed on the secondary facade and shall not exceed 10 percent of the secondary tenant lease space facade or the square footage allowable based on the primary facade, whichever is less.
3. 
Exceptions. Exceptions shall be considered when unusual facade design would result in significant practical difficulty in placing the sign as required in this chapter. The administrator may waive the requirement for the sign to be placed within 60 to 90 percent of the first-floor building facade only if warranted by extraordinary design, aesthetic placement, compatibility with the building, and compatibility with neighboring buildings.
B. 
Freestanding Signs.
1. 
Location. Signs shall be allowed when the building facade is set back from the public right-of-way and the sign can be installed on premises. Mounding below freestanding signs shall be prohibited unless approved by the administrator. All approved mounding shall include landscaping.
2. 
Number and Size. A maximum of one freestanding sign shall be allowed per development. Freestanding signs shall be either single- or double-sided. Maximum sign height shall be 12 feet, maximum sign width shall be eight feet, and maximum sign size shall be 36 square feet per side unless the sign qualifies for an incentive-based size allowance (see below).
3. 
State Route 410 Monument Sign. Businesses along Roosevelt Avenue (State Route 410) that are within the HCB or LI zoning districts are permitted a freestanding monument sign with a maximum size of 60 square feet per side if the sign is meets the incentives outlined in subsection (B)(4)(a) of this section.
4. 
Exceptions and Incentives.
a. 
Decorative Freestanding Sign Incentive. If the administrator finds a freestanding sign support structure to be extraordinarily decorative and complementary to the building and/or surrounding area, the administrator may choose not to include the support structure in calculating the sign's size. The "decorative support structure" is defined in EMC § 19.10.060(F)(2).
b. 
Monument Sign Incentive. The administrator may grant a 20 percent increase in sign face size for freestanding signs which are of monument design. The administrator may grant the increase in size after finding the proposed sign has an attractive base constructed of natural materials (stone, brick, wood), incorporates a significant landscape area around the base, is not internally lit, and uses diffuse lighting only. This incentive shall not be allowed in addition to any other incentive which increases the sign size.
c. 
Electronic Changeable Copy Signs. Electronic changeable copy signs shall be allowed in the HCB zoning district. For performance standards, refer to EMC § 19.10.160(D).
d. 
Projecting Signs. See EMC § 19.10.180(D).
e. 
Signs Suspended from Awnings. See EMC § 19.10.180(E).
f. 
Awning Signs. See EMC § 19.10.180(F).
g. 
A-Board/Changeable Copy Sign/Portable Freestanding Sign. See EMC § 19.10.180(G).
h. 
Service Island Exception. In the HCB and LI zones, in addition to the other permitted signage, service islands shall be allowed one sign on the canopy fascia per street frontage, not to exceed 20 percent of the area of canopy fascia to which the sign is mounted. A portion of any freestanding sign may include an electronic changeable copy that includes one color on a black background.
i. 
Off-Premises Sign Exception. See EMC § 19.10.180(J).
(Ord. 2645 § 2, 2018)
A. 
Review. Signs in the P, H, and GO-H zoning districts are required to follow the master sign plan process outlined in EMC § 19.10.090.
B. 
Size.
1. 
Signs in the P and H zoning districts shall not exceed the maximum sizes allowed in the HCB zone.
2. 
Signs in the GO-H zone shall be limited to wall, freestanding, and/or monument signs which shall not exceed the sign sizes allowed in the GO zone.
C. 
Electronic Changeable Copy Signs. Electronic changeable copy signs shall be allowed in the P zoning district. For performance standards, refer to EMC § 19.10.160(D).
(Ord. 2645 § 2, 2018)