The purpose of these sign regulations is to encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication in the city, to maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment and the city's ability to attract sources of economic development and growth, to improve pedestrian and traffic safety, to minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property, and to enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign restrictions. The ordinance codified in this chapter is adopted under the zoning authority of the city in furtherance of the more general purposes set forth in the zoning ordinance.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
This chapter regulates signs within the Rainier city limits which can be viewed from any public right-of-way by prescribing standards and restrictions for such signs. It provides for administration, requires permits and prescribes fees therefor, and provides for enforcement and remedies.
The signage covered within these regulations includes, but is not limited to, all industrial and commercial signs and wall graphics, all professional and business signs, all home business and home occupation signs, portable signs and other temporary signage, and any other signage that is intended to advertise or otherwise convey a commercial message.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
There is hereby adopted by reference the Uniform Sign Code, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, which provides for minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the quality of materials, construction, locations, electrification, and maintenance of all signs and sign structures not located within a building.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
The following definitions are to be used in interpreting the requirements of this chapter. Words and phrases not defined in this section but defined elsewhere in the zoning ordinance are to be given the meanings set forth in those sections of this title. Other words and phrases defined in this section may hold special meaning when referring to sign­age, and may differ slightly from definitions found elsewhere within the zoning ordinance. Where different and when applied to signage, the definitions set forth in this chapter take precedence over definitions found elsewhere in the zoning ordinance.
"Animated"
means any sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or create a special effect or scene.
"Awning/canopy"
means any sign that is part of or attached to a fabric or plastic awning, canopy or other structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window, or outdoor service area. Awnings may not project more than six feet or two-thirds of the distance from the face of the building to the roadway, whichever is less, and awnings may not extend to within two feet of any roadway.
"Balloon"
means an inflated object, generally helium-filled and tethered, which may or may not bear a commercial message or logo and which may or may not be shaped or colored to represent the logo or character of an advertiser, but which is more than three feet in circumference at the smallest point.
"Banner"
means a sign which is normally constructed of cloth, canvas, plastic, or similar material, and which does not have a rigid frame, the intent of which is for advertisement and not for decoration.
"Beacon"
means a light with one or more beams, whether stable or rotating, directed into the atmosphere or directed at one or more points not on the same premises as the light source, used for the purpose of conveying a commercial message.
"Billboard"
means an off-premises sign, regardless of size, which is visible to a state highway and is, therefore, regulated by the State of Oregon Motorist Information Act and Administrative Rules and Regulations. State law prohibited the issuance of permits for new off-premises (billboard) signs in 1975.
"Business identification, state defined 'B.I.D.'"
means an off-premises sign intended to direct the public toward a single business that is not visible from a state highway. Business identification signs require a state-issued permit and are limited to the name of a single business and the distance or direction to that business only. The sign must be located within three road miles of the business, cannot be located adjacent to an interstate or fully controlled access highway, and may not exceed 16 square feet on each side with no one panel dimension exceeding six feet (ORS 377.726 and OAR 734-60-005). City approval of the sign is required prior to application for a state business identification sign permit.
"Changeable copy"
means a sign or portion of sign with letters, characters or illustrations that can be manually changed or rearranged without altering the face or the surface of the sign, such as pricing signs at gas stations.
"Commercial message"
means any sign wording, logo or other representation that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises or calls attention to a business, product, service or other commercial activity.
"Directional"
means a sign which is designed and erected solely for the purpose of traffic or pedestrian direction and which is placed on the property to which or on which the public is directed.
"Electronic message center"
means a sign on which information such as the time, date and temperature changes automatically, or on which on-premises activities or advertisements are changed at intermittent intervals by electronic process or remote control.
"Flag"
means any fabric, banner or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision or other entity.
"Freestanding"
means any sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on or anchored in the ground and that are not attached to or forming part of a building.
"Home occupation"
means a single, unlighted sign, not to exceed six square feet per side, which is mounted at the doorway of the home or hangs from the home's eaves, porch or mailbox, and which is limited to the business name, address and number.
"Identification"
means a single, unlighted sign, not to exceed two square feet, which is mounted at the doorway of the building and is limited to the name, address and number of the building, institution or person, and to the activity carried on in the building or institution, or the occupancy of the person. (Separate from a "business identification sign," as defined by the state of Oregon.)
"Illegal"
means any sign for which:
1. 
There is no valid permit (where required);
2. 
The permit has expired and has not been renewed;
3. 
The permit has been revoked by the city;
4. 
The sign is in violation of the provisions of this chapter; or
5. 
Where the business activity on the premises is discontinued for a period of 90 days or more.
"Incidental"
means a single sign, not to exceed six square feet, that is generally informational and that has a purpose secondary to the use of the premises on which it is located, such as "no parking," "entrance," "loading only," "telephone," and other similar directives.
"Institution/institutional"
means a building occupied by an organization devoted to the promotion of a public cause, or a place for the care or confinement of people.
"Lawn"
means a single, unlighted, freestanding sign not to exceed eight square feet on one side, displayed for purposes such as privately endorsed political, social or religious statements or other noncommercial messages, which is placed on private property with the express consent of the property owner and which is of a temporary nature.
"Marker"
means a single, unlighted sign, not to exceed four square feet per face (two faces may round a corner), indicating the name of a building and date or other incidental information about its construction, generally cut into the masonry surface of the building or made of bronze or other permanent materials.
"Measurable area"
means the area within the outer boundaries of standard geometrical shapes (primarily squares, rectangles and circles) containing and defined by the extreme reaches of informational or graphic parts of the sign.
"Monument"
means a sign and supporting structure that has similar top and bottom dimensions and is attached to the ground or to its base on grade by a solid structure to give the appearance of a continuous mass, separated from any buildings or structures.
"Mounted"
means a sign that is affixed flush with a structural wall or other building surface.
"Murals/graphics"
means flat images painted or tiled directly on the wall of a building or other structural surface for the purpose of decoration or art.
"Noncommercial"
means bearing no form of commercial message.
"Nonconforming"
means a sign which was erected legally, but was erected prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, or at a later date, prior to the premises being annexed to the city, and which was constructed in accordance with the applicable laws in effect at the time of its construction, but which by reason of its size, height, location, design or construction is not in conformance with the requirements of this chapter.
"Off-premises"
means a sign that advertises goods, products, services or facilities, or the direction to any commercial entity, product, or person, not available at the location of the sign.
"On-premises"
means a sign that is located on some portion of the property actually occupied or used by the activity advertised on the sign (i.e., on the buildings, parking areas, storage areas and landscaped areas used for the activity); includes signs or sign devices indicating the business transacted, services rendered, goods sold or produced on the premises, name of the business, name of the person, firm, or corporation occupying the premises.
"Painted"
means a sign that is painted directly on and flush with a structural wall or other building surface.
"Pennant"
means any lightweight plastic, fabric or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind.
"Permanent"
means set on a foundation, sunk into the ground, fastened or painted in a manner of permanence.
"Pole"
means a freestanding sign that is supported by one or more poles and is otherwise separated from the building and the ground by air.
"Portable"
means any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to: signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs converted to A- or T-frames; menu and sandwich board signs; balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way, unless said vehicle is used in the normal, everyday operations of the business.
"Premises"
means a:
1. 
Legal lot;
2. 
Combination of contiguous legal lots under one ownership; or
3. 
Group of legal lots with common access, parking and signage.
If more than one definition applies to a group of lots, the choice of which definition applies shall be that of the owners(s) of the lots or the applicant representing the owner(s). Only one definition may be applied at one time to a group of lots.
"Principal structure"
means the structure or building where the principal use of the premises is conducted. While a premises may have multiple principal uses and multiple principal structures (such as in a business park or complex), storage buildings, garages and other clearly accessory buildings are not considered to be principal structures.
"Projecting or suspended"
means any sign affixed to a building overhang or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than six inches beyond the surface of the building or wall. Signage may not project more than five feet or two-thirds of the distance from the face of the building to the roadway, whichever is less, and signs may not extend to within two feet of any roadway. Signs extending over sidewalks, walkways or other spaces accessible to pedestrians must provide at least eight feet of clearance above the grade. Signs extending over driveways must provide at least 15 feet of clearance above the grade.
"Roof, integral"
means any sign erected or constructed as an integral or essentially integral part of a normal roof structure of any design, such that no part of the sign extends vertically above the highest portion of the roof and such that no part of the sign is separated from the rest of the roof by a space of more than six inches. A sign on a mansard roof is not a roof sign but is a wall sign if no more than an 18-foot projection.
"Roof, mounted"
means any sign erected and constructed wholly on and over the roof of a building, supported by the roof structure, and extending vertically above the highest portion of the roof.
"Sale/lease/rent"
means a sign which temporarily advertises the sale, lease or rent of property or possessions, and which is located on the premises where the property or possession is available. Sale/lease/rent signs may not exceed the maximum square footage allowed for other types of signs for the premises.
"Sign"
means any device, fixture, placard or structure that uses any color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol or writing to advertise, announce the purpose of, or identify the purpose of a person or entity, or to communicate information of any kind to the public.
"Snipe"
means a notice or advertisement posted on public property, such as telephone poles, trees and fences, or on private property, without the express consent of the property owner.
"Special event"
means a sign which announces or advertises an event or occurrence that will take place at and for a specified time, including:
1. 
A fair, expo, or rodeo;
2. 
A civic event; or
3. 
A commercial event.
"Street frontage"
means the distance, in linear feet, of the lot line or lines which abut the street or streets along which the main entrances to the primary structure of the premises are located. In determining allowable signage, the street frontage(s) most visible to the public will be used.
"Temporary"
means any sign which is not permanently mounted, installed or affixed to any sign structure or building, and is not displayed for longer than 90 days. In cases of construction project signs, they may be maintained for the duration of construction. In cases of sale/lease/rent signs, they may be maintained until the transaction is complete.
"Wall"
means any sign attached parallel to, but within six inches of, a wall, including a sign that is painted on the wall surface, and which is erected and confined within the limits of an outside wall of any building or structure.
"Window/door"
means any sign, picture, symbol or combination thereof, designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale or service, that is placed inside a window or upon the window panes or glass and is visible from the exterior of the window. Includes both permanent (paint or decal) and removable (paper) signage.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
The following types of signs are exempt from regulation under this chapter when calculating total square footage and total number of signs per premises. The terms under which exempt signs may be placed are set forth under RMC § 18.110.040, Definitions:
A. 
Signs that are clearly directional, flag, identification, incidental, lawn, marker, or sale/lease/rent signs;
B. 
Signs temporarily placed inside the window or door of a commercial or industrial building to display pricing or products;
C. 
Any sign inside a building, not attached to a window or door, not legible from a distance of three feet beyond the public right-of-way nearest the premises on which it is located;
D. 
Repealed by Ord. 1056;
E. 
Temporary holiday lights and other types of decorations bearing no commercial message;
F. 
Any sign, public notice or warning required by a valid and applicable federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance, including that portion of a sign which conveys gas station pricing and lottery signs;
G. 
Traffic control signs on private property, the faces of which meet ODOT standards and which contain no commercial message of any sort.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
All signs not expressly permitted or listed as exempt under this chapter are prohibited within city limits. The following types of signs are prohibited at all times, with words and terms interpreted as set forth under RMC § 18.110.040, Definitions:
A. 
Beacons, strobe lights or reflectors;
B. 
External strings of lights not intended for temporary decoration;
C. 
Repealed by Ord. 1056;
D. 
Repealed by Ord. 1056;
E. 
Flashing or moving signs, except for electronic message centers;
F. 
Signs that emit any audible sound, odor or visible matter;
G. 
Snipe signs;
H. 
Signs that obstruct free and clear vision of pedestrian or auto travel;
I. 
Signs that block other signs or premises;
J. 
Signs containing statements, words, pictures or symbols of an obscene or offensive nature, or which depict or advertise illegal activities;
K. 
Signs which do not conform with all of the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
A sign may be erected, placed, established, painted, created or maintained in the city only in conformance with the standards, procedures, exemptions and other requirements of this chapter. Permissible signs are detailed on the following tables:
A. 
Permissible Signs by Type and District (Table 1)[1]. Table 1 presents an overview of permanent and temporary signs allowed within city limits. Information is provided according to sign type and to the district in which the premises is located.
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 1 Permissible Signs by Type and District is included as an attachment to this title.
B. 
Number, Size and Location of Permanent Signs by Type and District (Tables 2A and 2B). Tables 2A and 2B outline the requirements for the number of permanent signs allowed per site, sign size and height restrictions, and sign placement restrictions. Information is provided according to sign type and to the district in which the premises is located.
1. 
Table 2A sets forth sign standards for residential (R-3) and all institutional properties[2].
[2]
Editor's Note: Table 2A Sign Code Placement Standards-Residential, Institutional is included as an attachment to this title.
2. 
Table 2B sets forth sign standards for all commercial and industrial properties[3].
[3]
Editor's Note: Table 2B Sign Code Placement Standards-Commercial, Industrial is included as an attachment to this title.
C. 
Signs on or Visible to State Highway 30 (Table 3[4]). Signs which are located on or visible to travelers on State Highway 30 are subject to the regulations and permit requirements of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Where the regulations of the state and city differ, the more restrictive regulations shall apply. State Highway 30 standards and restrictions are set forth in the 1993 Motorist Information Act, ORS 377.700 through 377.992, and are summarized in Table 3.
[4]
Editor's Note: Table 3 Signs on or Visible to State Highway 30 is included as an attachment to this title.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
A. 
All signs are to be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and with the applicable provisions of the Uniform Building Code and the city's building and electrical codes.
B. 
Design Review. Signs requiring a permit will be subject to design review when the construction or erection of the sign is associated with new multifamily, commercial, institutional or industrial construction, as required under Chapter 18.145 RMC. Design review will be for the purpose of ensuring that all signage being proposed fully complies with the provisions of this chapter.
C. 
Sign Construction. With the exception of temporary signage and other signs normally constructed of lesser materials, all signs shall be constructed of permanent materials and shall be permanently attached to the ground, a building, or some other permanent structure, by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame, or other solid structure.
D. 
Computation of Sign Area and Height. The following standards control the computation of sign area and sign height:
1. 
Maximum Total Sign Area. Standards for the maximum total area of all signs on one premises are outlined on Tables 2A and 2B. Signs which do not require a permit are not subject to the total sign area standards shown on the tables, but must conform with the size requirements outlined elsewhere within this chapter.
2. 
Individual Sign Area. The area of a sign face (which is also the sign area of a wall sign or other sign with only one face) is computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle or combination of geometrics that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework, bracing or decorative fence or wall when such fence or wall otherwise meets zoning ordinance regulations and is clearly incidental to the sign itself.
3. 
Multifaced Sign Area. The sign area for a sign with more than one face is computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from any one point. When two identical sign faces are placed back-to-back so that both faces cannot be viewed from any point at the same time, and when such sign faces are part of the same sign structure and are not more than 42 inches apart, the sign area is computed by the measurement of one of the faces.
4. 
Height. The height of a sign is computed as the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. Normal grade is the lower of the existing grade prior to construction or the newly established grade after construction, excluding any filling, berming, mounding or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign.
E. 
Lighting. The light intensity of an illuminated sign must conform to or be less than the accepted standards of the sign industry, as provided by the Oregon Electric Sign Association.
Lighting, when permitted, may never:
1. 
Be of such intensity that it interferes with or impairs the vision of the driver of a motor vehicle, or otherwise interferes with any driver's operation of a motor vehicle;
2. 
Attempt or appear to attempt to direct the movement of traffic by interfering with, imitating or resembling any official traffic sign, signal or device;
3. 
Blink, flash, flutter, revolve, or move in any manner (except for lights on electronic message centers, as long as the display does not blink, flash or flutter);
4. 
Be placed in a manner which causes a nuisance to any residents or future residents of adjacent residentially zoned property within 200 feet of the sign, nuisance being defined as lights of such intensity that they may interfere with the peaceful occupancy of the home; or
5. 
Reflect glare or unwanted illumination to adjacent properties or roadways.
F. 
Maintenance. All signs, including the supports, braces, guys and anchors for a sign, must be maintained in good structural and aesthetic condition at all times, in compliance with all building and electrical codes and in conformance with the provisions of this chapter. Signs must be kept free from rust, corrosion, peeling paint, or other surface deterioration and must be maintained in a safe condition. Display surfaces must be kept neatly painted or posted, with all intended lettering or symbols clearly visible and unbroken at all times.
Illuminated signs must be maintained at all times to ensure that:
1. 
Bare light bulbs are not visible due to broken sign coverings or other materials intended to shield the bulbs from direct view;
2. 
Electrical wiring and bulb fixtures are safely installed and maintained and protected from exposure or general access;
3. 
All sockets contain light bulbs or other lighting fixtures and there are no burned-out bulbs or fixtures.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
No private sign may be placed on public property, nor may any sign be placed on private property without the express authorization of the property owner.
No sign is allowed within the public right-of-way, except for: public signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental body to post legal notices, identify public property, convey public information, and direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular traffic; bus stop signs erected by a public transit company; informational signs of a public utility regarding its poles, lines, pipes or facilities; and awnings, projecting signs or suspended signs which extend into the air space of the public right-of-way, but which leave a minimum of eight feet of vertical clearance over that right-of-way.
No sign may be placed in a manner which:
1. 
Prevents the driver of a vehicle from having a clear and unobstructed view of traffic or directional signs, merging traffic, or pedestrians;
2. 
Obstructs the vision of any pedestrian; or
3. 
Interferes with clear vision onto another premises or its property, including legal signage placed on the other premises.
No sign may interfere with the safe and efficient use of off-street parking and loading areas, including aisles and access driveways.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
No sign may violate the clear sidewalk standards of the Oregon Department of Transportation in regard to the minimum requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure safe, attractive and convenient pedestrian facilities:
A. 
The standard width for sidewalks without obstructions is five feet. This is the total clear distance, exclusive of curb.
B. 
Sidewalks must be clear of all obstructions: street furniture, sign posts, utility poles, mailboxes, parking meters, fire hydrants, and trees. If obstructions are present, a full five-foot sidewalk clear width is required around the obstruction.
C. 
An additional two-foot shy distance is required from vertical barriers such as buildings in commercial areas, sound walls, retaining walls and fences.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
Freestanding and projecting/suspended signs must be spaced an adequate distance from each other to allow for each sign to be read by passing travelers with relative ease, free from distraction or obstruction.
A. 
Commercial/Industrial Districts. Freestanding signs must be a minimum of 100 feet apart from each other; projecting or suspended signs must be a minimum of 50 feet apart from each other.
B. 
Central Business District (CBD). Freestanding signs must be a minimum of 50 feet apart from each other; projecting or suspended signs must be a minimum of 25 feet apart from each other.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
The design and erection of any sign must be done in consideration of the need to provide sign­age which is harmonious in appearance and legibility, and signage which provides the maximum opportunity for each use or tenant to be advertised. There are generally three types of common signage: directories, business complex signs, and shared signs.
A. 
Directories. Directories are generally for separate businesses which are in very close proximity to one another, such as a row of businesses accessible from one alley, walkway or parking area.
B. 
Business Complex Signs. Business complex signs are for the identification of a named business park or center where there are three or more uses or tenants on one parcel who will jointly advertise on a sign.
C. 
Shared Signs. Shared signs are for two uses or tenants who share an area, such as an upper and lower floor of the same building or separate sides of a double storefront.
Where more than one use or tenant occupies the same parcel, a business complex sign or directory must be erected to advertise all uses and tenants on the parcel.
Where uses or tenants are on closely adjoining parcels, or where businesses share a common wall on adjoining parcels, directories, business complex signs and shared signs are strongly encouraged to minimize the number of signs erected and to ensure clear visibility between adjoining signs.
A directory, business complex sign or shared sign may be granted additional square footage in sign area when its presence eliminates the need for one or more individual signs, as shown on Tables 2A and 2B. Tenants advertising on a common sign may also advertise on a wall, door or awning at the immediate entrance to their businesses up to the allowable square footage shown on Tables 2A and 2B. Under no circumstances can the use of a common sign increase the total square footage that would be allowed for all participating businesses had they advertised on individual signs. Additional sign height is not allowed for common signage.
A common signage plan must be submitted to and approved by the city for all directories, business complex signs and shared signs. Upon approval, the businesses will be issued a common signage permit which is the master permit for sign­age for those businesses. Each new business replacing or adding to copy on a sign under a common signage permit must update the signage plan and pay the fee for a face change only. Ownership and financial arrangements for sharing the costs to construct the sign, obtain permits, maintain or change the sign are the sole responsibility of the owner of the business complex and/or those businesses who will advertise on the sign.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
Sign permits are required for all signs so designated by city or state regulation, as defined in this chapter and as indicated in Table 1[1] of this chapter. If any sign requiring a permit is to be erected, placed, constructed, modified, moved or replaced, the owner or agent of the premises on which the sign is located must apply for and obtain a valid permit in accordance with the procedures outlined in this section.
A sign permit must be obtained for all signs required to have a permit when no permit for the sign has been previously issued. A sign permit application and site plan must be filed with the city at no cost to the owner to obtain a valid permit for permanent and temporary signage which is in place at the time this chapter is adopted. Permits for existing signage may be obtained at the time of, or prior to, but no later than the first business license renewal following adoption of this chapter.
When required by the Uniform Building Code or the building inspector, a separate building permit must be obtained for the erection, construction, modification, relocation, replacement, change of sign face, or alteration of a sign or sign structure.
When required by the State Electrical Code or the building inspector, an electrical permit must be obtained from the issuing authority before connecting an electrical sign to a source of electricity. The electrical components of any sign must meet applicable electrical standards.
All required permits may be applied for at the same time; however, building permits and electrical permits may not be issued until a sign permit has been issued.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 1 Permissible Signs by Type and District is included as an attachment to this title.
A permanent sign permit must be applied for and obtained for all new and existing permanent signs requiring a permit, as indicated in Table 1[1] of this chapter. Permanent sign permits will be recertified, at no additional cost, with the annual business license. Once issued, a permit becomes null and void if:
A. 
The terms under which it was issued change and the sign is in violation of this chapter; or
B. 
The approved work is not substantially underway and in full compliance with the terms under which it was approved within 90 days from the date of the permit.
If a permit is voided under either of the above circumstances, the permit must be renewed. The fee to renew a permit is one-half of the original fee; provided, that no changes have been made to the original plans.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 1 Permissible Signs by Type and District is included as an attachment to this title.
A common signage plan and permit is required (in lieu of other permits) when more than one business, tenant or use will be displayed on a single sign. The terms for a common signage permit are the same as those for permanent signs.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
A new permanent sign permit is required for a sign required to have a permit which is intended to be substantially modified, replaced or relocated. In an emergency, where health or safety is threatened, repairs may begin without first applying for a new permit; however, a new permit must be applied for within 48 hours of the first working day of repairs.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
Commercial, industrial, residential, public, and quasi-public uses and mixed-use developments (commercial combined with multifamily residential) may display event signage in compliance with the following regulations. These regulations apply to use of signs for grand opening events or for periodic special events. This section does not apply to those signs and displays that are listed in RMC § 18.110.050, Exempt signs. Temporary and special event signs are subject to the same setback and clearance requirements that are applicable to other signs and shall not cause a hazard to public safety or block the visibility of motorists.
(Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
A temporary sign permit must be applied for and obtained for all new and existing temporary signs requiring a permit, as indicated in Table 4[1] of this chapter. Temporary permits are valid for a maximum of 60 consecutive calendar days for long-term events and seven consecutive calendar days for short-term events. If the sign is fully removed from public view within 10 days of the end of the permit period, the applicant may apply for and receive reimbursement of a portion of the permit deposit.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 4 Temporary/Special Event Signs is included as an attachment to this title.
A special event sign permit must be applied for and obtained before any signs, posters or banners larger than 32 square feet or greater than six feet in height may be displayed announcing a special event. In compliance with the standards for signs on or visible to State Highway 30:
A. 
A special event sign permit is valid for a maximum of 60 consecutive calendar days for a long-term special event and seven consecutive calendar days for a short-term event.
B. 
Repealed by Ord. 1056.
C. 
When all materials are fully removed within 10 calendar days after the last day of the event, the applicant may apply for and receive reimbursement of the permit deposit.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
A. 
Application and Approval Process. A sign permit application must be obtained from the city, completed in full, signed and returned with the required fee and all required information before processing will begin. Sign permit applications will be reviewed and approved, approved with conditions, or denied by the city within 30 days of submission.
Approved permanent sign placement permits are valid for six months. If authorized work is not completed within six months of the signed permit, the permit will expire and a new application and fee must be submitted to the city. In cases where the delay is caused by circumstances over which the sign owner has no control, the planning commission may authorize up to one six-month extension of the permit. A permit may be revoked by the planning commission where there has been a violation of the provisions of this chapter or a misrepresentation of fact on the permit application materials.
B. 
Application Requirements for Permanent Signs. Applications for permanent signs must be accompanied by:
1. 
The appropriate fee, as adopted by ordinance;
2. 
Clear photographs of all existing signage;
3. 
An accurate plot plan of the premises, at a scale that is appropriate for the plan and which indicates:
a. 
The location of all principal structures, parking lots, driveways, main entrance(s) to the premises, and landscaping;
b. 
The number, type and location of each existing sign on the premises and on properties adjoining at all property lines; and
c. 
The number, type and location of each proposed new or modified sign;
4. 
A proposed sign plan, which includes:
a. 
The dimensions of each sign, including the sign area in square feet, the height of each sign, and the total square footage of all signage combined;
b. 
The lot frontage and wall dimensions used in determining allowable sign area;
c. 
A description of the color, materials, lettering or graphic style, source and intensity of lighting (if any), and any other prominent features of all signs;
d. 
Sign wording, symbols, logos or other graphics; and
e. 
Construction drawings indicating the size of footings, anchorages and welds;
5. 
Proof of a current city business license; and
6. 
Information about the sign contractor, electrical contractor, or other party who will construct the sign.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
Fees for sign permits are set forth within the current fee schedule adopted by city ordinance. All fees must be paid in full before the city will issue any sign permit.
Permit fees are doubled if any sign is erected (including excavation) or changed prior to issue of required permit.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
Signs subject to structural permits and electrical permits will be inspected upon construction in accordance with standard building and electrical inspection procedures.
The city public works superintendent will inspect all newly permitted signs within the first six months after issuance of a sign permit, and at any time deemed necessary by the city for verification of:
A. 
A valid permit;
B. 
Full compliance with the terms of sign approval; and
C. 
Reported violations of the provisions of this chapter. Inspection findings will be written directly on or attached to the city's copy of the sign permit, and will become a part of the city's permanent record.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
Any sign for which one or more of the following circumstances are present shall be deemed an illegal sign:
A. 
There is no valid permit (where required);
B. 
The permit has expired and has not been renewed;
C. 
The permit has been revoked by the city;
D. 
The sign is in violation of the provisions of this chapter; or
E. 
The business activity on the premises has been vacated or discontinued for a period of 30 days or more.
Illegal signs must be removed or made valid by the sign's owner within 10 days of written notice by the city, or the sign will be forfeited.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
Any sign which was erected legally, but was erected prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, or at a later date, when the premises was annexed to the city, and which was constructed in accordance with the applicable laws in effect at the time of its construction, but which by reason of its size, height, location, design or construction is not in conformance with the requirements of this chapter, shall be deemed a nonconforming sign.
A nonconforming sign may remain in place and be maintained for a period ending no later than five years from the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter; provided, that no action is taken which increases the degree or extent of the nonconformity. A nonconforming sign will either be eliminated or made to conform with the provisions of this chapter when:
A. 
A new use occupies the premises, after the premises has been vacated longer than 18 months from its last occupancy;
B. 
Any proposed change, repair or maintenance would constitute an expense of more than 25 percent of the lesser of the original value or replacement value of the sign;
C. 
The sign is to be replaced or relocated; or
D. 
The five-year amortization period has ended.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
The planning commission may approve a two-to-five-year extension of the amortization period when a hardship is clearly demonstrated by the sign owner. To apply for an extension, the sign owner must present written evidence that the following criteria are met:
A. 
The sign must have been erected legally and constructed in accordance with the applicable laws in effect at the time of its construction.
B. 
It must be clearly shown that elimination or renovation of the sign to bring it into compliance within the five-year amortization period will cause extreme hardship or substantial loss to the owner due to the age of the sign, the cost of the sign, or the type of sign; or
C. 
Other circumstances are present which the planning commission deem sufficient hardship to justify a reasonable extension of the amortization period.
Generally, signs which are less than 15 years old on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter and which would require a disproportionate capital expenditure to replace or renovate may be eligible for an extension. Under no circumstances will the amortization period for a nonconforming sign be extended more than 10 years beyond the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
Signs of historic significance or signs which may otherwise qualify for a variance from the provisions of this chapter must be reviewed through the formal public hearing process, in accordance with the variance procedures outlined in Chapter 18.135 RMC.
An administrative variance may be granted by the planning director for the relief of up to 10 percent from one standard without the need for the formal variance process.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)
Any sign found to be in violation with the provisions of this chapter will be forfeited to the city and subject to confiscation. In addition to other remedies described within Chapter 18.180 RMC, the city will have the right to recover from the responsible party the full cost of removing and disposing a confiscated sign. If a valid permit is in effect at the time of violation, the city reserves the right to revoke the permit and to deny renewal unless and until the sign is brought into full compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.13), 1998; Ord. 1056 (Exh. I), 2010)