Chapter 19.06 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish dimensional standards for development. These standards are established to provide flexibility in project design and promote high-quality development within the city.

Density Standards. Minimum and maximum densities can be found in Chapter 19.03 GFMC.

Setback Height and Coverage Standards. Chapter 19.03 GFMC sets forth the required development standards for the zones.

Setback Measurement. A setback is measured from the edge of a street right-of-way, access easement or private road. Where there is no street right-of-way, access easement or private road, a setback is measured from the property line.

Designation of Required Setbacks. All lots except pipestem lots must contain at least one front yard setback. All lots must contain one rear yard setback except for corner, through, and pipestem lots. All other setbacks will be considered interior yard setbacks.

Corner Lots. If a lot abuts the intersection of two or more street rights-of-way, a front yard setback is required abutting each right-of-way.

Through Lots. In the case of a through lot, a front yard setback is required abutting each street right-of-way.

Front Yard Setback Averaging. Averaging may be used to reduce a front yard setback requirement when a principal building has been established on an adjacent lot with less than the standard required setback. This provision shall not apply if the adjacent lot has received a reduced setback based upon a discretionary land use approval. This exception shall be calculated as follows:

Averaging shall be calculated by adding the existing front yard setbacks of the adjacent lots together and dividing that figure by two.

When an adjacent lot is vacant, averaging shall be calculated by adding the front yard setback of the adjacent developed lot with the minimum front yard setback of the zone in which the construction is proposed and dividing that figure by two.

Slopes. If the topography of a lot is such that the minimum front yard setback line is eight feet or more above the street grade, and there is no reasonable way to construct a driveway up to the dwelling unit level, a garage/carport may be built into the bank and set at least five feet back from the right-of-way.

Accessory Structures – Interior Yard Exception. Detached one-story accessory structures may occupy 25 percent of the total area of a side yard (that portion of the yard exclusive of required setbacks).

Accessory Structures – Rear Yard Exception. Detached one-story accessory structures may occupy 50 percent of the total area of a rear yard and shall maintain a minimum five-foot setback, except in the DT-2,500 zones.

Bus Shelters. Bus shelters for school district or transit authority purposes may be located within a front yard setback when located on private property if they do not exceed 50 square feet of floor area and one story in height, provided all applicable site distance requirements are met.

Projection Exception.

Fireplace structures, bay or garden windows, enclosed stair landings, ornamental features, or similar structures may project into any setback, provided such projections are:

Limited to two per required yard.

Not wider than 10 feet.

Not more than 18 inches into a side yard setback or two feet into a rear yard setback.

Not more than three feet into a front yard setback.

Uncovered porches and decks which do not exceed 33 inches from finished lot grade may project into any setback, provided such projections do not extend more than six feet into a front yard setback or 18 inches into a side yard setback.

Wheelchair ramps may project into any required setback.

Rear Yards – Exception. In the case of triangular or otherwise irregularly shaped lots, a line 10 feet in length entirely within the lot, parallel to and at a maximum distance from the front lot line, may be considered the "rear lot line."

Height Standards. (See Figure 1 set forth in subsection (D)(2) of this section for measuring building heights.)

Measurement. The height of a fence located on a rockery, retaining wall, or berm shall be measured from the top of the fence to the ground on the high side of the rockery, retaining wall, or berm.

Walls, fences, and berms up to three feet in height may be located on any part of a lot. Open fences may be up to four feet in height.

Walls, fences and berms up to six feet in height may be located to the rear of the front wall line of the principal residence unless otherwise determined to provide a site distance hazard by the building inspector.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to fences required by state law to surround public utility installations, or to fences enclosing school grounds and public playgrounds. A building permit shall be required for construction of any wall or fence over six feet in height located within the city.

Exceptions. Height standards shall not apply to the following:

Church spires, belfries, domes, chimneys, antennas, satellite dishes, ventilation stacks, or similar structures, provided the structure is set back from all property lines a distance equal to the height of the structure.

Rooftop Mechanical Equipment. All rooftop mechanical equipment may extend 10 feet above the height limit of the zone, provided all equipment is set back 10 feet from the edge of the roof.

Utility towers are subject to review of site location.

Utility poles are limited to 30 feet in height unless the designated official determines that there is a special circumstance.

Figure 1 – Building Height Measurement

General Development Standards.

Existing Lot – Single-Family Dwelling Permitted. In any zone that permits a single-family dwelling unit, a single-family dwelling unit and permitted accessory structures may be constructed or enlarged on one lot which cannot satisfy the density requirements of the zone where the lot was legally created prior to the effective date of this regulation. This section shall not waive the requirements for setbacks and height of the zone in which the lot is located.

Combining Lots – Interior Yard Setback Exception. Where two or more lots are used as a building site and where principal buildings cross lot lines, interior yard setbacks shall not be required from those lot lines crossed by the principal building.

Legally Created Lots – Development Permitted Proof.

Development shall be permitted only on legally created lots.

To establish that a lot has been legally created, the applicant must provide one of the following:

A copy of formal plat, short plat, or large lot subdivision approved by Granite Falls separately describing the lot.

A copy of the boundary line adjustment or lot combination separately describing the lot.

Documentation that the creation of the lot was exempt from the provisions of the subdivision title.

A deed, contract of sale, mortgage, recorded survey, or tax segregation that separately describes the lot.

Pipestem (Flag) Lots. Pipestem (flag) lots are allowed in the R-2.3, R-9,600 and R-7,200 zones. Pipestem (flag) lots may be approved subject to the criteria provided in this code.

Bulkheads and Retaining Walls. Any structure constructed and erected between lands of different elevations used to resist the lateral displacement of any material, control erosion, or protect structures may be placed within required setbacks to a maximum height of six feet, provided all applicable site distance requirements are met.

Development Standards for All Pipestem (Flag) Lots. All pipestem (flag) lots, irrespective of when platted, shall meet the following standards, subject to site plan review:

All development of principal residences, accessory dwellings, garages, sheds, and other structures shall be built within the required setbacks.

The "building area" within the setbacks shall be large enough to accommodate a 40-foot-diameter building circle to ensure that the shape of the lot is adequate to support development that results in attractive, usable open spaces.

The perimeter treatment of the lot including the driveway portion may include fencing or landscaping to screen the development from adjacent properties.

The maximum length of a "flag" shall be 200 feet.

Sanitary Sewer Connection. All new developments requiring sanitary sewer facilities must connect to a public sewer system if the system is within 200 feet of the property line. If not within 200 feet, the development must connect at the time that public sewer becomes available to any property served by a private sewage disposal system. This connection must be made within 90 days of sewer availability.

Any existing septic system that fails to meet Snohomish health district standards must be repaired or replaced within 90 days of failure.

§ 19.06.015 Calculations – Allowable dwelling units.

Stormwater Drainage and Water Quality. All development shall comply with the Department of Ecology's 2005 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington and revisions thereto.

(Ord. 740 § 1 (Exh. A), 2007; Ord. 905 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 1069, 2025; Ord. 1070 § 7, 2026)

Permitted number of dwelling units or lots shall be determined as follows:

Dwelling Units/Lots or Units per Acre. The allowed dwelling units or lots per acre is calculated as follows:

Step 1: Calculate the net acreage by using the "net project area" definition in GFMC § 19.02.140, "N" definitions.

Step 2: Multiply the net acreage by the units or lots per acre allowed by the underlying zone as set forth in Chapter 19.03 GFMC.

Step 3: When calculations result in a fraction, the fraction shall be rounded to the nearest whole number as follows:

Fractions of 0.50 or above shall be rounded up; and

Fractions below 0.50 shall be rounded down.

The provisions in subsection (A) of this section apply to lots to be subdivided. Existing, legal lots under GFMC § 19.04D.065 and reasonable use lots under GFMC § 19.07.020(D) are not subject to the calculation above.

(Ord. 1070 § 8, 2026)

§ 19.06.020 Landscaping and screening.

Purpose. The city recognizes the ecological, aesthetic, and economic value that landscaping offers and requires its use to:

Promote the distinct character, quality of life, and pattern of development desired by the community, as expressed in the city's comprehensive plan;

Maintain and protect property values;

Enhance the visual appearance of the city;

Ensure compatibility of new development with surrounding properties;

Provide visual relief from large expanses of parking areas and reduce the perceived scale of buildings;

Establish physical separation between residential and nonresidential areas;

Create visual screens and buffers to provide transitions between differing land uses;

Preserve and enhance the Granite Falls urban forest;

Preserve and integrate existing vegetation and significant trees into site design; and

Reduce stormwater runoff pollution, temperature, and volume.

Applicability. The provisions of this section apply to all uses of land subject to site plan or architectural design review, the construction or placement of any duplex or multifamily structure containing three or more attached dwelling units, any new subdivision or manufactured/mobile home park, and the construction or expansion of any commercial or industrial structure or associated parking facility; provided, that specific landscaping provisions for uses established through a conditional use permit shall be determined during the applicable review process.

Landscape Plan Submittal Requirements. A plan of the proposed landscaping and screening of projects subject to this section shall be provided as part of the application and shall contain the following:

The footprint of all structures;

All parking areas and driveways;

All pedestrian areas, including sidewalks and walkways;

The location, height, and materials for proposed fences and walls;

Identification of existing trees;

The common and scientific names and diameter or size of all plant materials proposed;

Identification of tree protection techniques; and

Location of all overhead utility and/or communication lines and street signs.

Alternative Landscaping. The designated official may authorize the following alternative landscape options to protect public safety, on-site critical areas and associated buffers and to accommodate unique or historical features of the site only if they accomplish equal or better levels of screening, comply with the intent of this chapter, or:

The proposed landscaping represents a superior result than that which would be achieved by strictly following requirements of this section; or

The alternative plan incorporates the increased retention of significant trees and naturally occurring undergrowth; or

The alternative plan incorporates unique, historic or architectural features such as plazas, courts, fountains, trellises, or sculptures.

An existing structure precludes installation of the total amount of required site perimeter landscaping, such landscaping material shall be incorporated on another portion of the site;

Existing conditions on or adjacent to the site, such as significant topographic differences, vegetation, structures or utilities, would render application of this chapter ineffective or result in scenic view obstruction;

The width of any required perimeter landscaping may be averaged, provided the minimum width is not less than five feet.

Preservation of Significant Trees and Vegetation.

The city of Granite Falls shall assume jurisdiction and implementation of the Class IV Forest Practices Act as defined by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Significant trees, which include evergreen and/or deciduous trees, excluding alders or cottonwoods, 10 inches in diameter or greater measured at a point four and one-half feet above existing grade, shall be retained as follows:

Perimeter landscaped areas that do not constitute a safety hazard shall be retained.

At the discretion of the designated official, the applicant shall be required to hire a certified arborist to evaluate trees proposed for retention, including those located within native growth protection area (NGPA) tracts (specifically along the fringes) or other areas as identified. The arborist shall make a written recommendation to the planning department with regard to the treatment of the treed area. In the event of an immediate hazard, this requirement shall be waived.

To provide the best protection for significant trees or areas of native vegetation designated as landscape buffer during the construction stage, a temporary five-foot-high, orange clearing limits construction fence shall be erected in a line generally corresponding to the drip line of any significant tree to be retained, or five feet wide around native vegetation to be retained. Clearing, grading or contour alteration is not permitted within this no construction zone unless a qualified arborist certifies that proposed construction activity within the zone will not harm existing vegetation. All such fencing shall be installed and inspected by the community development department prior to commencement of site work.

At the discretion and approval of designated official, where it is not feasible and/or desirable to retain the significant trees, the applicant may propose a planting plan on an alternative site or area, or payment into the city tree fund, that provides effective replacement of the functions and/or value lost through removal of the significant trees.

Significant trees removed shall be replaced at a ratio of one replacement tree for every significant tree removed. The type, species, and location of the replacement trees shall be subject to approval by the designated official. Replacement deciduous trees shall be a minimum of two inches in diameter measured at a point two feet above the existing ground at the time of planting. Conifer replacement trees shall be a minimum of six feet in height at the time of planting.

The designated official may authorize the exclusion of any tree which for reasons of health, age or site development is not desirable to retain.

The designated official may also determine a tree to be significant due to the uniqueness of the species or to protect a wildlife habitat.

If the grade level adjoining a tree to be retained is altered such that the tree might be endangered, then a dry rock wall or rock well shall be constructed around the tree. The diameter of this wall or well must be approximately the diameter of the "drip line" of the tree.

Hard surface or compactible surfaces within the area defined by the drip line of any tree to be retained may be permitted if a qualified arborist certifies that such activities will not endanger the tree or trees.

Retention of other existing vegetation that is equal to or better than available nursery stock is strongly encouraged.

Significant trees located within a designated critical area or its associated buffer shall not be removed except where the tree poses an immediate and demonstrable threat to public safety, private property, or existing structures. In such cases, removal shall not occur without prior written approval from the designated official.

Description of Screens and Landscape Types. The following four basic types of landscaping are hereby established and are used as the basis for requirements outlined in Table 1. Compliance for vegetative screens shall be based on the average mature height and foliage density of the species, or on field observation of existing vegetation.

Type I – Opaque Screen. An opaque screen shall be provided from the ground to a minimum height of six feet, with intermittent visual obstructions extending from the opaque portion to a minimum height of 20 feet. The purpose of a Type I screen is to exclude visual contact between incompatible uses and create a strong impression of spatial separation. The screen may include use of a landscaped earth berm, planted vegetation, or existing vegetation. The opaque portion shall remain opaque in all seasons. Intermittent visual obstructions shall not contain openings greater than 10 feet in width at maturity. Deciduous plants may be used in the intermittent visual obstruction zone.

Type II – Semi-Opaque Screen. A semi-opaque screen shall be opaque from the ground to a minimum height of three feet, with intermittent visual obstructions extending from above the opaque portion to a minimum height of 20 feet. The purpose of a Type II screen is to partially block visual contact between uses while maintaining the perception of spatial separation. The screen may include use of a landscaped earth berm, planted vegetation, or existing vegetation. Intermittent visual obstructions shall not contain openings greater than 10 feet in width at maturity. Deciduous plants may be used in the intermittent visual obstruction zone.

Type III – Broken Screen. A broken screen shall consist of intermittent visual obstructions from the ground to a minimum height of 20 feet. The purpose of a Type III screen is to create the perception of separation between spaces without fully obstructing visual contact. The screen may include use of a landscaped earth berm, planted vegetation, or existing vegetation. Deciduous plants may be incorporated.

Type IV – Retention/Detention Pond Landscaping. Landscaping shall provide visual relief by reducing sight lines visible from public rights-of-way. Landscaping shall include all visible perimeter areas, including side slopes and benches, adjacent to the right-of-way. Planting areas shall have a minimum width of five feet along the right-of-way and may contain no more than 30 percent deciduous plantings to maintain pond function and reduce maintenance requirements. Landscaped areas shall be located outside of walls or fences, except for side slopes or benches within fenced areas.

The designated official may interpret these screening and landscaping requirements with some flexibility. Due to the wide variety of developments and the relationships between them, it is neither possible nor prudent to establish inflexible screening requirements. Therefore, the designated official may employ minor administrative deviations to allow less intensive screening, or more intensive screening, whenever such deviations are more likely to satisfy the intent of this section.

Required Buffers and Screening.

Table 1
Proposed Use	Adjacent Use	Width of Buffer	Type of Buffer
Commercial	Property designated residential by the Granite Falls comprehensive plan	15 feet	Type I (1)
Commercial, industrial, multifamily and business park parking areas and drive aisles	Public right-of-way and private access roads	10 feet	Type III
Residential or industrial	Hwy 92/Quarry Road	See subsection (H) of this section
Industrial and business parks	Property designated residential by the Granite Falls comprehensive plan	25 feet	Type I (1)
Apartment, townhouse, or group residence	Property designated low density by the Granite Falls comprehensive plan	10 feet	Type I (1)
Storm water management facility		5 feet	Type IV (2)
Dumpster enclosure, waste area or above ground utility boxes		5 feet	Type I
WCF and/or base station not in ROW	Property designated residential by the Granite Falls comprehensive plan	10 feet	Type I (1)

Notes:
(1) Plus a six-foot sight-obscuring fence or wall.
(2) Dual use retention/detention facilities designed with emphasis as a recreation area, not a storm water control structure, are exempt from the screening requirements.

Highway 92/Quarry Road Landscaping. All residential zoned properties adjoining Highway 92/Quarry Road shall provide and maintain a landscape buffer along the property line abutting Highway 92/Quarry Road.

The required buffer shall be located between any fencing and the highway right-of-way and shall be designed to create a dense visual screen separating development from the highway corridor.

Property owners are encouraged to preserve existing native and noninvasive vegetation within the buffer area to satisfy screening requirements. Credit toward compliance may be granted for retained trees and shrubs based on species, size, health, and overall effectiveness in providing visual screening, as determined by the city.

A landscaping plan shall be prepared and submitted for city review by a licensed landscape architect or a Washington-certified professional horticulturalist.

The buffer shall be developed in accordance with one of the buffer design options set forth in this section, unless an exception is approved pursuant to subsection (H)(6) of this section.

Option 1 – Twenty-Foot-Wide Landscape Buffer. The following standards shall apply:

Landscape Screening Standards. A dense vegetated screen shall be provided in accordance with the following:

Evergreen Trees. Evergreen trees shall be provided at a rate of one tree per every 150 square feet of buffer area. Each tree shall be at least eight feet in height at the time of planting and shall be capable of developing a minimum branching width of eight feet within five years. Trees shall be arranged to effectively obstruct views into the site. Multiple species shall be incorporated to provide visual interest and promote long-term health.

Deciduous Trees. Deciduous trees, such as vine maples or similar species, shall be incorporated to provide seasonal variation and visual interest. Deciduous trees shall have a minimum caliper of one inch at the time of planting.

Shrubs. Shrubs shall be installed at a minimum rate of one shrub per 20 square feet of landscaped area. At least 50 percent of shrubs shall be evergreen, and a minimum of 25 percent shall be deciduous. Shrubs shall be a minimum of 16 inches tall at planting and attain a mature height between three and four feet.

Ground Cover. Ground cover shall be installed and spaced to achieve complete coverage of the buffer area within three years. Shrubs in four-inch pots shall be planted at 18 inches on center, and shrubs in one-gallon or greater sized containers shall be planted at 24 inches on center.

Plant Materials. New landscaping materials shall consist of drought-tolerant species native to the coastal region of the Pacific Northwest or noninvasive, drought-tolerant naturalized species adapted to regional climatic conditions.

Maintenance Assurance. A two-year performance bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or assignment of cash deposit shall be provided in accordance with GFMC § 19.04D.210 at the time of installation to ensure plant survival and maintenance through two growing seasons.

Fencing. Fences are optional and, if provided, shall not be located within the required landscape buffer.

20-Foot Landscape Buffer

Option 2 – Ten-Foot-Wide Landscape Buffer with Fence. The following standards shall apply:

Landscape Screening Standards. Landscaping shall be located between the fence and State Route 92/Quarry Road and shall form a dense visual screen, as follows:

Fence Standards.

The fence shall be eight feet in height and constructed of durable materials.

Razor wire, barbed wire, electric wire, and chain-link fencing are prohibited.

The fence shall incorporate visual variation through the following method:

Masonry columns or posts provided at intervals not to exceed 64 feet. Columns shall extend at least one foot above the height of the fence and be a minimum of one foot in width; or

Fence Option with Masonry Columns

Exceptions. The city may approve alternatives to the above standards if it determines the proposed design meets long-term screening and aesthetic objectives. Exceptions may include, but are not limited to:

The property owner/developer may, with WSDOT approval, locate a portion of the buffer within the state right-of-way; provided, that a minimum of 10 feet of buffer remains on private property. The property owner/developer shall maintain the entire buffer area, including any portion on WSDOT property.

Under some circumstances, it may be desirable to leave portions of the highway unscreened. With city approval, the required trees may be grouped to provide views of desired features, such as parks or mountains.

The city may consider alternative designs that provide equivalent or superior long-term screening and visual enhancement along the Highway 92/Quarry Road corridor.

Other alternative screening methods may be approved by the city when demonstrated to provide an effective, visually interesting, and long-term solution for buffering development from the highway corridor.

Parking Lot Landscaping and Screening. The standards of this section shall apply to all public and private parking lots and parking areas providing spaces for 10 or more cars.

Parking areas or outdoor storage areas fronting on a street right-of-way shall provide a landscaped buffer, in accordance with GFMC § 19.06.020, Table 1, along the entire street frontage except for driveways; provided, that the plantings shall not obstruct the sight distance at street intersections.

In order to protect vision clearances, areas around driveways and other access points are not required to comply with the full screening height standards. The specific horizontal distance exempt from this standard shall be 20 feet.

Planted areas adjacent to pedestrian walkways and sidewalks shall be maintained, or plant material chosen, to maintain a clear zone so as not to impede safe pedestrian use and vision clearances.

No parking space shall be located more than 40 feet from a landscaped area.

All individual planting areas within parking lots shall be planted with at least one tree, be no less than five feet in width and 100 square feet, and shall include shrubs and ground cover. The distribution of plants shall be adequate to ultimately achieve 75 percent ground coverage within three years after planting.

Landscaped areas shall be protected from vehicle damage by installation of six-inch protective curbing. Wheel stops may be substituted when needed to allow for stormwater runoff.

Completion and Security for Performance and Maintenance. All landscaped areas and plants required by this chapter must be permanently maintained in a healthy growing condition in order to accomplish the purpose for which they were required.

Shrubs and trees in the landscaping and planting areas shall be maintained in a healthy growing condition during the first two years after installation;

Planting beds shall not be located over hard surfaces;

All landscaped areas shall be provided with automatic irrigation systems except landscaping on a single-family lot may be irrigated with hose bibs within 75 feet of plantings;

Dead or dying trees or shrubs shall be replaced within 30 days of notification, or as soon as practical in regard to freezing weather, or complex situations involving the removal and replacement of large trees;

Planting areas, fencing, walls, and all other features used for screening shall be maintained free of noxious weeds and trash on a regular basis;

Plant material must not interfere with public utilities, restrict pedestrian or vehicular access, or constitute a traffic hazard;

Planted areas next to pedestrian walkways and sidewalks shall be maintained or plant material chosen to maintain a clear zone between three and eight feet from ground level.

(Ord. 740 § 1 (Exh. A), 2007; Ord. 827 § 17, 2012; Ord. 905 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 915 § 8 (Att. D), 2016; Ord. 924 § 2 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 960 § 12 (Exh. K), 2018; Ord. 974 § 9, 2019; Ord. 1069, 2025; Ord. 1070 § 9, 2026)

§ 19.06.030 Fences.

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to help explain the city's fence regulations in residential areas.

Fences and hedges over 48 inches high but less than 72 inches high may be located in any yard. On a street setback yard, for any portion of a fence or wall over 48 inches high, 80 percent of the fence area shall be open to light and vision.

At the intersection of two street setback areas, no structure or hedge shall exceed 36 inches in height for the triangular area formed by 25 feet of each street lot line from the point of intersection, or center of the arc of the curve, and a line connecting the ends of these lines.

In a residential area, the street setback area extends 20 feet from the edge of the public right-of-way into the yard. It is the person putting up the fence's responsibility to accurately determine property line locations before construction.

The designated official or designee may allow for administrative deviation to fences that do not conform to the regulations of this section.

As part of approving fences under this section, the designated official may impose conditions or limitations on fences allowed under this section to ensure that such fences conform with the purpose and intent of this chapter and this title.

Figure 2 – Allowable Fence Heights

(Ord. 740 § 1 (Exh. A), 2007; Ord. 905 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 994 § 4, 2020)

§ 19.06.040 Sign regulations.

Purpose. Our sign code is our "Guidebook to Success in Visual Communication" in Granite Falls. It is designed to maximize our effectiveness, efficiency, and consistency in:

Informing or reminding visitors and residents of available goods, services, and events of which they may have been unaware;

Guiding them physically to the appropriate location(s);

Maintaining an aesthetic appearance and style in concert with the cohesive public image the city is striving to portray.

We encourage creativity and diversity in "on-premises" signs, and regulate them only insofar as they must fit the scale and character of the business they serve.

Intent. The intent of this section is to regulate the number, size, location, height, illumination, character, and other pertinent features of signs, in order to provide adequate identification and advertising for business, and access to advertising signage in a manner that will promote fair economic competition and at the same time protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the city.

General. This section shall govern all regulations not identified in subsequent sections.

All signage used per site or tenant shall be counted towards the total allowed for the site or tenant maximum unless otherwise exempted.

Wall Sign Location. No wall sign shall project more than 18 inches from the wall of a building, nor extend above the eave or deck line of the building upon which it is located; except those located upon parapet walls, wherein they may be located above the deck line but not above the height of the parapet wall.

Residential. This subsection shall govern signage in the riverfront residential (R-2.3), residential 9,600 (R-9,600), residential 7,200 (R-7,200), downtown residential (DT-2,500), and multiple residential (MR) residential zoning districts.

Address signs must comply with the fire and postal code requirements and shall not count towards the maximum number or size requirements.

One of the following is allowed for each multifamily development of six or more units:

Monument Signs. Applicable to multifamily properties containing six or more dwelling units, identifying the name of the development.

Size. Surface area shall not exceed 32 square feet per face.

Location. Subdivision and/or multifamily complex identification signs are to be located at the public entrance from a right-of-way.

Setback. Setback to be a five-foot minimum setback from all property lines.

Height (Maximum). Shall not exceed 10 feet in height.

Number Permitted. One per public entrance.

Wall Signs. Applicable to multifamily properties containing four or more dwelling units. Not to include building number identification.

Size. Sign surface area shall not exceed 32 square feet.

Number Permitted. One per site.

Home Occupation Signs.

Size. Surface area shall not exceed four square feet per face for a total of eight square feet for all signage including wall-mounted, monument and suspended signs.

Location. Individual dwelling unit identification signs are to be located on the wall of a dwelling unit, next to the primary entrance or in the window.

Monument. Applicable to single-family residential only; one sign not to exceed five feet in height, and four square feet per face. Setback shall be a minimum of five feet from all property lines.

Suspended Signs. One suspended sign per residence, not to exceed four square feet per face, maximum two faces, and must comply with the height and safety requirements stated for suspended signs in subsection (H)(5) of this section.

Signs, Other, Such as Would Identify a Residence or State a Point of View. Shall not include signs otherwise referenced in this section, and shall not include off-premises commercial advertising, home occupations or signs otherwise regulated or exempted by this section.

Size. Shall not exceed four square feet in area per each face (maximum of two faces).

Location. Monument signs shall be located at least five feet from all property lines. Wall signs shall not be located on or above the eave line.

Nonresidential Uses. Nonresidential uses permitted, conditionally permitted or accessory in residential zoning districts shall follow subsections (D)(3) and (D)(4) of this section.

Public Ownership Zone. This subsection shall govern signage in the schools, parks and miscellaneous within the public ownership zone.

All residential sign users in this zoning district will follow the residential criteria of subsection (D) of this section.

Signage Calculation. The lesser of one-half square foot of signage, per one lineal foot of property frontage; or one square foot of signage, per one lineal foot of building frontage.

Site Signage Maximum. Not to exceed 250 square feet per site.

Monument Signs.

Size. Surface area shall not exceed 100 square feet per sign face.

Setback. Setback shall be a minimum of five feet from all property lines.

Height (Maximum). Shall not exceed 12 feet in height.

Number Permitted. One per site, with the following exception:

Parcels with more than 300 lineal feet of frontage are granted one additional monument sign; provided, that they are located more than 200 lineal feet apart as measured by a straight line, not to exceed two per site.

General Commercial, Industrial Retail, Light Industrial and Heavy Industrial. This subsection shall govern signage in the GC, IR, LI and HI zoning districts.

All residential sign users in these zoning districts will follow the residential criteria of subsection (D) of this section.

A single occupancy building within this zone, regardless of size, has the right to a minimum sign area of 40 square feet.

Single Occupancy Building.

Signage Calculation. Two square feet of signage per lineal foot of building frontage.

Site Signage Base Maximum. Shall not exceed 250 square feet per site.

Multiple Occupancy Building.

Signage Calculation. Two square feet of signage per lineal foot of building frontage.

Site Signage Base Maximum. Shall not exceed 250 square feet per site with the following exceptions:

Signage Increase Above Base Maximum. For each additional tenant with an active business license to do business at that address, the maximum allowable signage increases an additional 32 square feet per tenant, but shall not exceed 378 square feet (multiple tenant maximum).

Newly created tenant spaces shall be allowed one tenant identity wall sign located above that particular tenant's entry; shall not exceed 12 square feet.

If the site has reached the multiple tenant maximum and additional tenants are added then the building is allowed directory signs in accordance with subsection (F)(4)(c)(i) of this section.

Monument Signs.

Surface Maximum (Single Occupancy Building). Shall not exceed 100 square feet per sign face.

Surface Maximum (Multiple Occupancy Building). Shall not exceed 100 square feet per sign face.

Setback. Setback shall be a minimum of five feet from all property lines except where topography or nonstandard configuration of the abutting right-of-way and street improvements or other unique physical circumstances exist, the city designated official may allow a setback of less than five feet to achieve the stated purpose and intent of this section. Any sign located within five feet of a street right-of-way shall not be located so as to interfere with drivers' or others' visibility at intersections or at place of ingress or egress.

Height (Maximum). Shall not exceed 35 feet in height.

Number Permitted. One per site, with the following exceptions:

Parcels with more than 400 lineal feet of street frontage shall be granted one additional monument sign; provided, that they are located more than 200 lineal feet apart as measured by a straight line for a total of no more than two per site.

Site Signage Maximum Increase. If the site is permitted one additional monument sign, the site is granted 60 additional square feet of signage above the base or multiple tenant maximum to be applied towards a monument sign or wall sign. Site signage shall not exceed 310 square feet for single occupancy buildings or 438 square feet for multiple occupancy buildings.

Central Business District (CBD). This subsection shall govern signage in the CBD zoning district.

All residential sign users in this zoning district shall follow the residential criteria of subsection (D) of this section.

A single occupancy building within this zone, regardless of size, has the right to a minimum sign area of 32 square feet.

Signage Calculation. Two square feet of signage per lineal foot of building frontage.

Site Signage Base Maximum (Single Occupancy Building). Shall not exceed 150 square feet of signage per site.

Site Signage Base Maximum (Multiple Occupancy Building). Shall not exceed 150 square feet of signage per site with the following exceptions:

Signage Increase Above Base Maximum. For each additional tenant after the first tenant, the maximum allowable signage increases an additional 20 square feet per tenant; shall not exceed 230 square feet for the entire site (multiple tenant maximum).

If the site has reached the base or multiple tenant maximum and if new tenant spaces are created then the building is allowed directory signs in accordance with subsections (G)(7) and (F)(4)(c)(i) of this section.

Corner Lot. Parcels with frontage on two or more public rights-of-way shall be granted an additional 40 square feet of signage above the base or multiple tenant maximum.

Multiple Occupancy Buildings. Multiple occupancy buildings with shared public entrances are allowed one directory sign per street frontage with a public entrance, located on the wall of the building next to the entrance. Shall not exceed six square feet in surface area. Shall not count against base or multiple tenant maximum if adhering to this provision.

Monument Signs.

Surface Maximum (Single Occupancy Building). Shall not exceed 50 square feet per sign face.

Surface Maximum (Multiple Occupancy Building). Shall not exceed 80 square feet per sign face.

Setback. No minimum setback from property lines is required; provided, that the designated official approves visibility.

Height (Maximum). Shall not exceed 12 feet in height.

Number Permitted. One per site, with the following exception:

Parcels with more than one street frontage shall be granted one additional monument sign; provided, that they are not located on the same frontage.

If a parcel of land in the CBD is 15,000 square feet or larger and has a street frontage of 135 lineal feet or greater, then the GC signage allotment (subsection (F) of this section) applies, with the exception that monument signs shall conform to the height limit in the CBD.

Location.

Sidewalks and corners at the intersection of Stanley Street and Granite Avenue shall remain clear of all signs with the exception of directional signs, maximum three and one-half square feet, displayed for same day event signs as approved by the city's designated official – see subsection (I)(4) of this section.

Signs shall not be located on, or at an elevation above, the ridge of the roof or the top of the roof deck.

Signs shall be positioned to complement the architecture of the building on which they are located. Signs shall not interrupt or overlap architectural features such as cornices, columns, trim and windows, excluding interior applied window signs.

Signs shall not extend beyond the wall on which they are located, excluding approved projecting signs as referenced in subsection (H)(2) of this section.

Sign Variations in the CBD, GC, IR, LI and HI Zones.

Portable Signs. This subsection shall govern portable signage as described in the CBD, GC, IR, LI and HI zoning districts.

Residential users are not allowed portable signs, including those operating with a home occupation business license.

Not Permitted. Portable signs are not permitted in any zoning districts other than those listed under this subsection (H), excluding off-premises directional signs.

Size. Shall not exceed two feet in width and three feet in height.

Attachment. Not to be permanently affixed to the ground.

Location. Shall meet the following requirements:

Shall be located on the premises for which it is advertising, in the location specified under the approved permit. Not to be located in the public right-of-way. Not to be located in required parking areas, affixed to or covering required landscaping such as bushes or shrubs.

Shall not interfere with pedestrian movement, nor impede the vision or block the movement of motorists on private or public rights-of-way.

Portable signs in the central business district may be located on the public sidewalk directly in front of the sponsoring business; provided in a manner they not impede pedestrian movement. Additionally, the location requirements codified at subsection (H)(1)(e) of this section and the permit requirements found in subsection (H)(1)(e)(viii) of this section must be satisfied.

Duration. To be displayed during business hours only.

Number. One per business and a maximum three per building.

(vi)

Illumination. Not permitted.

(vii)

Construction. Portable signs shall be constructed of durable, rigid, all-weather materials (i.e., plywood, plastic, etc.) so as not to lose their structural integrity in inclement weather. Sign must be of a sufficient weight and stature to ensure that it will remain in place during high winds.

(viii)

Owners of portable signs shall be required to keep their signs legible and well maintained.

Projecting Signs. This subsection shall govern projecting signage in the CBD, GC, IR, LI, and HI zoning districts.

Residential users are not allowed projecting signs, including those operating with a home occupation business license.

Size. Shall not exceed five feet in horizontal projection and 20 square feet total.

Clearance. Minimum nine feet of vertical clearance from grade or sidewalk.

Projection from Building Wall. Shall not project more than five feet from building wall with the leading edge. Interior edge not to project more than six inches from the building wall.

Projection over Right-of-Way. Only those projecting signs located in the central business district may be permitted to project into the public right-of-way, provided they meet all requirements relating to traffic, construction, safety and size.

Additional Permit Requirements. When deemed necessary due to safety concerns, those projecting signs located in the central business zoning district, over the public right-of-way, shall require the applicant to provide the city with a letter of indemnification appropriate to the city attorney, holding the city harmless for loss or injury resulting from the sign.

Window Signs. This subsection shall govern window signage as described in CBD, GC, IR, LI, and HI zoning districts.

Residential users are not allowed window signs for commercial purposes, including those operating with a home occupation business license.

Window signs shall follow the requirements listed below and shall be considered exempt from being calculated as part of the total allotted sign area:

Total area of window signage shall not exceed one-third (33 percent) of the window, as measured as the length times the width of the windowpane.

Window signage area may not be transferred from one window to another.

Glass doors should not exceed 20 percent coverage.

Lighted window signs are allowed in all zones, except any residential zone, including those operating with a home occupation business license.

Electronic window signs, open/closed signs, and business identification and product services signs are allowed to be on 24 hours a day.

Number Permitted. A total of three lighted signs, one open/closed/hours plus two lighted signs identifying the business, service or products, shall be the maximum allowed, per tenant space, otherwise as may be permitted by this code.

Size Allowed. Any lighted window signs including electronic signs are allowed three square feet each and are not counted toward total signage allowed.

Roof Signs. This subsection shall govern roof signage as described in CBD, GC, IR, LI, and HI zoning districts.

Residential users are not allowed roof signs, including those operating with a home occupation business license.

Size. Roof signs shall not exceed 20 square feet in surface area or four feet in height per tenant.

Location. Roof signs shall be located on or above the eave or deck of the roof.

Attachment. Signs shall be installed in such a manner that there are no visible angle iron supports, guy wires, braces, or secondary supports. Signs shall appear to be an architectural or integral part of the roof.

The total, cumulative area of roof signs shall be counted as part of the base or multiple tenant maximum.

Suspended Signs. This subsection shall govern suspended signage as described in CBD, GC, IR, LI, and HI zoning districts.

Residential users for suspended signs, refer to residential signage in subsection (D) of this section.

Size. Shall not exceed 10 square feet in surface area.

Clearance. Minimum nine feet of vertical clearance from grade or sidewalk. Sign shall not be suspended more than one foot below the attachment point.

Location over Public Sidewalk. Only those suspended signs located in the central business district may be permitted to suspend over the public sidewalk, provided they meet all requirements relating to traffic, construction, safety and size and are attached to an approved awning, canopy, marquee or porte cochere.

Additional Permit Requirements. When deemed necessary due to safety concerns, those suspended signs located in the central business district, over the public right-of-way, shall require the applicant to provide the city with a letter of indemnification appropriate to the city attorney, holding the city harmless for loss or injury resulting from the sign.

Banner Signs.

Size. Shall not exceed the lesser of 20 percent of the area of the wall face to which it is attached, or 75 square feet in area, as measuring the extreme edges of the banner.

Location. Shall be located completely on the wall of the building or leased space of the sponsoring business. Not to be located in required parking areas, upon poles, other constructed frame, affixed to or covering required landscaping, utility poles or vehicles.

Attachment. Shall be affixed so as not to fall in high winds or storm events.

Maintenance. Shall remain legible, and be well maintained.

Duration. Shall be limited to 90 days total per calendar year per site, regardless of alternating banners. To be used in increments up to 15 days. Signs announcing the opening or closing or relocation of a business shall be permitted for 60 days from issuance of a business license, without being counted against the standard annual duration permitted. Upon removal, a banner may not be re-erected for duration equal to the time it was displayed.

Number Permitted. One banner per wall or frontage, not to exceed two per building.

Permit Requirements. A permit shall be issued with the applicant notifying the city of the proposed date(s) and location for the display of the banner(s).

(h)

Not Permitted. Residential users are not allowed banner signs, including those operating with a home occupation business license.

The use of banners as a primary business sign is prohibited.

Air-Supported Structures, Inflatable Objects, Kites and Searchlights.

Size, Height, and Illumination. Shall adhere to all applicable city, state and federal requirements relating to public safety, air and vehicular traffic control and the like. Kites and inflatable objects such as balloons shall not be operated more than 150 feet from the grade of the earth beneath the point of attachment, without written waivers from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Location. Shall be located on the premises for which it is advertising, in the location specified under the approved permit. Not to be located in the public right-of-way. Shall not be located in required landscaping or parking areas. Shall not interfere with pedestrian movement, nor impede the vision or block the movement of motorists on private or public rights-of-way.

Maintenance. Must be well maintained.

Duration. Shall be limited to 30 days total per calendar year per type of use, i.e., air-supported structure, inflatable object or searchlight per site, regardless of alternating banners. To be used in increments of up to 15 days. Upon removal, the structure may not be re-erected for a duration equal to the time it was displayed.

Number Permitted. Only one air-supported structure, inflatable object or searchlight shall be permitted individually at one time per site. Upon removal, the structure may not be re-erected for a duration equal to the time it was displayed.

The beam of the searchlight shall not flash against any building or sweep an arc greater than 45 degrees from vertical.

Permit Requirements. A permit shall be issued with the applicant notifying the city of the proposed date(s) and location for the display of the temporary sign(s).

Changeable Message and Electronic Signs. This subsection shall govern signs on which the message can be changed, such as reader boards and electronic signs.

Electronic signs located indoors and within three feet of a window are permitted in all zones except all residential zones, including those operating with a home occupation business license.

Changeable message and electronic signs are allowed on all properties that do not have a principal use of single-family residential.

Changeable copy areas of a sign shall be included as part of the permitted sign area.

Monument Changeable Message and Electronic Sign Size.

The surface area of the changeable message or electronic signs shall be no more than 50 percent of the maximum sign surface area allowed for nonchangeable signs, specific to the zoning district in which it is proposed.

Motor vehicle service stations and convenience stores with gas pumps may utilize up to 20 square feet of the permitted surface area of a monument sign for changeable prices of motor fuel only. The price display may be electronic as long as it meets the requirements of this section and does not create a traffic safety issue by glare or include blinking lights.

Movie theaters and other performance/entertainment facilities may utilize up to 80 percent of the permitted surface area of a monument sign for display of names of films, plays or other performances currently showing on the site.

Location.

Shall be located according to the requirements for signs in the applicable zoning district in which it is proposed.

Shall be an on-premises sign, except for changeable message and electronic signs owned and operated by the fire district, school district, city or a single nonprofit organization approved by city council providing noncommercial, public service information may be off-premises signs.

Wall/Building Mounted Changeable Message and Electronic Signs Size Allowed. The surface area of wall or building mounted changeable message and electronic signs shall be no larger than 33 square feet.

Electronic Sign Display.

Shall not change more rapidly than once every five seconds except for electronic signs which provide alternate message only as to time and temperature which may change at a rate no greater than one message every two seconds.

The display shall not appear to flash, undulate, pulse or portray explosions, fireworks, flashers or bursts of light and/or graphics and blinking or chasing lights.

The display shall not appear to move toward or away from the viewer, expand or contract, bounce, rotate, spin, twist or otherwise portray movement or animation as it comes onto, is displayed on, or leaves the sign.

All electronic signs shall be equipped with a device that automatically dims the intensity of the lights during hours of darkness.

(h)

Number Permitted.

Not to exceed one changeable message or electronic sign per parcel or commercial, industrial or business complex, not in addition to the number of monument signs permitted for the site.

Not to exceed one changeable message or electronic sign per business.

Permit Requirements. Permit applications must include a copy of the manufacturer's operating manual, which includes the manufacturer's recommended standards for light levels, scrolling or traveling speed and other display operations.

Given the ongoing changes in technology and materials, any sign type not included above will be addressed and reviewed by the city's designated official.

Temporary Signs.

Sale/Rental/Lease Signs.

Residential Zones. Signs announcing the sale, rental, or lease of property located in the riverfront residential (R-2.3), residential 9,600 (R-9,600), residential 7,200 (R-7,200), downtown residential (DT-2,500) and multi-residential (MR) zoning districts shall adhere to the following requirements:

Size, Height. Sign face shall not exceed three feet in width by five feet in height. Not to exceed six feet in overall height.

Location. Shall be located within the confines of the subject property.

Illumination. Not permitted.

Duration. Shall be removed no later than 10 days following the sale, rental or lease of the property or unit listed.

Number Permitted. Shall not exceed one per parcel/unit.

CBD, GC, IR, LI, HI Zones. Signs announcing the sale, rental, or lease of property located in the CBD, GC, IR, LI, and HI zoning districts shall adhere to the following requirements:

Size, Height. Sign face shall not exceed four by eight feet. Not to exceed six feet in overall height.

Location. Shall be located within the confines of the subject property.

Illumination. Not permitted.

Duration. Shall be removed no later than 10 days following the sale, rental or lease of the property or unit listed.

Number Permitted. Shall not exceed one per parcel/unit. A second real estate sign may be permitted for parcels fronting on two public streets.

Off-Premises Directional. Off-premises directional signs for the announcement and direction to residential real estate open houses and garage/yard sales in the residential zoning districts and residential uses in the public open space and limited open space zoning districts shall be permitted according to the following requirements:

Size, Height. Shall not exceed six square feet in surface area. Not to exceed three feet in overall height.

Location. Shall be located no more than 25 feet in any direction from a street intersection at the curb line. Shall be located a minimum of five feet from the edge of a street intersection without a curb line. On streets containing curb, gutter and sidewalk, signs shall be located in a manner not to impede pedestrian movement.

Attachment. Not to be permanently affixed (including staking) to the ground. Not to be located on utility poles.

Illumination. Not permitted.

Duration. Signs shall be erected only during daylight hours when a salesperson or duly appointed representative is on site.

(vi)

Number Permitted. No more than one on-premises and five off-premises signs per open house or sale.

(vii)

Construction. Signs shall be constructed of a durable, rigid, all-weather material (i.e., plywood, plastic, etc.) so as not to lose their structural integrity in inclement weather. Sign must be of a sufficient weight and stature to ensure that it will remain in place during high winds. Owners of signs shall be required to keep their signs legible and well maintained.

Construction Signs. Signs identifying the architects, engineers, contractors, developers, financing institutions and other individuals or firms associated with the project are permitted according to the following requirements:

Size, Location. Shall conform to the size and location regulations as set forth by zoning districts in subsection (I)(1) of this section.

Illumination. Not permitted.

Duration. Signs shall be permitted after the issuance of a building permit, and removed upon issuance of a certificate of occupancy from the city of Granite Falls building department.

Number Permitted. No more than four per parcel in residential zoning districts, and six per parcel for all other zoning districts. Residential construction in the public ownership zoning district shall only be permitted four per parcel.

Future Home or Future Use Signs. Signs identifying the proposed use on a vacant or developed parcel are permitted according to the following requirements:

Size, Location. Shall conform to the size and location regulations as set forth by zoning district in subsection (I)(1) of this section. However, formal subdivisions which have preliminary plat approval may have one sign announcing the plat per public entrance, not to exceed four feet in width by eight feet in height.

Illumination. Not permitted.

Number Permitted. No more than one per parcel or proposed development.

Duration. Shall be erected no more than 12 months before construction or intended use the announcement is describing. Shall be removed upon either of the following: the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or the completion of a permanent sign, or for residential uses, when 75 percent of the units or homes have been sold, leased or rented.

Sidewalks and corners of Stanley Street and Granite Avenue shall remain clear of all signs with the exception of directional signs, maximum of three and one-half square feet, displayed for same day event signs as approved by the city's designated official.

Signs Over Right-of-Way (Permit Required). Signs including banners and signs erected upon city-approved sign structures may be permitted in and/or over public right-of-way in locations approved by the city in accordance with the following requirements:

Application. A city-approved application shall be submitted with the required fee as outlined in the city of Granite Falls fees resolution, no more than 90 days prior to the event date.

Size. Banner signs shall be no more than 100 square feet in area. Monument signs shall be no larger than eight feet by four feet. The name of the local event sponsor(s) is not to exceed 25 percent of the total sign surface.

Duration. An approved sign may be erected no more than 14 days prior to the event date and remain no longer than seven days after the event.

Murals. This subsection shall govern murals in all zoning districts.

Permit Exemption. Murals may be painted or otherwise placed on any building or structure where permitted. However, a rendition of the mural shall be reviewed and approved by the city's designated official prior to placement, to ensure that it is not a commercial sign nor contains a commercial message.

Permit Required. Murals containing a commercial sign message shall require a sign permit and shall only be allowed on premises in the CBD, GC, IR, LI, and HI zoning districts. The commercial "display area" of the mural shall be calculated against the allowed signage for the site and/or tenant.

(K)

Illumination. This subsection shall govern illumination of signs where permitted in the city.

The light directed upon, or internal to, any sign shall be shaded, shielded or directed so that the light intensity or glare shall not adversely affect the surrounding or facing premises, or adversely affect safe vision of operators of vehicles moving on public or private roads, highways or parking areas, or adversely affect safe vision of pedestrians on a public right-of-way. Glare and intense lighting of signs shall not shine on or directly reflect into residential structures.

(L)

Exemptions. Subject to the requirements of this section, the following signs shall be exempt from all provisions of this section, except for construction, safety regulations and permitting requirements for permanent signs or where otherwise referenced in this section.

Political Signs.

Private Property. Not to exceed 32 square feet in area per sign. To be removed 10 days following the date of the election or item of public vote.

Private Property (Campaign Headquarters). Political signs may be larger than 32 square feet; provided, that they adhere to the size requirements of the underlying zoning district in which they are located.

Public Right-of-Way (Off-Premises).

Size and Height. Political signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area. No political sign may exceed six feet in height.

Location. Permits for political signs are not required. Political signs may not be placed on private property without the permission of the property owner. In parking strips and public rights-of-way where the placement of a political sign may be fairly attributed to a neighboring property owner, permission of that owner must first be obtained prior to placement. Political signs may not be located so as to impede driver vision or represent an obstruction or hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic. On public property, not part of the public right-of-way, relevant city departments may designate an area or areas for the placement of political signs in order to ensure that placement will not interfere with the intended use of that land.

Removal of Election Signs. Off-premises political signs shall be removed within 10 days of the date of the election to which the sign pertains. Failure to remove political signs within the time limit provided shall constitute a violation of this code and be punishable as such. In the event that city personnel are required to remove signs from public rights-of-way after expiration of the time limit for removal, all costs associated with such removal shall be the responsibility of the candidate or campaign organization for whom the sign was posted and shall be collected in addition to any other penalty applicable to failure to remove the sign.

Public Works Projects. The public works department may remove signs from public rights-of-way in order to conduct periodic maintenance activities or public works projects. Signs removed for this purpose may be picked up at City Hall. Signs not picked up after 30 days will be discarded.

Removal of Signs in Disrepair. The city may remove any sign which is in a state of disrepair from the public right-of-way or public property at any time. For purposes of this subsection, a sign is in a state of disrepair if it is ripped, torn, broken, faded, obliterated, obscured, dilapidated, blown down, knocked over or in any other state in which its message has ceased to be readable or legible.

Public Informational Signs. Signs of a noncommercial nature and erected in the public interest, by or on the order of a city employee, such as traffic and safety advisory signs.

Directional Signs for City Facilities or City-Sponsored Functions. City entrance/exit signs, memorial and historical markers.

Way-Finding Sign Program Signs. Way-finding signs owned and maintained by the city may be located within and adjacent to public right-of-way within the city of Granite Falls. The signs may include gateway signs at key city entrances, directional signs for en-route guidance, and destination signs at or near a specific use. Way-finding signs are subject to a way-finding sign program and specifications approved by the Granite Falls city council.

Integral Signs. Names of buildings, dates of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets and the like, when carved into stone, concrete or similar material made of bronze, aluminum, steel or other permanent type of construction and made an integral part of the structure, not exceeding 10 square feet in area and not projecting more than six inches from the face of the structure.

Address signs meeting the requirements of applicable emergency services departments and the city engineer for adequate visibility from the right-of-way.

Signs required by law.

Warning signs and other on-site informational signs not to exceed four square feet in surface area.

Seasonal decorations appropriate with the applicable holiday. Said decorations are to be removed 10 days following the holiday or season.

The flag of governmental and public institutions.

The flag of a commercial institution not advertising a product to be left loose to fly in the breeze. Not to exceed one per business and 20 square feet in surface area.

Legal notices and official instruments.

(13)

Decorative flags and bunting for a celebration, convention or commemoration of significance to the community located on public right-of-way, when authorized by the city council for a prescribed period of time.

(14)

Signs incorporated into machinery or equipment by a manufacturer or distributor which identify or advertise only the product or service dispensed by the machine or equipment, such as signs customarily affixed to vending machines, newspaper racks, telephone booths or gasoline pumps.

(15)

Advertising signs located on licensed taxicabs and buses or commercial vehicles operating during the normal course of business.

(16)

Credit card or membership signs not to exceed two square feet in area, or more than two per business.

(17)

A maximum of two menu boards or price lists for drive-through facilities not to exceed 24 square feet in surface area located adjacent to and oriented toward the drive-through aisle. A permit shall be required for construction purposes.

(18)

Menus, not to exceed four square feet in area, mounted on the wall or window adjacent to entrances to restaurants.

(M)

Prohibited Signs. The following signs are prohibited in the city of Granite Falls:

Signs that contain statements, words or pictures of an obscene, indecent or immoral character such as will offend public morals or decency under the prevailing statutes or U.S. Supreme Court rulings.

Signs that resemble any official sign or marker erected by any governmental agency, or that by reason of position, shape or color would conflict with the proper functioning of any traffic sign or signal, or be of a size, location, movement, color, or illumination that may be reasonably confused with or construed as or conceal a traffic control device.

Signs that are of such an intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or impair the vision of any motorist, cyclist or pedestrian using or entering the public right-of-way, or that are a nuisance or hazard to occupants of any property because of glare or other characteristics.

Signs attached to public vegetation, utility poles, traffic control devices, lampposts, or city-owned structures and properties unless otherwise allowed pursuant to state or federal laws.

Signs that are in violation of the building, electrical or fire codes adopted by the city.

Signs on, attached to or a part of advertising vehicles.

Portable reader board signs including trailer signs.

Signs with visible moving, revolving or rotating parts or visible mechanical movement of any description or other apparent visible movement achieved by optical illusion, motion, electrical, electronic or mechanical means, except for traditional barber poles.

Signs which are animated, or have the appearance of movement of a sign display through the use of patterns of lights, changes in color or light intensity, computerized special effects or through any other method except as permitted.

Video signs visible from public right-of-way and/or adjacent properties.

Signs that contain bare bulbs in excess of 165 lumens.

Holographic display signs.

(13)

Signs that incorporate projected images such as holographic display signs, emit any sound that is intended to attract the attention, or involve the use of live animals.

(14)

Signs that emit audible sound, odor or visible matter such as smoke or steam.

(15)

Off-premises signs including, but not limited to, billboards, snipe signs and those signs upon vehicles and trailers, except for those otherwise authorized by this section. This prohibition shall not apply to noncommercial signs, including but not limited to political signs or other categories of signage specifically exempted under this section.

(16)

Signs that are painted, pasted, or printed on any curb, pavement or any portion of any public sidewalk or street, except house numbers and traffic control signs.

(17)

Signs for which a permit has been granted under conditions with which the permitted sign does not comply.

(18)

The use of banners as a primary business sign.

(19)

Any other signs that are not specifically permitted or exempted by this section.

(N)

Nonconforming Signs. Where a legal sign exists at the effective date of adoption of the ordinance codified in this section, that could not be constructed under the terms of this section, such sign may remain so long as the structure remains lawful and is not hazardous to public safety. Legal nonconforming signs may be repaired, so long as the repair does not result in a larger size or height, or with an increase in illumination. Repairs are limited to 50 percent of the replacement costs of the sign and shall not result in a change of material or message. Improvements beyond these thresholds or replacement of the sign requires compliance with this code.

(O)

Illegal Signs. All existing illegal signs will need to be brought into conformance or removed within six months of the adoption of this section.

(P)

Permits and Fees.

Permits Required. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, re-erect, construct, enlarge, display, alter or move a sign, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a permit for each sign from the city's designated official as required by this chapter. This section shall not be construed to require an additional permit to clean, repaint, or otherwise perform normal maintenance or repair of a permitted sign or sign structure. If, however, a sign is modified in any way, a permit is required. No permit shall be required to change the message on a changeable message and electronic sign.

Permit Application Procedure. To obtain a sign permit the applicant shall file a complete application on a form provided by City Hall. Each applicant shall provide the following information:

Identify and describe the sign being permitted.

Describe the land where the proposed sign is to be located by legal description, street address or parcel number.

Provide a site plan drawn to scale containing a north arrow, location of property line, lot dimensions, adjacent rights-of-way or access easements, location and size of existing signs, and the location of the proposed sign.

Provide plans, elevations, diagrams, light intensities, structural calculations and other materials to aid in the review as required by the city's designated official.

Provide a copy of an approved electrical permit when required.

Fees. When a permit is required, fees shall be paid in accordance with the adopted city of Granite Falls fees resolution in effect at the time of permit submittal.

(Q)

Construction, Inspection, Maintenance and Safety.

Construction. All permanent signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements of applicable city of Granite Falls adopted codes. All signs with electric illumination shall receive a permit from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries prior to issuance of the sign permit. All utilities, including electrical service, shall be located underground where applicable.

Inspection. When a permit has been issued for a sign, the city's designated official or designee shall have right of entry to the property to inspect the sign to ensure compliance to the permit issued. It is the responsibility of the applicant or sign owner to call for all required sign inspections.

Maintenance. All signs, together with their supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in good repair. The surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted at all times. The ground area shall be maintained in a neat and orderly manner.

Maintenance/Safety. The city's designated official or designee may order the removal of any sign on private property that is not maintained in a safe and orderly condition. The order for removal or maintenance of any sign shall be sent by the designated official or designee to the owner of the sign or property owner. The notice shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. If the action requested in the order is not taken within the specified time period, the designated official or designee may direct the sign to be removed from the premises. The owner of the sign or the property shall be charged an amount equal to the city's cost for removal of the sign, but in no event shall the fee be less than $100.00.

(R)

Administration and Enforcement.

Authority. The process and requirements for administration and enforcement are defined in Chapter 19.11 GFMC, Enforcement. If the enforcement process in Chapter 19.11 GFMC, Enforcement, has been pursued to the point of fines, then the city of Granite Falls may also file criminal charges against the violator.

§ 19.06.050 Loading area and off-street parking requirements.

Responsibility. The ultimate responsibility for any sign shall be borne by the legal owner of the property or business where the sign is located. The city's designated official may require, when necessary, that the property owner or agent be party to, or applicant for, a sign permit.

(Ord. 740 § 1 (Exh. A), 2007; Ord. 779 § 1, 2009; Ord. 790 § 1, 2009; Ord. 827 §§ 12 – 16, 2012; Ord. 829 § 2, 2012; Ord. 862 §§ 38 – 47, 2013; Ord. 905 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 915 § 4 (Att. C), 2016; Ord. 1030 § 4, 2022; Ord. 1069, 2025)

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to regulate parking and loading in order to lessen traffic congestion and contribute to public safety by providing sufficient on-site areas for the maneuvering and parking of motor vehicles.

Required Automobile Parking Spaces. Off-street parking spaces shall be provided as an accessory use in accordance with the requirements of this section at the time any building or structure is erected, enlarged, or expanded.

Size and Access. Each off-street parking space shall have an area of not less than 160 square feet exclusive of access drives or aisles and a width of not less than eight feet. There shall be adequate provision for ingress and egress from each parking space at all times.

Location. Off-street parking facilities shall be located as hereinafter specified; where a distance is specified, such distance shall be the walking distance measured from the nearest point of the parking facilities to the nearest point of the building that such facility is required to serve.

For a single-family dwelling or multifamily dwelling, the parking facilities shall be located on the same lot or building site as the building they are required to serve.

For churches, hospitals, large group homes, institutions, rooming and lodging houses, nursing and convalescent homes, community clubs, and clubrooms, parking facilities shall be located not farther than 150 feet from the facility.

For uses other than those specified, parking facilities shall be located not farther than 300 feet from the facility.

Unit of Measurement. In stadiums, sports arenas, churches, and other places of assembly in which patrons or spectators occupy benches, pews, or other similar seating facilities, each 18 inches of width or 80 square feet of open area of such seating facilities should be counted as one seat for the purpose of determining requirements of off-street parking facilities under this title.

Expansions or Enlargements. Where any structure is enlarged or expanded, off-street parking spaces shall be provided for said expansion or enlargement in accordance with the requirements of subsection (A)(8) of this section. Nothing in this title shall be construed to require off-street parking spaces for the portion of said building or structure existing at the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title. A change in use in an existing structure shall require additional off-street parking spaces as set forth in subsection (A)(8) of this section.

Exemptions.

The expansion or enlargement of an existing building (a building that received a certificate of occupancy at least three years prior to the permit application for expansion) for the addition of residential units shall not require additional parking stalls.

Existing Uses in Central Business District. Existing businesses and uses in the central business district (CBD) zone that were lawfully established prior to December 15, 2025, are not required to provide off-street parking. However, any expansion, change of use, or redevelopment that increases parking demand as calculated under Table 1 shall provide parking for the incremental increase in demand, unless otherwise exempted under this subsection (6).

Mixed Occupancies. In the case of two or more uses in the same building, the total requirements for off-street parking facilities shall be the sum of the requirements for the several uses computed separately. Off-street parking facilities for one use shall not be considered as providing required parking facilities for any other use, except as hereafter specified in subsection (A)(9) of this section for joint use.

Uses Not Specified. In the case of a use not specifically mentioned in subsection (A)(9) of this section, the requirements for off-street parking facilities shall be determined by the designated official. Such determination shall be based upon the requirements for the most comparable use specified in subsection (A)(9) of this section or on a parking study of three or more of the same use located in communities within the Puget Sound region.

Parking Spaces Required for Particular Uses. The minimum number of off-street parking spaces required for residential and nonresidential uses shall be as set forth in the following table:

Table 1 – Parking Spaces Required
Use	Parking Spaces Required
Accessory dwelling units	1 off-street space per ADU on lots up to 6,000 square feet in size. 2 off-street spaces per ADU on lots 6,000 square feet or greater in size.
Adult family home	1 for each 2 beds.
Banks and financial services	1 for each 400 square feet of gross floor area.
Bed and breakfast	1 for each bedroom and 2 per facility.
Boarding house	0.25 for each sleeping room.
Churches	1 for each 5 seats in the principal place of assembly for worship, including balconies and choir lofts.
Commercial retail	1 for each 300 square feet.
Congregate care facility/retirement center	One-half space per dwelling unit and one space per employee based on the maximum potential number of employees during a single shift.
Day care center, commercial	1 for each employee, plus 1 for every 10 children or adults.
Establishments for the sale and consumption on the premises of food and beverages, including fraternal and social clubs	1 for each 200 square feet of gross floor area.
Family day care	1 for each employee, plus 1 additional, not including required residential spaces.
Hospitals	1 for each 2 beds.
Indoor recreational facilities	1 for every 3 people that the facility is designed to accommodate when fully utilized.
Libraries and museums	1 for each 250 square feet of floor area open to the public.
Light manufacturing	1 for each employee on a maximum shift, or 1 for each 1,000 square feet of floor area, whichever is greater.
Medical or dental clinics	5 for each physician or dentist or 1 per 200 square feet of floor area, whichever is greater.
Motels, hotels	1 for each unit.
Motor vehicle or machinery sales, wholesale stores, furniture stores	1 for each 400 square feet of gross floor area.
Multifamily uses in the central business district (CBD)	1 off-street space per unit.
Offices providing on-site customer service	1 for each 200 square feet.
Offices not providing on-site customer service	1 for each 500 square feet.
Residential dwelling units (R-2.3, R-9,600, R-7,200, DT-2,500, MR)	2 off-street spaces per unit. Required off-street parking spaces for single-family or townhome units in the MR zone shall be provided on the lot or unit it serves. If two side-by-side driveway parking spaces cannot be provided in the front, required off-street parking shall be provided as rear-loaded parking.
Social or civic organization facility	1 for each 250 square feet.
Taverns and bars	1 for each 150 square feet of floor area.
Vehicle services, minor	2.5 for retail or office space plus 3 per service bay.
Vehicle services, major	2.5 for retail or office space plus 2 per service bay.
Vehicle storage, small or large	2 for office space plus 3 for storage yard.
Warehousing	1 for each employee on a maximum shift, or 1 for each 1,000 square feet of floor area, whichever is greater.¹

Notes:
¹ May be reduced upon submittal of a parking demand study prepared by a qualified professional demonstrating that a lesser amount of parking will adequately serve the proposed use.

Required Loading Areas.

In any commercial and manufacturing zones, and for any institutional use in whatever zone it may be located, every building or portion of building hereafter erected or structurally altered to provide additional floor space shall be provided with a minimum of one off-street or off-alley loading space for each 10,000 square feet of usable floor space within the building, which usable floor space is intended to be used for or is used for merchandising, manufacturing, warehousing, or processing purposes. If the building contains less than 10,000 square feet of usable floor space, the requirement for an off-street or off-alley loading space may be waived by the building inspector.

If the building contains more than 24,000 square feet of floor space so used, then there shall be one additional loading space provided for each additional 24,000 square feet of floor space.

Each loading space shall measure not less than 30 feet by 12 feet, shall have an unobstructed height of 14 feet, shall be made permanently available for such purpose, and shall be surfaced, improved, and maintained. Such facilities shall be so located that trucks using the same shall not encroach upon or interfere with areas reserved for off-street parking nor project into any public right-of-way and shall be adjacent to the building to be served thereby. If the site upon which such loading space or spaces are to be located abuts upon an alley, such loading space or spaces shall be off-alley. If the loading space is incorporated within a building, then, as to location, the requirements of this section shall not apply.

Any floor area provided by additions to or structural alterations to a building shall be provided with loading space or spaces as set forth herein whether or not loading spaces have been provided for the original floor space.

Alley Access to Parking. The alleys located in the four-block area bordered by Stanley Street, Wabash Avenue, Union Street, and Cascade Avenue may be used to access off-street parking for customers. All other alleys in the city may be used to access off-street parking for employees and residents only. Access to customer off-street parking outside of the downtown parking area illustrated in Figure 3 in GFMC § 19.06.060 shall be from a public street and not an alley.

§ 19.06.060 Downtown parking requirements.

Tandem Parking. Tandem parking spaces only count as one parking space when calculating the number of parking spaces required under subsection (A)(9) of this section.

(Ord. 740 § 1 (Exh. A), 2007; Ord. 862 § 48, 2013; Ord. 883 § 12 (Att. C), 2014; Ord. 905 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 924 § 2 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 937 § 22 (Exh. U), 2017; Ord. 960 § 13 (Exh. L), 2018; Ord. 994 § 5, 2020; Ord. 1069, 2025; Ord. 1070 § 10, 2026)

Development/Redevelopment Projects. The city of Granite Falls will not require off-street parking in addition to that which is existing as of the time of the adoption of this code for all areas zoned central business district from the south side of Stanley Street to the north side of Union Avenue and from the east side of Cascade Avenue to the west side of Wabash Avenue as illustrated in Figure 3, below.

The following figure (Figure 3) illustrates the area of downtown where additional off-street parking will not be required:

Figure 3 – Downtown Parking

New Construction. New construction shall require one parking stall per rentable space for employee parking.

Commercial Establishments. Commercial establishments that include, or will include, residential units, such as apartments, shall at a minimum provide off-street parking for those residential units in accordance with GFMC § 19.06.050(A)(8).

Multifamily Dwellings. Multifamily dwellings constructed on the same parcel as a commercial use pursuant to GFMC § 19.03.090(C) shall be provided off-street parking in accordance with GFMC § 19.06.050(A)(8).

(Ord. 740 § 1 (Exh. A), 2007; Ord. 827 § 26, 2012; Ord. 905 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 937 § 23 (Exh. V), 2017)

§ 19.06.070 Home occupations.

Repealed by Ord. 1020.

(Ord. 740 § 1 (Exh. A), 2007; Ord. 827 § 18, 2012; Ord. 905 § 1 (Att. A), 2016)

§ 19.06.080 Day care facilities.

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide operating criteria to meet the need for quality, affordable and safe day care facilities for adults and children. There are two types of day care facilities: home-based day care facilities and day care centers.

Family Day Care Facilities. Family day care facilities operate from a residence by the resident(s) and are restricted to a maximum of 12 children or adults including residents of the abode. There are two types of family day care facilities: those providing services to adults and those providing services to children.

Criteria for Family Day Care Facilities.

Minimum Fencing/Screening Required. Outdoor recreation areas must be enclosed by a six-foot-high fence.

Outdoor Play Equipment. Play equipment shall not be located in any required front or side yard setback area.

Day Care Centers (Commercial). Day care centers are facilities which operate in places other than a residence with six or more clients. There are two types of day care centers: adult day care center and child day care center.

Criteria for Day Care Centers.

Minimum Fencing/Screening Required. Outdoor recreation areas must be enclosed by a six-foot-high fence.

Loading. There shall be an off-street area for loading and unloading children or adults (clearly marked). Adequate vehicle turnaround shall be provided on site for parking and loading so as to preclude the necessity of backing out onto the street.

Signs. One sign will be permitted at a size to be determined by the zone classification where the facility is located.

(Ord. 740 § 1 (Exh. A), 2007; Ord. 905 § 1 (Att. A), 2016)

§ 19.06.090 Accessory dwelling units.

Purpose. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are intended to increase the supply of affordable and independent housing for a variety of households, increase home and personal security, provide supplemental earnings for people with limited incomes, and increase residential densities. This should occur by utilizing the existing infrastructure and community resources while protecting the existing character of single-family neighborhoods.

Procedures. Any owner/occupant seeking to establish an ADU shall apply for approval in accordance with the following:

Application. The owner/occupant shall apply for a building permit for an ADU. A complete application form must demonstrate that all size thresholds and design standards are met.

General Requirements. On each lot developed with a single-family residence, accessory dwelling units may be constructed subject to the standards set forth in Table 1 below. An accessory dwelling unit may not be located on a lot on which a temporary dwelling is located.

Table 1 – Accessory Dwelling Unit Requirements
Number of accessory dwelling units allowed per lot	Two
Maximum size per accessory dwelling unit	1,000 SF gross floor area
Minimum size per accessory dwelling unit	200 square feet
Maximum bedrooms per accessory dwelling unit	Two
Front setback	See Chapter 19.06 GFMC for standard lots and GFMC § 19.05.300(I)(6) for PRD lots.
Side setback	As allowed by the underlying zone (see Chapter 19.06 GFMC) for standard lots, and GFMC § 19.05.300(I)(6) for PRD lots.
Side street setback	As allowed by the underlying zone (see Chapter 19.06 GFMC) for standard lots, GFMC § 19.05.300(I)(6) for PRD lots.
Rear yard setback	15 feet; provided, that the rear yard setback may be reduced to 10 feet for one-story structures, or less for structures adjacent to an alley.
On-lot structure separation	A minimum of five feet of separation is required between structures; provided, that this separation may be reduced if: Adequate fire rating is provided between structures per the International Building Code.
Hard surface coverage	See Chapter 19.03 GFMC for standard lots and GFMC § 19.05.300(I)(6) for PRD lots.
Height	Shall not be greater than the principal dwelling's building height, or as prescribed by Chapter 19.03 GFMC, whichever is less.
Parking	One off-street parking space is required for each ADU on lots smaller than 6,000 square feet in size. For ADUs on lots of 6,000 square feet or greater, two off-street parking spaces are required. Off-street parking spaces for ADUs shall be in addition to that which is required for the primary dwelling unit.

An ADU shall be permitted as a second dwelling unit attached to, detached, or a combination of both, from the principal dwelling.

"Attached ADU" means a structure that is attached by a common wall to the primary dwelling unit.

The common wall must be shared for at least 50 percent of the length of the side of the principal dwelling.

A breezeway is not considered a common wall.

A detached ADU may be any dwelling permitted in the applicable land use classification.

A mobile home, recreational vehicle, camper, or vehicle shall not be used as an ADU.

ADUs shall not be used as short-term rentals.

In addition to the conditions that may be imposed by the designated official pursuant to this title, all accessory dwelling units shall also be subject to the following provisions:

The use of an accessory dwelling unit shall be discontinued if:

The accessory dwelling unit is substantially altered such that it no longer conforms with the plans approved by the designated official and the building official; or

The subject lot fails to maintain the required number of off-street parking spaces outlined in GFMC § 19.06.050.

In the event the deficiencies identified in subsections (C)(1)(e)(i)(A) and (C)(1)(e)(i)(B) of this section are corrected to the satisfaction of the designated official, the designated official may authorize the use to be reestablished.

An ADU may be created by adding on to or converting an existing detached structure, even if the existing structure is nonconforming to required setbacks or hard surface coverage as long as other applicable codes and requirements are met, such as for fire and safety, and as long as any existing nonconforming components of the existing structure are not expanded upon.

Approval. Approval of an ADU is a Type 1 permit subject to administrative approval by the city's designated official. See Table 19.04A-I, GFMC § 19.04A.210.

§ 19.06.100 Group homes, homes occupied by persons with handicaps and group care for children.

Impact Fees. Impact fees are set forth in the fee schedule in a manner consistent with RCW 36.70A.681(1)(a) or as otherwise amended.

(Ord. 740 § 1 (Exh. A), 2007; Ord. 905 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 1069, 2025; Ord. 1070 § 11, 2026)

Facilities intended for persons with handicaps and group care for children that meet the definition of "familial status" (family) shall be regulated the same as residential structures occupied by a family or other unrelated individuals.

(Ord. 740 § 1 (Exh. A), 2007; Ord. 905 § 1 (Att. A), 2016)

§ 19.06.110 Adult businesses.

Purpose. The intent of this section is to establish regulations for activities or uses which, because of their adult orientation, are recognized as having objectionable characteristics and need to be distanced from other uses such as residential, schools, parks and community centers. Special regulations for these uses are necessary to:

Prevent inappropriate exposure of such businesses to the public;

Ensure that adverse effects of these uses will not contribute to the blighting or downgrading of surrounding neighborhoods; and

Protect property values and quality of life from potential adverse impacts.

Location Standards. Adult businesses shall be subject to the provisions of this section.

Separation Requirements. Adult businesses are prohibited from locating within 600 feet of any other adult business or any of the following:

Areas zoned R-2.3, R-9,600, R-7,200, DT-2,500 and MR;

Community and cultural facilities, including, but not limited to, post offices, government offices and courthouses;

Residential day treatment or workshop facilities primarily oriented to the physically or mentally disabled; or

Senior citizens' service centers or residential facilities with the primary emphasis oriented to senior citizens.

Separation Requirements II. Adult businesses are prohibited from locating within 2,000 feet of the following uses:

Public or private schools from kindergarten to twelfth grade and their grounds;

Day care centers, preschools, nurseries or other child care facilities;

Youth cabarets, public parks, playgrounds, libraries or any other area where large numbers of minors regularly travel or congregate; or

Churches, convents, monasteries, synagogues, temples, chapels or other places of religious worship.

Legal Use Status. Adult businesses shall not become nonconforming if a new use as listed under subsection (B)(1) of this section is located closer than 600 feet from the adult business or if a new use as listed under subsection (B)(2) of this section is located closer than 2,000 feet from the adult business.

Distance Measurement. The distance requirements for this section shall be measured in a straight line from the nearest point of the lot upon which the proposed adult business use is to be located to the nearest point of any lot owned or leased for any of the uses listed in this subsection (B).

§ 19.06.120 Manufactured or mobile home parks.

Signage for Adult Businesses. No descriptive art or displays depicting, describing or relating to any "specified sexual activities" or "specified anatomical areas" shall be allowed on any exterior portion of the building or as window displays visible to the public; otherwise, signage for adult businesses shall comply with the provisions of applicable city ordinances.

(Ord. 740 § 1 (Exh. A), 2007; Ord. 905 § 1 (Att. A), 2016)

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide the regulations for the development of manufactured home parks. Manufactured home parks shall be permitted as an official site plan under the provisions of GFMC § 19.04C.080 and the following:

Classifications of Manufactured Housing. Manufactured homes are classified as follows for the purposes of these standards:

A manufactured housing unit is a single-family residence, transportable in one or more sections, which is designated to be used with or without permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities. After June 15, 1976, manufactured homes must be constructed in accordance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirements for manufactured housing, and bear the appropriate insignia indicating such compliance.

Type A. New manufactured homes certified as meeting U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, or used manufactured homes certified as meeting the HUD standards specified above and found on inspection to be in excellent condition and safe and fit for residential occupancy.

Type B. Used manufactured or mobile homes, whether or not certified as meeting prior HUD codes, found on inspection by the building official to be in excellent or good condition, as defined by the HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards.

Manufactured or Mobile Home Parks.

A manufactured home park is a parcel of land at least two acres in size in the R-9,600, R-7,200 or MR zone districts, under single ownership, on which six or more manufactured homes are occupied as residences.

A manufactured home subdivision is designed and/or intended for the sale of lots for residential occupancy by manufactured homes.

Standards for Manufactured Housing. Manufactured housing classified in subsection (B) of this section is an allowable dwelling unit type in those zone districts in which single-family residential land uses are permitted. Such housing is subject to the building code and all standards in this code that apply to residential land uses, including the subdivision regulations contained in this code. Additionally, all manufactured housing shall be installed on permanent foundations before an occupancy permit is issued.

Standards for Type A Manufactured Homes. Type A manufactured homes are allowed in a manufactured home park as defined in subsection (C) of this section or on their own individual lots as a single-family home.

Standards for Type B Manufactured Homes. A Type B manufactured or mobile home to be moved to a new location must meet the following standards:

Approval from the community development department to relocate shall be obtained.

Upon inspection by the building official, the Type B manufactured or mobile home shall be found to be in excellent or good condition prior to the move. Criteria for determining condition shall be the same as those applied to housing inspections. After moving or relocation of the Type B manufactured or mobile home, a second inspection shall be required to verify that the manufactured or mobile home remains in no less than good condition. An occupancy permit shall not be issued until such conditions are met.

Site Design Criteria. The following criteria shall govern the design of a manufactured home park or mobile home park:

Manufactured or mobile home parks are allowed in the R-9,600, R-7,200 and MR zones.

Minimum site area for a manufactured or mobile home park is two acres.

No manufactured or mobile home park shall be located in a floodplain area or shoreline zone regardless of whether the site can be filled to one foot above the 100-year flood elevation as established by FEMA.

Density. A manufactured home park or mobile home park shall contain not less than two spaces or lots and shall not exceed the densities established by the underlying zoning.

Access. A manufactured home park shall not be established on any site without a minimum 50-foot-wide access to a public street.

Space Occupancy. Only one manufactured home shall occupy any given lot or space in the park.

Use. No building, structure, or land within the boundaries of a manufactured home park shall be used for any purpose other than the following:

Manufactured homes used as a single-family residence only.

Permitted accessory uses.

Setbacks. Setbacks and spacing of manufactured homes and accessory structures shall conform to the following.

Twenty feet from the boundary of the park;

Twenty feet from a public street;

Ten feet from an interior private street, walking or parking area; and

Ten feet from any other manufactured home.

Storage. Storage areas comprising not more than 10 percent of the total manufactured home park site for recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers shall be provided. Such areas shall be paved and enclosed by a sight-obscuring fence, wall or landscape visual buffer.

Design Criteria for Manufactured Homes Only. Manufactured housing units intended for use as single-family dwellings must:

Provide a roof of composition, wood shake, shingle or similar material constructed with a slope of not less than three feet in 12 feet of distance.

Provide building exterior siding similar in appearance to siding materials commonly used on conventional site-built single-family housing.

Provide for at least two fully enclosed parallel sections, each of which is not less than 12 feet wide by 36 feet long.

Landscaping and Screening. A manufactured home park or mobile home park shall be developed and maintained in accordance with the following:

All impervious surfaces shall be landscaped with living plant material or trees.

The landscaping and screening shall comply with the requirements and standards for residential development as set forth in GFMC § 19.06.020 – Landscaping and screening.

Buffers.

A 20-foot strip around the boundary of the park must be landscaped with trees and shrubbery to provide a visual screen.

All open spaces and other unimproved areas must be suitably landscaped. All landscaping must be maintained and furnished with an automatic irrigation system.

(13)

Open Space.

At least 15 percent of the gross site area must be in open space or recreational areas available for use by all residents.

Parking, driving and setback areas and open areas less than 5,000 square feet do not count as required open space.

Phased Development. Proposed manufactured home parks of 10 or more acres in size developed after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section may be developed in phases. Notwithstanding a change of zone or reclassification of the site which would ordinarily preclude further development, a manufactured home park which has completed the initial phase of development may be continued and developed into all additional phases indicated on the approved site plan; provided, that this exception shall only be applicable to phases which can be substantially completed within five years of the adoption of the change of zone.

Park Administration.

It shall be the responsibility of the park owner and manager to assure that the provisions of this code are observed and maintained within the manufactured home park. Violations of this code shall subject both the owner and the manager of the facility to any penalties provided for violation of this code.

All refuse shall be stored in insect-proof, animal-proof, watertight containers which shall be provided in sufficient number and capacity to accommodate all refuse. Any storage area for refuse containers shall be enclosed by sight-obscuring fence or screening and shall be situated on a concrete pad. Refuse shall be collected and disposed of on a regular basis as determined by the city.

All yards, roads, and open spaces within the park shall be maintained in a healthy, safe and visually pleasing manner. The city shall inspect each park annually, prior to licensing, and submit to the park owner and manager a written report stating whether or not the park is in compliance and listing any repairs or maintenance which may be required prior to issuance of a license renewal. An extension of time to complete repairs may be granted if no risk to public health or safety is created by such extension.

§ 19.06.130 Recreational vehicle (RV) parks.

Individual mailboxes shall be provided for each space in the park.

(Ord. 740 § 1 (Exh. A), 2007; Ord. 905 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 915 § 7, 2016)

Provisions of Facilities. All RV parks must provide, within the boundaries of the park, the following facilities in adequate numbers to provide for the needs of each RV site:

City water;

Disposal of sewage and garbage shall be through city sewer and refuse disposal vendors;

Parking of all motor vehicles used to transport a travel trailer;

Electrical services;

One or more service buildings;

System for storm drainage per the Granite Falls Municipal Code.

Supplemental Application Requirements. In addition to other items required by this title for application, the applicant for an RV park shall also provide the following information:

Size, location, and number of travel trailer spaces;

Location and width of entrances, exits, driveways and walkways;

Number, size, and location of all service buildings and other improvements constructed, or to be constructed, within the RV park;

Location and size of recreation or play area(s);

Method and plan of garbage disposal;

Location and type of firefighting and fire prevention facilities.

Site Area and Space Size Requirements.

Maximum Size of RV Parks. The maximum allowable acreage for a RV park shall be five acres.

Size and Identification of Parking Spaces. The minimum size of all RV spaces shall be 1,000 square feet. Each RV space shall be identified with an individual site number in logical numerical sequence, and shall be shown on the site plan.

Location of Spaces. Each RV space shall abut a driveway or other clear area with unobstructed access to a public street. The RV shall be parked in each space so that there will be a minimum of eight feet between the RV and so that no RV will be less than 10 feet from the boundary of the RV park.

Open Space. A minimum of 20 percent of the total area of the RV park site must be designated common open space. Up to 50 percent of this open space may be occupied by community recreational structures. All common open space areas will be accessible and usable by all residents of the park for passive and active recreation. In calculating the 20 percent open space area, neither the surfaced width of the park roads nor the bulk storage, guest, unit parking areas, or service buildings can be included as open space.

Layout. Paved access roads shall be provided to each RV space. Each access road shall connect with a public street have a minimum width of 24 feet and shall be well marked in the daytime and adequately lighted at night. Traffic patterns shall be reduced to one-way traffic.

Service Buildings. Every RV park shall be provided with one or more service buildings adequately equipped with flush-type toilet fixtures, lavatories, showers (separate for the sexes), and laundry facilities. Service buildings shall be located not more than 200 feet, and not less than eight feet, from any RV space. Service buildings shall be of permanent construction with the following design elements:

The floor shall be of water-impervious material, easily cleanable and sloped to floor drains connected to the sewer system;

The buildings shall be well ventilated;

Toilet, shower and laundry rooms shall be well lit at all times;

Hot water shall be supplied at a minimum of three gallons per hour per travel trailer space for the lavatory, shower and laundry room fixtures;

The minimum number of toilet, lavatory, shower, and laundry facilities in each service building shall be two toilets for the females, one toilet for the males, one urinal for the males, two lavatories and one shower for each sex, and one laundry facility. These facilities shall meet all requirements per the International Building Code (IBC) and accessibility requirements;

The laundry and toilet rooms shall be separate, and the toilet rooms shall have exterior entrances.

Water Supply. All RV parks shall be connected to the city's public water system.

Sewage Disposal. Each RV trailer space shall be provided sewer connection to a public sewer system that meets the standards of the city's public works department. Adapters allowing for a tight connection shall be available from the RV park operator for the use by tenants.

Refuse Disposal. An adequate supply of containers shall be located not more than 200 feet from any RV space. The storage, collection, and disposal of refuse in the RV park shall be managed in a manner so as not to create health hazards or nuisances.

Fire Protection. In every RV park there shall be installed and maintained approved fire hydrants and fire extinguishers in number and location in compliance with the Snohomish County Fire District No. 17 regulations.

§ 19.06.140 Nonconforming uses and structures.

Duration of Stay. No RV shall occupy a single travel trailer park for more than six months within any consecutive 12-month period.

(Ord. 740 § 1 (Exh. A), 2007; Ord. 827 § 19, 2012; Ord. 862 § 49, 2013; Ord. 905 § 1 (Att. A), 2016)

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide standards and conditions to regulate lots, structures and uses which were legally established prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of this UDC and which remain legal, but have become nonconforming as a result of this UDC's application, or by acquisition of land in public interest. This section provides reasonable alternatives to property owners for the continuance of nonconformities. The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to any discretionary land use action specifically authorized prior to or after the adoption of this UDC. Discretionary land uses shall comply with conditions and restrictions set forth in the approval through which it was authorized.

Basic Standards. The basic standards apply to all nonconforming uses, structures, developments and lots. These standards provide for actions that are allowed outright. Limited exceptions to the standards in this section are allowed through a nonconforming use permit in this section.

Expansion of Nonconforming Uses and Structures. Nonconforming uses and structures shall not be enlarged, expanded, extended, replaced or altered except as expressly permitted in this section.

Expansion Beyond Original Parcel. Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit expanding or extending a nonconforming use or structure beyond the confines of the lot or parcel of land upon which it was located on the date the use or structure became nonconforming.

Continuation of Use. A nonconforming use may be continued by successive owners or tenants where the use continues unabandoned (see subsection (I) of this section).

Normal Upkeep, Repairs and Maintenance. Normal upkeep, repairs, maintenance, strengthening or restoration to a safe condition of any nonconforming building or structure or part thereof shall be permitted subject to the provisions of this section.

Compliance with Development Regulations. Any additions or expansions of nonconforming uses or nonconforming structures shall comply with the development standards in this chapter for the zone classification in which the nonconformity is located; provided, that portions of nonconformities that legally existed prior to adoption of this section shall not be subject to this provision.

Nonconforming Use within Structure. A nonconforming use, within an existing structure, which is nonconforming by reason of zone classification may be extended throughout such structure.

Structures and Uses Accessory to Residential. Structures and uses accessory to an existing nonconforming residential use shall be allowed as provided in this title.

Where a nonconforming use of a structure exists, that structure can be replaced, provided the original footprint is not relocated or altered.

Change of Use Standards. A nonconforming use may change outright to a conforming use allowed within the zone classification in which the use is located.

Nonconforming Structure Standards. A nonconforming structure may be altered provided the degree of nonconformity is not extended or increased; and

Nonconforming Lot Standards. Any permitted uses or structures, including any accessory uses or structures permitted in conjunction with a principal use, shall be allowed to be built or expanded on a nonconforming lot. Applicable development standards in this chapter shall be complied with.

Nonconforming Development Standards. Existing uses or structures may be expanded or new uses and structures added, provided the nonconforming development is brought into conformance with the development standards of this chapter for the lot or parcel on which it is located.

Restoration Standards for Damaged or Destroyed Nonconforming Structures and Uses. Any nonconforming structure damaged or destroyed by fire, explosion, wind, flood, earthquake or other calamity may be completely restored or reconstructed. Damaged or destroyed nonconforming structures must be restored under the following provisions:

Restoration or reconstruction shall not serve to extend or increase the nonconformance of the original structure or use.

To the extent reasonably possible, restoration should retain the same general architectural style as the destroyed structure.

Permits shall be applied for within one year of damage. Restoration or reconstruction must be substantially completed within 18 months of permit issuance. When deemed reasonable and necessary, the city may grant a time extension.

Discontinuance Standards. Should a nonconforming use of a property or structure be discontinued for any consecutive 12-month period or more, the use of the property and structure shall be deemed abandoned and shall conform to a use permitted in the zone classification in which it is located. If the intended discontinued use of a property or structure is temporary in nature as opposed to abandonment, then the applicant may apply for a nonconforming use permit to reestablish the nonconforming use.

§ 19.06.150 Public works construction standards.

Exemptions. Residential structures at least 100 years old and identified on comprehensive plan Figure LU-3, Historic Inventory, shall be exempt from the provisions of subsection (I) of this section, Discontinuance Standards.

(Ord. 740 § 1 (Exh. A), 2007; Ord. 905 § 1 (Att. A), 2016)

Purpose and Intent. Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter, any construction, alteration or repair of any facility located in the public right-of-way or public easement shall comply with the Granite Falls public works standards.

(Ord. 740 § 1 (Exh. A), 2007; Ord. 905 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 1069, 2025)

§ 19.06.160 Right-of-way requirements.

Dedication Required. A developer shall be required to dedicate, establish, or deed right-of-way to the city of Granite Falls for road purposes as a condition of approval of a development, when to do so is reasonably necessary as a direct result of a proposed development, for improvement, use or maintenance of the road system serving the development.

§ 19.06.170 Mobile food vendor licensing regulations.

Reserve Area. In cases where the dedication, establishment, or deeding of additional right-of-way cannot be reasonably required as a direct result of the proposed development but such right-of-way is necessary for future expansion of the public road system, the developer shall reserve the area needed for right-of-way for future conveyance to Snohomish County or the city of Granite Falls. Building setback and all other zoning code requirements will be established from the dedicated right-of-way line. The area reserved for right-of-way may be donated to Snohomish County or the city of Granite Falls and will be purchased by Snohomish County or the city of Granite Falls through a Snohomish County or city of Granite Falls road project.

(Ord. 905 § 1 (Att. A), 2016)

Purpose. The provisions of this section apply to mobile food trucks engaged in the business of cooking, preparing, and distributing food or beverage with or without charge upon or in public and private restricted spaces. This section does not apply to vehicles that dispense food and that move from place to place and are stationary in the same location for no more than 45 minutes at a time, such as ice cream trucks, or food vending pushcarts, or stands located on sidewalks, nor does it apply to food trucks associated with special events that are licensed/permitted or approved by the city.

Activities Requiring a License/Permit. It is unlawful for any person to operate within the city a food truck, as defined in GFMC § 19.02.130, without having obtained a license/permit for that purpose. A separate license/permit shall be required for each food truck. No person shall then sell or offer food products at any location until the food vendor has been duly licensed/permitted.

General business license provisions (Chapter 5.28 GFMC) shall apply to this special license. In addition to the provisions set forth in this section, a city-issued business license shall be required.

Exemptions. The provisions of this section shall not be applied to:

Lemonade stands;

Delivery or distribution of food, goods or products ordered or purchased by customers from a source or point of sale other than a mobile vehicle operated for the purpose of soliciting customers while located on city streets or property;

Special events activities in accordance with Chapter 5.36 GFMC.

Application for License/Permit.

A person desiring to operate a food truck shall make written application for such license/permit to the city clerk-treasurer. The application for a license/permit shall include the following:

Name, signature, phone number, email contact and current business address of the applicant.

Copies of all necessary licenses or permits that may be required by the Snohomish County health department, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, and the city of Granite Falls. (This requirement shall be met within 30 days of approval of a mobile food truck license/permit by the city of Granite Falls. However, no mobile food truck shall locate or operate within the city until such city, county and state licenses have been issued.)

In addition to the submittal materials above, food vendors operating on privately owned land must submit a written consent of the property owner, and provide a layout of the proposed location on the property of the food truck.

License/Permit Fee. The license/permit fee for a food truck shall be established by the city council through resolutions. No application shall be deemed complete until all fees have been paid. License/permit fees are nonrefundable.

Term of License/Permit. As specified in subsection (J)(1) of this section, unless otherwise authorized by the designated official. The city also reserves the right to further restrict dates of operation, which restrictions shall be noted on the license/permit when it is issued. Licenses/permits issued pursuant to this section are not transferable.

Exhibition of License/Permit. A license/permit applicant issued under this section shall be posted conspicuously in the mobile food truck.

Locations.

Food trucks may operate on private property in any zone in which restaurants are permitted, with the written consent from the property owner. Evidence of such written consent and approval shall be provided to the city prior to the on-site location of the food truck.

Food vehicles shall not locate on public property and shall operate only on private property; except during special events which require a separate permit under Chapter 5.36 GFMC.

Health Regulations. All food vendors shall comply with all laws, rules and regulations regarding food handling, and all vehicles, equipment, and devices used for the handling, storage, transportation and/or sale of food shall comply with all laws, rules and regulations respecting such vehicles, equipment and devices as established by the Snohomish County health department.

Business Activity.

All business activity related to mobile food trucks shall be limited to Thursday through Sunday and Mondays which fall on a holiday, except for mobile food trucks serving as the business establishment's sole source of cooking, preparing, and distributing food or beverage.

Hours of operation shall be limited to the hours between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. unless additional hours are approved by the city.

(K)

Food Truck Standards. All mobile vendors licensed/permitted under this section shall conform to the following standards:

Food trucks stationed on private property using external signage, bollards, seating or any other equipment not contained within the vehicle shall not reduce or obstruct the sidewalk to less than four feet.

Vendor shall obey any lawful order of a police officer to move to a different permitted location to avoid congestion or obstruction of a public way.

Any auxiliary power required for the food vehicle shall be self-contained; provided, that such auxiliary power does not result in excessive noise. No use of public or private power sources is allowed without providing written consent from the owner. No power cable or equipment shall be extended at grade across any city street, alley, or sidewalk. The use of loudspeakers is prohibited.

(L)

Design and Operations.

Licensee shall park food truck in an assigned designated area only.

Licensee shall not park in such a manner as to create a traffic hazard.

No waste liquids, garbage, litter, or refuse shall be dumped on city sidewalks, streets, or lawn areas, or in city gutters or drains. When leaving a sales area, licensee or employees shall pick up all litter resulting from the business's sales. Licensee shall be responsible for all litter and garbage left by customers.

Licensee shall be in conformance with applicable city ordinances regarding noise control and vehicle identification.

Licensee shall comply with all Snohomish County public health requirements, and fire department requirements if propane or a combustible fuel is used.

The licensee shall only sell food and beverages that are capable of immediate consumption.

Garbage, recycling, and composting receptacles must be supplied by the licensee for the public use. Such receptacles shall be capable of accommodating all refuse generated by the vending activity. The containers must be maintained and emptied regularly.