City of Shoreline, WA Subchapter 8 Signs

§ 20.50.530 Purpose.

The purposes of this subchapter are:

A. To provide standards for the effective use of signs as a means of identification that enhances the aesthetics of business properties and economic viability.

B. To protect the public interest and safety by minimizing the possible adverse effects of signs on nearby properties and traffic safety.

C. To establish regulations for the type, number, location, size, and lighting of signs that are complementary with the building use and compatible with their surroundings.

(Ord. 238 Ch. V § 8(A), 2000; Ord. 299 § 1, 2002; Ord. 654 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013)

§ 20.50.532 Permit required.

A. Except as provided in this chapter, no temporary or permanent sign may be constructed, installed, posted, displayed or modified without first obtaining a sign permit approving the proposed sign’s size, design, location, and display.

B. No permit is required for normal and ordinary maintenance and repair, and changes to the graphics, symbols, or copy of a sign, without affecting the size, structural design or height. Exempt changes to the graphics, symbols or copy of a sign must meet the standards for permitted illumination.

C. Installation or replacement of electronic changing message or reader board signs requires a permit and must comply with Exception 20.50.550(A)(2) and SMC § 20.50.590.

D. Sign applications that propose to depart from the standards of this subchapter must receive an administrative design review approval under SMC § 20.30.297 for all signs on the property as a comprehensive signage package.

E. Applications for property located within the Aurora Square Community Renewal Area, as defined by Resolution 333, shall be subject to SMC § 20.50.620.

(Ord. 654 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 695 § 1 (Exh. A), 2014; Ord. 712 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015)

§ 20.50.535 Thresholds – Required site improvements.

Repealed by Ord. 654.

(Ord. 299 § 1, 2002; Ord. 515 § 1, 2008; Ord. 581 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2010)

§ 20.50.540 Sign design.

A. Sight Distance. No sign shall be located or designed to interfere with visibility required by the City of Shoreline for the safe movement of pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles.

B. Private Signs on City Right-of-Way. No private signs shall be located partially or completely in a public right-of-way unless a right-of-way permit has been approved consistent with Chapter 12.15 SMC and is allowed under SMC §§ 20.50.540 through 20.50.610.

C. Sign Copy Area. Calculation of sign area shall use rectangular areas that enclose each portion of the signage such as words, logos, graphics, and symbols other than nonilluminated background. Sign area for signs that project out from a building or are perpendicular to street frontage are measured on one side even though both sides can have copy.

D. Building Addresses. Building addresses should be installed on all buildings consistent with SMC § 20.70.250(C) and will not be counted as sign copy area.

E. Materials and Design. All signs, except temporary signs, must be constructed of durable, maintainable materials. Signs that are made of materials that deteriorate quickly or that feature impermanent construction are not permitted for permanent signage. For example, plywood or plastic sheets without a sign face overlay or without a frame to protect exposed edges are not permitted for permanent signage.

F. Illumination. Where illumination is permitted per Table 20.50.540(G) the following standards must be met:

1. Channel lettering or individual backlit letters mounted on a wall, or individual letters placed on a raceway, where light only shines through the copy.

2. Opaque cabinet signs where light only shines through copy openings.

3. Shadow lighting, where letters are backlit, but light only shines through the edges of the copy.

4. Neon signs.

5. All external light sources illuminating signs shall be less than six feet from the sign and shielded to prevent direct lighting from entering adjacent property.

Individual backlit letters (left image), opaque signs where only the light shines through the copy (center image), and neon signs (right image).

G. Table 20.50.540(G) – Sign Dimensions.

A property may use a combination of the four types of signs listed below.

Refer to SMC § 20.50.620 for the Aurora Square Community Renewal Area sign regulations.

	All NR Zones, MUR-35', Campus, PA 3 and TC-4	MUR-45', MUR-70', NB, CB and TC-3 (1)	MB, TC-1 and TC-2
MONUMENT SIGNS:
Maximum Area Per Sign Face	4 sq. ft. (home occupation, day care, adult family home, residential care facilities, bed and breakfast) 25 sq. ft. (nonresidential use, residential subdivision or multifamily development) 32 sq. ft. (schools and parks)	50 sq. ft.	100 sq. ft.
Maximum Height	42 inches	6 feet	12 feet
Maximum Number Permitted	1 per street frontage	1 per street frontage	1 per street frontage
		Two per street frontage if the frontage is greater than 250 ft. and each sign is minimally 150 ft. apart from other signs on same property.
Illumination	Permitted	Permitted
BUILDING-MOUNTED SIGNS:
Maximum Sign Area	Same as for monument signs	25 sq. ft. (each tenant) Building Directory 10 sq. ft. Building Name Sign 25 sq. ft.	50 sq. ft. (each tenant) Building Directory 10 sq. ft. Building Name Sign 25 sq. ft.
Maximum Height	Not to extend above the building parapet, soffit, or eave line of the roof. If perpendicular to building then 9-foot clearance above walkway.
Number Permitted	1 per street frontage	1 per business per facade facing street frontage or parking lot.
Illumination	Permitted	Permitted	Permitted
UNDER-AWNING SIGNS
Maximum Sign Area	6 sq. ft. (Nonresidential uses, schools, residential subdivision or multifamily development)	12 sq. ft.
Minimum Clearance from Grade	9 feet
Maximum Height (ft.)	Not to extend above or beyond awning, canopy, or other overhanging feature of a building under which the sign is suspended
Number Permitted	1 per business	1 per business per facade facing street frontage or parking lot.
Illumination	Prohibited	Permitted
DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE/EXIT:
Maximum Sign Area	4 sq. ft. (Nonresidential uses, schools, residential subdivision or multifamily development)	8 sq. ft.
Maximum Height	42 inches	48 inches
Number Permitted	1 per driveway
Illumination	Permitted	Permitted

Exceptions to Table 20.50.540(G):

(1) The monument sign standards for MB, TC-1, and TC-2 apply on properties zoned NB, CB, and TC-3 where the parcel has frontage on a State Route, including SR 99, 104, 522, and 523.

(2) Sign mounted on fence or retaining wall may be substituted for building-mounted or monument signs so long as it meets the standards for that sign type and does not increase the total amount of allowable signage for the property.

H. Window Signs. Window signs are permitted to occupy maximum 25 percent of the total window area in zones MUR-45', MUR-70', NB, CB, MB, TC-1, TC-2, and TC-3. Window signs are exempt from permit if non-illuminated and do not require a permit under the building code.

I. A-Frame Signs. A-frame, or sandwich board, signs are exempt from permit but allowed only in the MUR-45', MUR-70', NB, CB, MB, and TC-1, TC-2, and TC-3 zones subject to the following standards:

1. Maximum one sign per business;

2. Must be directly in front of the business with the business’ name and may be located on the City right-of-way where the property on which the business is located has street frontage;

3. Cannot be located within the required clearance for sidewalks and internal walkways as defined for the specific street classification or internal circulation requirements;

4. Shall not be placed in landscaping, within two feet of the street curb where there is on-street parking, public walkways, or crosswalk ramps;

5. Maximum two feet wide and three feet tall, not to exceed six square feet in area;

6. No lighting of signs is permitted;

7. All signs shall be removed from display when the business closes each day; and

8. A-frame/sandwich board signs are not considered structures.

J. Other Residential Signs. One sign maximum for home occupations, day cares, adult family homes and bed and breakfasts which are located in NR zones, MUR-35' or TC-4 not exceeding four square feet in area is exempt from permit. It may be mounted on the residence, fence or freestanding on the property, but must be located on the subject property and not on the City right-of-way or adjacent parcels.

(Ord. 238 Ch. V § 8(B), 2000; Ord. 299 § 1, 2002; Ord. 352 § 1, 2004; Ord. 560 § 4 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 654 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 706 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015; Ord. 767 § 1 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 824 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1027 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)

§ 20.50.550 Prohibited signs.

A. Spinning devices; flashing lights; searchlights, electronic changing messages or reader board signs.

Exception 20.50.550(A)(1): Traditional barber pole signs allowed only in MUR-45', MUR-70', NB, CB, MB and TC-1 and 3 zones.

Exception 20.50.550(A)(2): Electronic changing message or reader boards are permitted in CB and MB zones if they do not have moving messages or messages that change or animate at intervals less than 20 seconds. Replacement of existing, legally established electronic changing message or reader boards in existing signs is allowed, but the intervals for changing or animating messages must meet the provisions of this section, as well as SMC §§ 20.50.532 and 20.50.590. Maximum one electronic changing message or reader board sign is permitted per parcel. Digital signs which change or animate at intervals less than 20 seconds will be considered blinking or flashing and are not allowed.

B. Portable signs, except A-frame signs as allowed by SMC § 20.50.540(I).

C. Outdoor off-premises advertising signs (billboards).

D. Signs mounted on the roof.

E. Pole signs.

F. Backlit awnings used as signs.

G. Pennants; swooper flags; feather flags; pole banners; inflatables; and signs mounted on vehicles.

(Ord. 238 Ch. V § 8(C), 2000; Ord. 299 § 1, 2002; Ord. 369 § 1, 2005; Ord. 560 § 4 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 631 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2012; Ord. 654 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 695 § 1 (Exh. A), 2014; Ord. 706 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015)

§ 20.50.560 Monument signs.

A. A solid-appearing base is required under at least 75 percent of sign width from the ground to the base of the sign or the sign itself may start at grade.

B. Monument signs must be double-sided if the back is visible from the street.

C. Use materials and architectural design elements that are consistent with the architecture of the buildings.

(Ord. 238 Ch. V § 8(D-1), 2000; Ord. 299 § 1, 2002; Ord. 352 § 1, 2004; Ord. 654 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 706 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015)

§ 20.50.570 Building-mounted signs.

A. Building signs shall not cover building trim or ornamentation.

B. Projecting, awning, canopy, and marquee signs (above awnings) shall clear sidewalk by nine feet and not project beyond the awning extension or eight feet, whichever is less. These signs may project into public rights-of-way, subject to City approval.

(Ord. 238 Ch. V § 8(D-2), 2000; Ord. 299 § 1, 2002; Ord. 560 § 4 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 654 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 706 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015)

§ 20.50.580 Under-awning signs.

These signs may project into public rights-of-way, subject to City approval.

(Ord. 238 Ch. V § 8(D-3), 2000; Ord. 299 § 1, 2002; Ord. 654 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 706 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015)

§ 20.50.590 Nonconforming signs.

A. Nonconforming signs shall not be altered in size, shape, height, location, or structural components without being brought to compliance with the requirements of this Code. Repair and maintenance are allowable, but may require a sign permit if structural components require repair or replacement.

B. Billboards now in existence are declared nonconforming and may remain subject to the following restrictions:

1. Shall not be increased in size or elevation, nor shall be relocated to another location.

2. Installation of electronic changing message or reader boards in existing billboards is prohibited.

3. Shall be kept in good repair and maintained.

4. Any outdoor advertising sign not meeting these restrictions shall be removed within 30 days of the date when an order by the City to remove such sign is given.

C. Electronic changing message or reader boards may not be installed in existing, nonconforming signs without bringing the sign into compliance with the requirements of this code, including Exception 20.50.550(A)(2).

Exception 20.50.590(C)(1): Regardless of zone, replacement or repair of existing, legally established electronic changing message or reader boards is allowed without bringing other nonconforming characteristics of a sign into compliance, so long as the size of the reader board does not increase and the provisions of SMC § 20.50.532 and the change or animation provisions of Exception 20.50.550(A)(2) are met.

(Ord. 238 Ch. V § 8(E), 2000; Ord. 299 § 1, 2002; Ord. 654 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 695 § 1 (Exh. A), 2014; Ord. 706 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015)

§ 20.50.600 Temporary signs.

A. General Requirements. Certain temporary signs not exempted by SMC § 20.50.610 shall be allowable under the conditions listed below. All signs shall be nonilluminated. Any of the signs or objects included in this section are illegal if they are not securely attached, create a traffic hazard, or are not maintained in good condition. No temporary signs shall be posted or placed upon public property unless explicitly allowed or approved by the City through the applicable right-of-way permit. Except as otherwise described under this section, no permit is necessary for allowed temporary signs.

B. Temporary On-Premises Business Signs. Temporary banners are permitted in zones MUR-45', MUR-70', NB, CB, MB, TC-1, TC-2, and TC-3 or for schools and houses of worship in all residential zones to announce sales or special events such as grand openings, or prior to the installation of permanent business signs. Such temporary business signs shall:

1. Be limited to not more than one sign per street frontage per business, place of worship, or school;

2. Be limited to 32 square feet in area;

3. Not be displayed for a period to exceed a total of 60 calendar days effective from the date of installation and not more than four such 60-day periods are allowed in any 12-month period; and

4. Be removed immediately upon conclusion of the sale, event or installation of the permanent business signage.

C. Construction Signs. Banner or rigid signs (such as plywood or plastic) identifying the architects, engineers, contractors or other individuals or firms involved with the construction of a building or announcing purpose for which the building is intended. Total signage area for both new construction and remodeling shall be a maximum of 32 square feet. Signs shall be installed only upon City approval of the development permit, new construction or tenant improvement permit and shall be removed within seven days of final inspection or expiration of the building permit.

D. Temporary signs not allowed under this section and which are not explicitly prohibited may be considered for approval under a temporary use permit under SMC § 20.30.295 or as part of administrative design review for a comprehensive signage plan for the site.

(Ord. 238 Ch. V § 8(F), 2000; Ord. 299 § 1, 2002; Ord. 654 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 695 § 1 (Exh. A), 2014; Ord. 706 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015)

§ 20.50.610 Exempt signs.

The following are exempt from the provisions of this chapter, except that all exempt signs must comply with SMC § 20.50.540(A), Sight Distance, and SMC § 20.50.540(B), Private Signs on City Right-of-Way:

A. Historic site markers or plaques and gravestones.

B. Signs required by law, including but not limited to:

1. Official or legal notices issued and posted by any public agency or court; or

2. Traffic directional or warning signs.

C. Plaques, tablets or inscriptions indicating the name of a building, date of erection, or other commemorative information, which are an integral part of the building structure or are attached flat to the face of the building, not illuminated, and do not exceed four square feet in surface area.

D. Incidental signs, which shall not exceed two square feet in surface area; provided, that said size limitation shall not apply to signs providing directions, warnings or information when established and maintained by a public agency.

E. State or Federal flags.

F. Religious symbols.

G. The flag of a commercial institution, provided no more than one flag is permitted per business premises; and further provided, the flag does not exceed 20 square feet in surface area.

H. Neighborhood identification signs with approved placement and design by the City.

I. Neighborhood and business block watch signs with approved placement of standardized signs acquired through the City of Shoreline Police Department.

J. Plaques, signs or markers for landmark tree designation with approved placement and design by the City.

K. Real estate signs not exceeding four square feet and five feet in height in residential zones and 24 square feet and seven feet in height in commercial zones located on subject parcel(s), not on City right-of-way. A single fixed sign may be located on the property to be sold, rented or leased, and shall be removed within seven days from the completion of the sale, lease or rental transaction.

L. City-sponsored event signs up for no more than two weeks.

M. Gateway signs constructed in compliance with the Gateway Policy and Guideline Manual.

N. Parks signs constructed in compliance with the Parks Sign Design Guidelines and Installation Details as approved by the Parks Board and the Director. Departures from these approved guidelines may be reviewed as departures through the administrative design review process and may require a sign permit for installation.

O. Garage sale signs not exceeding four square feet per sign face and not advertising for a period longer than 48 hours.

P. City land-use public notification signs.

Q. Menu signs used only in conjunction with drive-through windows, and which contains a price list of items for sale at that drive-through establishment. Menu signs cannot be used to advertise the business to passersby: text and logos must be of a size that can only be read by drive-through customers. A building permit may be required for menu signs based on the size of the structure proposed.

R. Campaign signs that comply with size, location and duration limits provided in Shoreline Administrative Rules.

(Ord. 238 Ch. V § 8(G), 2000; Ord. 299 § 1, 2002; Ord. 319 § 1, 2003; Ord. 654 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 695 § 1 (Exh. A), 2014)

§ 20.50.620 Shoreline Place (Aurora Square Community Renewal Area) sign standards.

A. Purpose. The purposes of this section are:

1. To provide standards for the effective use of signs as a means of business identification that enhances the aesthetics of business properties and economic viability.

2. To provide a cohesive and attractive public image of the Shoreline Place development.

3. To protect the public interest and safety by minimizing the possible adverse effects of signs.

4. To establish regulations for the type, number, location, size, and lighting of signs that are complementary with the building use and compatible with their surroundings.

B. Location Where Applicable. Map 20.50.620.B illustrates the Aurora Square CRA where the sign standards defined in this section apply.

C. Definitions. The following definitions apply to this section:

Building-Mounted Sign	A sign permanently attached to a building, including flush-mounted, projecting, awning, canopy, or marquee signs. Under-awning or blade signs are regulated separately.
CRA	Aurora Square Community Renewal Area, as defined by Resolution 333, the Aurora Square Community Renewal Area Plan, and Map 20.50.620.B.
Monument Sign	A freestanding sign with a solid-appearing base under at least 75 percent of sign width from the ground to the base of the sign or the sign itself may start at grade. Monument signs may also consist of cabinet or channel letters mounted on a fence, freestanding wall, or retaining wall where the total height of the structure meets the limitations of this code.
Portable Sign	A sign that is readily capable of being moved or removed, whether attached or affixed to the ground or any structure that is typically intended for temporary display.
Pylon Sign	A freestanding sign with a visible support structure or with the support structure enclosed with a pole cover.
Shoreline Place	That portion of the Aurora Square CRA envisioned in the CRA Renewal Plan as interrelated retail, service, and residential use.
Shoreline Place Signage Design Guidelines[1]	The set of design standards adopted by the City that specifies the common name, logo, taglines, fonts, colors, and sign standards used on freestanding signs throughout Shoreline Place.
Temporary Sign	A sign that is only permitted to be displayed for a limited period of time, after which it must be removed.
Under-Awning Sign	A sign suspended below a canopy, awning or other overhanging feature of a building.
Wayfinding Sign Post	A sign with multiple individual panels acting as directional pointers that are suspended from a freestanding post.
Window Sign	A sign applied to a window or mounted or suspended directly behind a window.

[1] Editor's Note: Shoreline Place Signage Design Guidelines is included as an attachment to this title.

D. Permit Required.

1. Except as provided in this section, no permanent sign may be constructed, installed, posted, displayed or modified without first obtaining a sign permit approving the proposed sign’s size, design, location, and, where applicable, adherence to the Shoreline Place signage design guidelines.

2. No permit is required for normal and ordinary maintenance and repair, and changes to the graphics, symbols, or copy of a sign, without affecting the size, structural design or height. Exempt changes to the graphics, symbols or copy of a sign must meet the standards defined herein.

3. All pylon, monument, and wayfinding signs within Shoreline Place shall conform to the Shoreline Place signage design guidelines. For all other types of unique, sculptural or artistic signs, if an applicant seeks to depart from the standards of this section, the applicant must receive an administrative design review approval under SMC § 20.30.297.

E. Sign Design.

1. Sight Distance. No sign shall be located or designed to interfere with visibility required by the City of Shoreline for the safe movement of pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles.

2. Private Signs on City Right-of-Way. No portion of a private sign, above or below ground, shall be located in a public right-of-way unless a right-of-way permit has been approved consistent with Chapter 12.15 SMC and is allowed under SMC §§ 20.50.540 through 20.50.610.

3. Sign Copy Area. Calculation of sign area for channel letters or painted signs shall be the total area of all rectangular areas (each drawn with a maximum of six right angles) that enclose each portion of the signage such as words, logos, graphics, and symbols other than nonilluminated background. Sign area for cabinet signs shall be the entire face of the cabinet. Sign area for signs that project out from a building or are perpendicular to street frontage are measured on one side even though both sides can have copy of equal size. Supporting structures such as sign bases and columns are not included in sign area; provided, that they contain no lettering or graphics except for addresses.

4. Building Addresses. Building addresses should be installed on all buildings consistent with SMC § 20.70.250(C) and will not be counted as sign copy area.

5. Materials and Design. All signs, except temporary signs, must be constructed of durable, maintainable materials. Signs that are made of materials that deteriorate quickly or that feature impermanent construction are not permitted for permanent signage. For example, plywood or plastic sheets without a sign face overlay or without a frame to protect exposed edges are not permitted for permanent signage.

6. Shoreline Place Signage Design Guidelines[2]. Design and content of the pylon, monument, and wayfinding sign posts within Shoreline Place shall conform to the Shoreline Place signage design guidelines. In addition, all other permanent or temporary signage or advertising displaying the common name, logo, colors, taglines, or fonts of Shoreline Place center identity shall comply with the Shoreline Place signage design guidelines.

[2] Editor's Note: Shoreline Place Signage Design Guidelines is included as an attachment to this title.

7. Illumination. Where illumination is permitted per Table 20.50.620.E.8 the following standards must be met:

a. Channel lettering or individual backlit letters mounted on a wall, or individual letters placed on a raceway, where light only shines through the copy.

b. Opaque cabinet signs where light only shines through copy openings.

c. Shadow lighting, where letters are backlit, but light only shines through the edges of the copy.

d. Neon signs.

e. All external light sources illuminating signs shall be less than six feet from the sign and shielded to prevent direct lighting from entering adjacent property.

f. Building perimeter/outline lighting is allowed for theaters only.

Individual backlit letters (left image), opaque signs where only the light shines through the copy (center image), and neon signs (right image).

8. Sign Specifications.

Table 20.50.620E.8 Sign Dimensions
MONUMENT SIGNS
Maximum Sign Copy Area	100 square feet. The monument sign must be double-sided if the back of the sign is visible from the street.
Maximum Structure Height	8 feet.
Maximum Number Permitted per Parcel per Public Street Frontage	1 sign – up to 250 feet of street frontage. 2 signs – parcels with more than 250 but less than 500 feet of street frontage. 3 signs – 500 feet or more of street frontage.
Sign Design	At least 15 percent of the sign copy area shall be used for center identification of Shoreline Place. Individual business listings, if shown, shall not include logos and shall be a common color scheme conforming to the Shoreline Place signage design guidelines[3] but may include any font.
Spacing	Signs must be separated by at least 100 feet from another monument or pylon sign on the same parcel or 50 feet from another monument or pylon sign on an adjacent parcel.
Illumination	Permitted.
MONUMENT SIGNS OUTSIDE OF SHORELINE PLACE
Maximum Sign Copy Area	50 square feet.
Maximum Structure Height	6 feet.
Maximum Number Permitted	1 per parcel with up to 250 feet of street frontage, 2 for parcels with 250 feet or more of frontage on the same street. Signs must be separated by at least 100 feet from any other monument or pylon sign.
Sign Design	Conformance to the Shoreline Place signage design guidelines is optional.
Illumination	Permitted.
WAYFINDING SIGN POSTS
Maximum Sign Copy Area	2 square feet per business listing; no limit on number of businesses displayed.
Maximum Structure Height	10 feet.
Maximum Number Permitted	No limit.
Sign Design	Individual business listings shall not include logos and shall be in a single common color conforming to the Shoreline Place signage design guidelines. There is no restriction on font. Directional arrow background may be of a contrasting color.
Location	Throughout Shoreline Place. Must be set back at least 25 feet from the curb line of public streets.
Illumination	Permitted.
PYLON SIGNS
Maximum Sign Copy Area	300 square feet.
Maximum Structure Height	35 feet.
Maximum Number Permitted per Parcel	2 pylon signs allowed per parcel over 5 acres.
Sign Design	At least 15 percent of the sign copy area shall be used for center identification of Shoreline Place. Individual business listings, if shown, shall not include logos and shall be a common color scheme conforming to the Shoreline Place signage design guidelines but may include any font.
Location	Signs may be located on public street frontages that are directly across from properties with Mixed Business (MB) zoning. Signs must be separated by at least 100 feet from another monument or pylon sign on the same parcel or 50 feet from another monument or pylon sign on an adjacent parcel.
Illumination	Permitted.
BUILDING-MOUNTED SIGNS
Maximum Sign Copy Area	Ground Floor Storefronts: 1.5 square feet of sign area per lineal foot of storefront that contains a public entrance. Ground Floor Side/Rear Walls without Public Entrances: 1 square foot of sign area per lineal foot of wall fronting a tenant space if the wall meets one of these standards: 1) Transparent glazing between the heights of 3 feet and 8 feet along at least 50 percent of the tenant space; or 2) A trellis with live, irrigated landscaping along at least 50 percent of the tenant space; or 3) Architectural detailing consistent with the other building facades such as awnings, canopies, changes in building material, and modulation. Residential Buildings: 2 elevations may have sign area equal to 2.5 percent of the building elevation fronting the residential use or a maximum of 500 square feet, whichever is less.
Maximum Structure Height	Not limited. Projecting, awning, canopy, and marquee signs (above awnings) shall clear sidewalk by 9 feet and not project beyond the awning extension or 8 feet, whichever is less. These signs may project into public rights-of-way, subject to City approval.
Projecting Signs	Maximum of 1 projecting sign per public entrance. Maximum size is 4 feet by 3 feet or 15 percent of the business’s maximum sign copy area, whichever is smaller.
Number Permitted	The maximum sign copy area per business may be distributed into multiple wall, projecting, awning, canopy or marquee signs; provided, that the aggregate sign area is equal to or less than the maximum allowed sign copy area. Signs must be placed on the building elevation used to calculate their maximum sign copy area.
Sign Design	Individual business building-mounted signs do not need to meet the Shoreline Place Design Guidelines for color or font.
Illumination	Permitted.
UNDER-AWNING SIGNS
Maximum Sign Copy Area	12 square feet which does not count against the maximum sign copy area per business.
Minimum Clearance from Grade	8 feet.
Maximum Structure Height	Not to extend above or beyond awning, canopy, or other overhanging feature of a building under which the sign is suspended. Signs may project into the public right-of-way subject to City approval.
Number Permitted	1 per public entrance.
Sign Design	Individual business under-awning signs do not need to meet the Shoreline Place Design Guidelines for color or font.
Illumination	External only.

[3] Editor's Note: Shoreline Place Signage Design Guidelines is included as an attachment to this title.

9. Window Signs. Window signs are permitted to occupy maximum 25 percent of the total window area. Window signs are exempt from permit if nonilluminated and do not require a permit under the building code.

10. A-Frame Signs. A-frame, or sandwich board, signs are exempt from permit but subject to the following standards:

a. Maximum one sign per residential building;

b. May not be located on the City right-of-way;

c. Cannot be located within the required clearance for sidewalks and internal walkways as defined for the specific street classification or internal circulation requirements;

d. Shall not be placed in landscaping, within two feet of the street curb where there is on-street parking, public walkways, or crosswalk ramps;

e. Maximum two feet wide and three feet tall, not to exceed six square feet in area;

f. No lighting of signs is permitted;

g. All signs shall be removed from display when the business closes each day; and

h. A-frame/sandwich board signs are not considered structures.

11. Retail Leasing Signs. Signs are exempt from permit but subject to the following standards:

a. Maximum one sign per public street frontage per parcel;

b. May not be located on the City right-of-way;

c. Cannot be located within the required clearance for sidewalks and internal walkways as defined for the specific street classification or internal circulation requirements;

d. Shall not be placed within two feet of the street curb where there is on-street parking, public walkways, or crosswalk ramps;

e. Maximum sign area of eight feet wide and four feet tall plus support posts, total height not to exceed eight feet;

f. No lighting of signs is permitted.

12. Binding Site Plans. Signage allowances shall be calculated for the binding site plan as a whole without regard to interior lot lines as it is considered to function as one site.

F. Prohibited Signs.

1. Spinning devices; flashing lights; searchlights; or reader board signs. Traditional barber pole signs allowed.

2. Portable signs, except A-frame signs as allowed by subsection (E)(10) of this section.

3. Outdoor off-premises advertising signs (billboards).

4. Signs mounted on the roof or projecting above the parapet of the building wall on which it is mounted.

5. Inflatables.

6. Signs mounted on vehicles.

G. Nonconforming Signs.

1. No business may be listed on a pylon, monument, or wayfinding sign until any existing non-conforming freestanding sign listing that business is removed or brought into compliance with the requirements of this code. All pylon signs in Shoreline Place existing on August 10, 2015, are considered nonconforming and shall be removed by September 1, 2017. The City reserves the right to assess the property owner up to $100.00 per day for failure to remove or bring into compliance such nonconforming signs.

2. Nonconforming signs shall not be altered in size, shape, height, location, or structural components without being brought to compliance with the requirements of this code. Repair and maintenance are allowable, but may require a sign permit if structural components require repair or replacement.

H. Temporary Signs.

1. General Requirements. Certain temporary signs not exempted by SMC § 20.50.610 shall be allowable under the conditions listed below. All signs shall be nonilluminated. Any of the signs or objects included in this section are illegal if they are not securely attached, create a traffic hazard, or are not maintained in good condition. No temporary signs shall be posted or placed upon public property unless explicitly allowed or approved by the City through the applicable right-of-way permit. Except as otherwise described under this section, no permit is necessary for allowed temporary signs.

2. Temporary On-Premises Business Signs. Temporary banners shall:

a. Be limited to one sign for businesses under 10,000 square feet and two signs for businesses larger than 10,000 square feet;

b. Be limited to 32 square feet in area; and

c. Not be displayed for a period to exceed a total of 60 calendar days effective from the date of installation and not more than two such 60-day periods are allowed in any 12-month period.

3. Construction Signs. Banner or rigid signs (such as plywood or plastic) for buildings which are under construction. Total signage area shall be a maximum of 32 square feet. Signs shall be installed only upon City approval of the development permit, new construction or tenant improvement permit and shall be removed within seven days of final inspection or expiration of the building permit.

4. Feather flags and pennants displayed for no more than 14 days prior and two days after community events.

5. Pole banner signs that are changed semi-annually and mounted on privately owned light poles only.

6. Temporary signs not allowed under this section and which are not explicitly prohibited may be considered for approval under a temporary use permit under SMC § 20.30.295 or as part of administrative design review for a comprehensive signage plan for the site.

(Ord. 712 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015; Ord. 897 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021)