No permit shall issue for an accessory sign which does not comply with the following standards:
A. 
Number. A maximum of one sign at each vehicle point of entry or egress, not to exceed four accessory signs per parcel.
B. 
Location. Flexible; provided, that the number of signs in subsection A of this section is not exceeded; and provided, that the signs comply with the setback standards for freestanding signs in PMC § 20.84.210.
C. 
Zones. Not allowed in residential zones, except on sites two acres or larger.
D. 
Design. Nonilluminated or internal illumination only. Any accessory sign with electronic display must conform to all EMC and/or digital sign standards in PMC § 20.84.190 (Digital signs) or 20.84.200 (Electronic message center (EMC) signs).
E. 
Size. Maximum sign area: three square feet per face; may be double-sided.
F. 
Height. Mounting height:
1. 
Building-mounted wall sign (PMC § 20.84.170): maximum of eight feet; must be flat against a wall of the building.
2. 
Freestanding sign (PMC § 20.84.210): maximum of three feet from grade.
Figure 20.84.150A
Accessory Signs
G. 
Drive-Through Large Accessory Signs. In addition to the accessory signs allowed for vehicle points of entry and in addition to free-standing signs otherwise allowed under PMC § 20.84.210, large accessory signs are allowed for each point of entry to a drive-up window, subject to the following standards:
1. 
Maximum sign area per drive-up point of entry: 45 square feet.
2. 
Maximum sign size: 50 square feet.
3. 
Maximum sign height: five feet, six inches, including the associated sign structure.
4. 
Orientation. Large accessory signs must be oriented so that the sign face is not visible from the view of the street or public right-of-way.
5. 
Screening. All sides of large accessory signs must be screened from the view of the street or public right-of-way with landscaping or walls of brick, stone or siding materials that match the principal walls of the building to which the sign applies. If landscaping is used for screening, it must provide full screening at maturity and must be large enough at planting to provide at least 70 percent screening of the sign.
6. 
Audio. No sound or amplification may be emitted that is audible beyond the site.
(Ord. 1965 § 2, 2017)
No permit shall issue for an awning or canopy sign which does not comply with the following standards:
A. 
Number. One awning or canopy sign is allowed for each primary entrance to a building or tenant space. In addition, one awning or canopy sign may be allowed on a secondary entrance which faces a public street or on-site parking area. (As used in this subsection, "street" shall include freeways, but exclude alleys and serviceways.) The awning/canopy sign may only be placed on the ground floor level facade of the building.
B. 
Area. The sign area on the primary elevation shall not exceed one square foot of sign area per lineal foot of awning or canopy width. A maximum of 40 percent of an awning or canopy on which signage is proposed may be of an angle greater than 60 degrees from horizontal.
Figure 20.84.160A
Awning/Canopy Sign
C. 
Location.
1. 
An awning/canopy sign may not be mounted higher than a maximum of 25 feet above the ground floor.
2. 
An awning/canopy sign shall not project above, below or beyond the edges of the face of the building wall or architectural element on which it is located.
3. 
No part of the sign, as a part of or displayed on the vertical surface of an awning/canopy, shall project beyond the edges of the awning/canopy surface on which it is displayed. If an awning/canopy is placed on multiple store fronts, each business or tenant space is permitted signage no greater than 60 percent of the store width or tenant space.
4. 
The awning/canopy shall not extend horizontally a distance greater than 60 percent of the width of the awning/canopy or valance on which it is displayed.
D. 
Zone. Not allowed in residential zones.
E. 
Design. If sign letters or logos are placed on an awning/canopy, only the face area containing the letters or logos may be illuminated. All illumination must be internal behind the surface of the awning/canopy. The sign may also be nonilluminated.
(Ord. 1965 § 2, 2017)
No permit shall issue for a building-mounted wall sign which does not comply with the following standards:
A. 
Residential Zones. The maximum building-mounted wall signage allowed in residential zones is as follows:
1. 
Size of Parcel or Site. Wall signs are not allowed on sites smaller than two acres, except for address numbers as required by law.
2. 
Area. One hundred square feet total, not to exceed three percent of the area of the facade upon which the sign is placed. Width: Not to exceed 60 percent of the width of the wall plane upon which the sign is placed.
3. 
Design. Nonilluminated.
B. 
Nonresidential Zones.
1. 
Size of Parcel or Site. No restrictions.
Figure 20.84.170A
Standards for Building Mounted Signs
2. 
Area. The total signage may be up to 10 percent of the area of the facade or 25 square feet, whichever is greater, up to a maximum of 100 square feet. Width: Not to exceed 60 percent of the width of the wall plane upon which the sign is placed or the width of the tenant space. Height: Not to exceed 85 percent of the height of the blank wall space or fascia on which the sign is mounted (see Figure 20.84.170A).
3. 
Location on Building. Signs may not cover or obscure important architectural details of a building, such as stair railings, windows, doors, decorative louvers or similar elements intended to be decorative features of a building design. Signs must appear to be a secondary feature of the building facade.
4. 
Illumination, Flush- or Tight-Mounted. All individual letter signs shall be installed to appear flush-mounted. If the letters are illuminated and require a raceway, the letters shall be installed tight against the raceway, which shall be painted to match the color of the surface to which the raceway is mounted. Where possible, especially on new construction, the raceway should be recessed to allow letters to be flush with the wall surface.
5. 
Design. Where more than one sign is allowed for a business, all signs shall be consistent in design, style, color and method of illumination. Where there are multiple businesses or tenants on a site, all signs shall conform to a master sign plan consistent with PMC § 20.84.060.
6. 
Signs Facing Residential Zones. Signs facing residential zones shall have dark backgrounds with light lettering.
(Ord. 1965 § 2, 2017; Ord. 1980 § 9, 2018)
No permit shall issue for a changeable copy sign which does not comply with the following standards:
A. 
Number. No more than one changeable copy sign shall be allowed for each parcel, except that additional changeable copy signs are permitted as follows:
1. 
The additional changeable copy sign(s) must be placed at least 100 feet from abutting streets or rights-of-way; and
2. 
The additional changeable copy sign(s) must not exceed the maximum area, height, and quantity standards otherwise applicable to any freestanding or building-mounted wall signs on the parcel.
B. 
Area. No more than 20 percent of the allowed wall sign area or 50 percent of a freestanding sign face may be changeable copy (this does not apply to signs required by law). Wall-mounted changeable copy signs placed at least 100 feet from abutting streets may be a maximum of 50 percent of permitted wall sign area.
Figure 20.84.180A
Changeable Copy Sign
C. 
Height above Grade. Fifteen feet maximum. For wall signs, limited to the maximum height for freestanding signs.
D. 
Placement/Location. Allowed only as an integral part of a building-mounted sign or a freestanding sign.
E. 
Zones. Changeable copy signs are allowed in all zones.
F. 
Design. Nonilluminated in all zones. Internally or indirectly illuminated in nonresidential zones applicable to the illumination standards in PMC § 20.84.090.
(Ord. 1965 § 2, 2017)
Digital signs are not separately allowed signs. No permit shall be issued for a digital sign which does not comply with the following standards:
A. 
Maximum size: 30 square feet. The area of a digital sign shall be counted as part of the allowable sign area for a freestanding or building sign. The digital sign shall be incorporated as an integral component in either a permitted freestanding or building-mounted sign.
B. 
Density: one digital sign per 100 feet of street frontage in nonresidential zones. One digital sign per 200 feet of street frontage in residential zones, not to exceed one sign per parcel.
C. 
Zoning: allowed in residential and nonresidential zones only.
D. 
Maximum brightness: see PMC § 20.84.090.
E. 
Motion limits: no motion except for instantaneous change of message.
F. 
Minimum hold between messages: eight seconds.
G. 
Programming. To ensure that digital signs are programmed and continue to operate according to local standards, digital signs shall be designed for local on-site control and programming.
(Ord. 1965 § 2, 2017)
Electronic message center (EMC) signs are not separately allowed signs. No permit shall be issued for an EMC which does not comply with the following standards:
A. 
Maximum size: 30 square feet. The area of an electronic message center sign shall be counted as part of the allowable sign area for a freestanding or building sign. The EMC shall be incorporated as an integral component in either a permitted freestanding or building-mounted sign.
B. 
Density: one EMC per 100 feet of street frontage, not to exceed one per business and tenant space. Electronic message center signs shall not be a sign separate from a freestanding or building sign.
C. 
Zoning: prohibited in residential zones.
D. 
Minimum parcel per sign: one acre.
E. 
Maximum Brightness. See PMC § 20.84.090.
F. 
Motion Limits. No motion except for a fade in of the next message with the fade transition being no more nor less than 1.5 seconds. Fade transition is required rather than instantaneous message changes to avoid sudden or startling flashes of light.
G. 
Minimum hold between messages: 10 seconds, plus 1.5-second transition fade.
H. 
Programming. To ensure that EMCs are programmed and continue to operate according to local standards, EMCs shall be designed for local on-site control and programming. The applicant shall provide a written certificate from the sign manufacturer that the nighttime light intensity has been factory preset not to exceed allowable levels under this section, and that this setting is protected from end-user modification by password-protected software or other method that ensures compliance.
(Ord. 1965 § 2, 2017)
No sign permit shall issue for a freestanding sign which does not comply with the following standards:
A. 
Number.
1. 
The number and type of freestanding signs for single- and multiple-tenant uses are derived from the use, zone, location and length of development site frontage as described in this section.
2. 
One freestanding sign is allowed for each site frontage on a public right-of-way improved for vehicles up to a maximum of two signs. Flag lot sites with frontage on a public street are permitted one sign on the frontage providing primary access to the site.
3. 
Where more than one freestanding sign is proposed on a site with multiple frontages on a public right-of-way improved for vehicles, a minimum of 100 feet as measured in a straight line shall separate each sign.
4. 
The permanent sign base shall have a minimum aggregate width of 40 percent of the width of the sign cabinet or face.
B. 
Location.
1. 
No freestanding sign shall be permitted on any site that does not have street frontage.
2. 
Freestanding signs shall be set back from side and front property lines as provided in Table 20.84.210A.
Table 20.84.210A: Sign Location/Setbacks for Freestanding Signs
RO, RS, RML
RMH
NB
MC, C
OP
LI
HC
HI
Sign Setback – Front Property Line, Interior Lot
5 ft.
5 ft.
5 ft.
5 ft.
5 ft.
5 ft.
5 ft.
5 ft.
Sign Setback – Side Property Line, Interior Lot
10 ft.
10 ft.
10 ft.
10 ft.
10 ft.
10 ft.
10 ft.
10 ft.
Sign Setback – Corner Lots
5 ft. from all property lines
5 ft. from all property lines
5 ft. from all property lines
5 ft. from all property lines
5 ft. from all property lines
5 ft. from all property lines
5 ft. from all property lines
5 ft. from all property lines
3. 
No freestanding sign shall be located in the triangular area(s) measured 15 feet by 15 feet where a driveway enters onto a street, or in any other area which may obstruct the vision of motorists so as to create a safety hazard. Additionally, all signs are subject to the public works standards regarding sight distances.
Freestanding Sign
C. 
Height and Area. The height and area of a freestanding sign shall be governed by the maximum height and area requirements provided in Tables 20.84.210B and 20.84.210C.
Table 20.84.210B: Sign Height by Zoning District for Freestanding Signs
RO, RS, RML
RMH
NB
MC, C
OP
LI
HC
HI
Maximum Height of Free-standing Signs
5 ft.
For non-residential and multi-family uses only
5 ft.
For non-residential and multi-family uses only
5 ft.
15 ft.
20 ft. for multiple occupancy or building complexes
10 ft.
15 ft. for multiple occupancy or building complexes
15 ft.
20 ft. for multiple occupancy or building complexes
15 ft.
20 ft. for multiple occupancy or building complexes
15 ft.
20 ft. for multiple occupancy or building complexes
Table 20.84.210C: Sign Area by Zoning District for Freestanding Signs
RO, RS, RML
RMH
NB
MC, C
OP
LI
HC
HI
Maximum Sign Area of Free-standing Signs per Face
15 sq. ft. per face
For non-residential and multi-family uses only
15 sq. ft. per face
For non-residential and multi-family uses only
15 sq. ft. per face
85 sq. ft. per face
150 sq. ft. per face fronting only on SR 167
100 sq. ft. per face for multiple occupancy or building complexes
40 sq. ft. per face
48 sq. ft. per face for multiple occupancy or building complexes
85 sq. ft. per face
150 sq. ft. per face fronting only on SR 167
100 sq. ft. per face for multiple occupancy or building complexes
85 sq. ft. per face
150 sq. ft. per face fronting only on SR 167
100 sq. ft. per face for multiple occupancy or building complexes
85 sq. ft. per face
100 sq. ft. per face for multiple occupancy or building complexes
SR = State Route
D. 
Signs Facing Residential Zones. Signs facing residential zones shall have dark backgrounds with light lettering.
(Ord. 1965 § 2, 2017)
No permit shall be issued for a portable sign (includes sandwich board and pole-mounted signs) which does not comply with the following standards:
A. 
Zone. Allowed only in nonresidential zones, except that temporary portable signs are allowed in residential zones, subject to the provisions of PMC § 20.84.260 (Temporary signs).
B. 
Design and Materials. Must be designed with durable materials; otherwise they will be regulated as temporary signs under PMC § 20.84.260. Portable signs must be designed to withstand wind and include a heavy weighted base for pole-mounted signs, and a heavy weight suspended between the opposing faces of a sandwich board sign.
C. 
Size and Height. Sandwich board signs: maximum of four feet in height, maximum of three feet in width. (Note: sandwich board sign height is measured in the flat standing position, rather than in open standing position.) Pole-mounted signs: maximum of three square feet per side, four feet high.
D. 
Number. Not more than one portable sign may be displayed per business, per tenant space.
E. 
Location. Must be located no further than 10 feet from the primary building of the business, or, if there is only one business or tenant space on the site, it may be located not farther than then 10 feet from the site's driveway entrance. No portable sign may be located on the city right-of-way (which includes the sidewalk), without a street right-of-way use permit.
F. 
Display Hours. Portable signs, including temporary portable signs, may be displayed during business or operating hours only.
(Ord. 1965 § 2, 2017)
No permit shall issue for any projecting sign which does not comply with the following standards:
A. 
Number. One projecting sign may be allowed per tenant space or building frontage. Projecting signs are permitted in addition to allowable wall signage.
B. 
Sign Size.
1. 
Nonresidential Zones. The face of a projecting sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.
2. 
Residential Zones. The face of a projecting sign shall not exceed 1.5 square feet in area.
Projecting Sign
C. 
Location.
1. 
No part of any projecting sign shall be located lower than eight feet above the grade of sidewalk, walkway or driveway which is directly below the sign, or within three feet of the sign.
2. 
Projecting signs may extend a maximum of four feet from the building and shall be hung a minimum of six inches away from the building.
3. 
No projecting sign shall be located within 25 feet of another projecting sign on the same site or on the same building.
4. 
No projecting sign shall be located higher than the first story level of the building.
5. 
No projecting sign shall extend into the right-of-way, including the sidewalk, without an approved right-of-way use permit under Chapter 13.12 PMC.
D. 
Design.
1. 
Nonresidential zones: may be illuminated, internally or indirectly. In residential zones, projecting signs may not be illuminated.
2. 
Projecting signs shall be perpendicular to the building wall to which they are affixed.
3. 
Projecting signs shall not exceed four inches in thickness.
4. 
Projecting signs shall be supported by or suspended from solid rods or otherwise tethered or reinforced to avoid movement in wind.
E. 
Zone. Residential and nonresidential zones: as limited above.
(Ord. 1965 § 2, 2017)
No permit shall issue for a service island sign which does not comply with the following standards:
A. 
Number and Size.
1. 
Island Canopies. One sign on the canopy fascia per street frontage, not to exceed 20 percent of the area of canopy fascia to which the sign is mounted.
2. 
Spandrel Signs and Canopy Support Signs. Spandrel signs shall not exceed 20 percent of the spandrel area, and both spandrel signs and signs attached to canopy support columns shall be deducted from allowable wall signage on the associated principal building on the site.
B. 
Zone. Not allowed in residential zones.
C. 
Design. Spandrel signs may be internally illuminated, subject to the illumination standards of PMC § 20.84.090. Signs attached to canopy support columns shall not be illuminated.
(Ord. 1965 § 2, 2017)
Sign walkers are allowed, subject to the following standards:
A. 
Permit. A permit is not required for a sign walker, but the sign walker shall comply with all the applicable requirements of this chapter.
B. 
Number. No limit.
C. 
Area. The sign walker's sign shall not exceed eight square feet in area, and shall not exceed eight feet in height when held in place.
D. 
Zone. Allowed in nonresidential zones only.
E. 
Design. The sign walker's sign cannot be illuminated. Sign walkers shall be limited to daylight hours only. A sign walker's sign may not include any element of a prohibited sign as described in PMC § 20.84.040.
F. 
Location. Sign walkers are restricted to a minimum of 30 feet from a street or driveway intersection, measured from the back of the curb or edge of pavement if no curb exists, and shall not be located in any of the following places:
1. 
On any public property or within public right-of-way, although sign walkers are allowed on public sidewalks;
2. 
In parking aisles or stalls;
3. 
In driving lanes;
4. 
On fences, walls, boulders, planters, other signs, vehicles, utility facilities or other structures; or
5. 
In a manner which results in a sign walker physically interfering with motorists, pedestrians or bicyclists.
(Ord. 1965 § 2, 2017)
A. 
No Permit Required. No sign permit is required for temporary signs.
B. 
Removal. Temporary signs shall be removed if the sign is in need of repair, is worn, dilapidated or creates a public nuisance.
C. 
Materials. See PMC § 20.84.100 (Sign materials) and the definition of "temporary sign" in PMC § 20.84.290.
D. 
City Property (Excluding City Right-of-Way). Temporary signs on city-owned property (excluding city right-of-way) are allowed only in conjunction with an approved special event permit. No sign may be placed in the roadway.
E. 
City Right-of-Way Outside of the Roadway. Temporary signs on city right-of-way placed outside of the roadway must comply with the following requirements:
1. 
Location. Allowed only between the property line and the back of the nearest curb, or where no curb exists, between the property line and the nearest edge of the pavement. Signs may not be placed on sidewalks, driveways or other paved areas designed for pedestrian or vehicular use, or as conditioned in a right-of-way use permit.
2. 
Approval of Abutting Owner. Approval of the abutting owner is recommended.
3. 
Type. Signs on stakes that can be manually pushed or hammered into the ground are allowed. All other signs are prohibited, unless specifically allowed by a right-of-way use permit.
4. 
Size and Height. Limited to four square feet, and three feet in height.
5. 
Dilapidated or Nuisance Signs. Any temporary sign in the right-of-way that is dilapidated or a nuisance shall be removed by the person responsible for placement of the sign.
6. 
Other Signs. The city may allow other signs in city right-of-way with a right-of-way use permit.
F. 
Residential Zones. Temporary signs may be placed on property residentially zoned in accordance with the requirements of this section and the following:
1. 
Window Signs. Limited to no more than one temporary window sign per residential unit, not to exceed four square feet.
2. 
Freestanding Signs (Includes Post-Mounted, Stake and Portable Signs).
a. 
Single-Family Zones. Temporary freestanding signs shall not exceed four square feet in size and five feet in height, if the sign is mounted on the ground, and not to exceed three feet in height if the sign is stake-mounted or portable.
b. 
Multifamily Zones. Temporary freestanding signs shall not exceed six square feet in size and five feet in height if the sign is post-mounted on the ground, and not to exceed three feet in height if the sign is stake-mounted or portable.
3. 
Surface-Mounted Signs. Limited to sites two acres or larger:
a. 
Size. No larger than 32 square feet.
b. 
Location. Must be flatly affixed to walls below the fascia or parapet line, or flatly affixed to on-site fences either facing or abutting the street, or facing inward to the subject site. Signs shall not be attached or tethered to other site improvements.
G. 
Nonresidential Zones. Temporary signs are allowed on nonresidentially zoned property in accordance with the requirements of this section and the following:
1. 
Window Signs. Limited to 25 percent of the window area, subject to the window sign requirements of PMC § 20.84.270.
2. 
Freestanding Signs (Including Post-Mounted, Stake and Portable Signs). Size/height: limited to four square feet and five feet in height if the temporary sign is mounted in the ground, and not to exceed three feet in height if the temporary sign is portable.
3. 
Surface-Mounted Signs.
a. 
Size. Limited to 30 square feet.
b. 
Location. Must be flatly affixed to walls below the fascia or parapet line, or flatly affixed to on-site fences either facing the abutting street, or facing inward to the subject site. Signs shall not be attached or tethered to other site improvements.
H. 
Temporary Signs on Large Properties, Residential or Nonresidentially Zoned Properties. The following temporary signs may be placed on any site at least two acres in size, in accordance with the requirements of this section and the following:
1. 
Type. Any type.
2. 
Size/Height. Not to exceed 64 square feet and up to eight feet above ground level.
3. 
Exclusivity. The sign allowed under this subsection is in lieu of and shall not be displayed with or be in addition to other temporary signs allowed by this section.
(Ord. 1965 § 2, 2017)
No permit shall issue for a permanent window sign which does not comply with the following standards:
A. 
Number. No more than one permanent window sign may be placed in a single window.
Figure 20.84.270A
Window Sign
B. 
Window Coverage. Window signs (temporary and permanent) shall not exceed 25 percent of the area of the window on which they are displayed.
C. 
Location. No higher than second story windows for permanent window signs. (For the requirements applicable to temporary window signs, see PMC § 20.84.260.)
D. 
Zone. Allowed in all zones.
E. 
Design. Permanent window signs are limited to individual painted or vinyl cut-out letters and graphics, or neon signs constructed with or without a solid or opaque background. Permanent signs with solid backgrounds are not permitted in windows in order to ensure maximum light and visibility through windows. Temporary window signs are exempt from the restrictions in this subsection.
(Ord. 1965 § 2, 2017)