HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinances - 2014-03 - Amending the EWMC regarding Sign Codes - 2/11/2014City of East Wenatchee, Washington
Ordinance No. 2014-03
An ordinance of the City of East Wenatchee, Washington,
amending the East Wenatchee Municipal Code sections
17.74.030, 17.74.050, 17.74.060, 17.74.080, 17.74.110,
17.74.120 — Sign Code - expand sandwich board and garage
sale signs regulations, increase the allowance and the
height of freestanding signs, clarify nonconforming sign
regulations, add definitions, and other general
housekeeping changes, containing a severability clause,
and establishing an effective date.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST WENATCHEE DO ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1: Authority.
(1) The City of East Wenatchee ("City") is a non -charter code city duly
incorporated and operating under the laws of the State of Washington.
(2) RCW 35A.11.020 and RCW 35A.12.190 authorize the City Council to
adopt ordinances of all kinds to regulate its municipal affairs and
appropriate to the good governance of the City.
(3) RCW 35A.63 and RCW 36.70A authorize the City Council to adopt and
amend development regulations.
Section 2: Amendment 1. The City Council amends EWMC 17.74.030 to read as
follows.
17.74.030 Exemptions.
The following signs do not require a permit and are exempt from the
permit application and fee requirements of this chapter. This
exemption shall not be construed as relieving the owner of the sign
from the responsibility of erecting and maintaining it in conformance
with the intent of this chapter, the East Wenatchee Municipal Code,
Chapter 468-66 WAC, and other applicable laws or ordinances.
A. Official flags, emblems, or insignia of the United States, or other
governmental unit; and flags of internationally and nationally
recognized organizations.
B. Official and legal notices by any court, public body, persons or
officer in performance of a public duty, or in giving any legal
notice.
C. Directional, warning, regulatory, or information signs or
structures required or authorized by law; or by federal, state, or
the city of East Wenatchee.
D. Political signs which, during a campaign, advertises a candidate
for public elective office, a political party, or promotes a position
of a public issue, provided such signs are not posted in a city of
East Wenatchee right-of-way. Said signs shall be removed
within 30 days following the election; provided those signs
promoting successful candidates or ballot propositions in a
primary election may remain displayed through the general
election and shall be removed within 30 days following the
election. Said signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in area
within any residential district and 32 square feet in area within
other zoning districts.
E. Temporary unlighted construction and real estate signs,
provided there shall be only one such sign per street frontage,
and the area of each sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area
within a residential district and not exceeding 32 square feet in
area in other zoning districts. Such signs shall not be posted in a
city of East Wenatchee right-of-way. All such signs shall be
removed within 30 days of completion of the building or project
or closing of a sale or lease.
F. Structures intended for a separate use such as phone booths,
donation collection containers, or other similar structures.
G. Gravestones.
H. Historical markers or site plaques.
I. On -premises directional signage, not visible from a public street
and providing only site -specific directional information which
may contain both the directions to the business and the name of
the business with no advertising copy (examples: directories of
businesses, parking restrictions or reservations, etc.).
J. Painting, repainting of an approved sign or the changing of the
advertising copy or message thereon unless structural change is
made.
K. Grand openings and special event signs which would include
banners, decorative flags, pennants or streamers and temporary
signs (except portable signs), searchlights, balloons and flags,
provided they are displayed only for a period not exceeding 30
days, and provided the materials do not obstruct pedestrian or
vehicular travel. Said signs must have the date of initial posting
clearly written on the face of the sign, banner, pennant, or
streamer.
L. Community activity signs or banners; provided they are
installed no sooner than 30 days prior to the event or activity
and removed within 14 days of the completion of the activity or
event.
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
Page 2 of 26
M.-A-frame or sandwich board sign. leeated i �- --mereial r
in4ustrial distriet provided the sign lsplaeed in 4ont of the
visibility or ereates blind spots at interseetions or obstFuet-s.
pedestrian or vehieular- tFavel. Sandwieh board signs shall be
limited to one per business, shall not emeeed 36 inelies in height
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
illuminated.
and 30 inelies in width, and shall not be
a. Permitted districts — mixed use, commercial or industrial
b. Maximum heirht - 36 inches.
c. Maximum width — 30 inches.
d. Number of signs per business — 1.
e. Lighting — no illumination may be attached to the siLyn.
f. Placement.
i. For individual businesses, signs must be located
directly in front of the sponsoring business and on
the walkway which is directly in front of the
business entrance and within 20 feet of the front
wall of the business.
ii. For multiple -tenant complexes, the signs may be
placed on the sidewalk adjacent to the street
fronting the complex.
iii. Signs may be placed in the landscape strip on those
properties that have a landscape strip adjacent to
the sidewalk. No vegetation may be removed or
damaged in the placement of the sign.
iv. Signs are to be displayed during business hours
only.
v. Signs must not create a traffic safety hazards by
interfering with the vision of drivers entering or
leaving the premises.
vi. Sigans located next to the curb edge of a sidewalk
must be placed in a manner that does not interfere
with the opening of vehicle doors, use of bicycle
parking facilities, bus stops, loading zones.
vii. No sign may obstruct or impair access or visibility
of a traffic control sign, bus stop, fire hydrant, or
any other type of street furniture, or otherwise
create a hazard.
Page 3 of 26
PG-.viii. Sian placement must not restrict pedestrian travel
or create a tripping hazard. Signs must be located
in manner that maintains an unobstructed
passageway of 36 inches for pedestrian travel on all
public and private pedestrian walkways and must
be located in compliance with the Americans' with
Disabilities Act (ADA).
mix. Sandwich board signs are not permitted to be
placed on the street.
A4-.N. Subject to the requirements set forth in EWMC 17.72.080,
signs in a residential zoning district not exceeding four square
feet in area that are not illuminated and that are not of a
commercial nature.
N-.O. Exterior holiday lights or decorations.., provided they are
removed within 14 days following the holiday.
G-P. Barber poles.
�.QMenu signs for drive-in restaurants.
Q-.R. Menu signs for other than drive-in restaurants; provided,
that the menu displayed is the same as that given to customers
and such sign shall have a maximum size of four square feet and
be mounted flat against the wall of the building.
PAS. Movie theater display cases, provided there are only two
signs per screen and each sign does not exceed 18 square feet in
area.
8J. Signs proclaiming noncommercial messages subject to the
following requirement: One nonilluminated sign per lot not more
than four square feet in area and not more than 42 inches in
height.
T_. U. Seasonal sales signs. Vendors who receive a temporary
business license from the city for seasonal or temporary sales
activities (e.g., Christmas tree sales or fireworks) are permitted
one sign not to exceed 32 square feet in sign area. This sign
shall be mounted to the booth or trailer used for temporary sales
and must be removed from the premises at the termination of
the sale period.
JJ _. V. Garage sale signs (yard sales, moving sales, patio sales,
etc.) are permitted with a limit of one sign on the premises.
Additional signs may be placed on other private property after
obtainingpermission of the property owners. The sSigns
shall not exceed a size of four square feet in sign area. The signA
sign may be displayed for 2 days before the event preeeding and
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
Page 4 of 26
during
the sale The sand must be removed the day the sale
en&within 24 hours of the end of the event. All signs must
display the date of the event and the address of where the sale
will be held. No signs may placed on public property,
including but not limited to, public right of way, street signs,
light poles or utility poles. The person or persons for which the
sign or signs are displayed shall be responsible for its -sign
removal and are subject to the penalties provided in this code. -A
sign placed in violation of this section will be confiscated by the
City.
V-. W. Home occupation signs subject to the conditions
enumerated in EWMC 17.74.080(A)(3). (Ord. 10-02 § 3 (Exh. A),
2010; Ord. 2000-03 § 1, 2000)
Section 3: Amendment 2. The City Council amends EWMC 17.74.050 to read as
follows.
17.74.050 Performance standards.
The following standards are general provisions and are applicable to
all zoning districts established in this title:
A. NE) more than one freestanding -.*,,.. i...eEmitted per single or
multi tenant eemplem -fa-eiin.,al A—n only one street. Single or multi -
tenant eemplexes with fiFiq:RtAgXP on more than one street,
customer n itr-anee sovZnn reef aFe permitted
freestanding sign per street that ea
>provided,
However,freestanding sign is leeated on differreat street frontages and are
separated by more than 100 feet, as measured herrizentally.
individual busi----- -3- multi tenant eemplexes are not.
permitted to have individual fFeestand-i-.1 ..,'..s. No
freestanding signs shall be permitted on streets abutting
residential districts, except when located within an R-H district.
B. Signs shall only identify uses being conducted on the site,
provided the sign is located on the same parcel of land as the
principal use. Off -premises signs are prohibited.
C. All signs shall comply with Greater East Wenatchee -urban
growth
1Pg - � �th ^rre^ design standards ard guidelines Urban Growth
Area Design Standards & Guidelines, as amended.
D. Wall signs shall be attached flat against the building and shall
not project above the eaves of the roof or the top of the parapet
or beyond the eave lines or beyond the outer limits of the wall.
E. In addition to any setbacks required by this chapter, a clear -
view triangle shall be maintained at all intersecting public or
private streets, driveways, and/or curb cuts for vision safety
purposes in compliance with the sight distance requirements in
Chapter 10.28 EWMC, as amended.
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
Page 5 of 26
F. All freestanding signs shall include, as part of their design,
landscaped areas having a minimum of 50 square feet of
planting area. The planting area shall be located around the
base of the sign so as to prevent vehicles from hitting the sign,
and to improve the overall appearance of the installation.
Landscaping shall meet the minimum provisions established in
EWMC 17.72.060.
G. Substitution Clause. Unless inconsistent with another provision
of this chapter, noncommercial copy may be substituted for
commercial copy on any lawful sign structure.
H. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, no sign
shall be subject to any limitation based upon the content of the
message contained on the sign.
I. Sign Maintenance. All signs must be kept in a safe and secure
manner at all times. Any sign determined by the director to be
unsafe shall be removed or adequately repaired by the owner
and/or occupant of the site on which the sign is located within
five days after receiving notice from the director. The area
surrounding freestanding signs must be kept free of weeds, litter
and debris at all times. All signs must be maintained in a clean
condition including, but not limited to: nonpeeling paint,
working light bulbs, and unbroken plastic.
J. Window Signs. The total surface area of all window signs shall
not exceed the lesser of. 25 square feet, or 30 percent of the
window area. Such signs shall not be included in determining
the permissible sign area for each wall; provided, that such
signs shall not exceed an area total of 25 square feet, or 30
percent of the window area.
K. Projecting, pole signs, canopy signs and awning signs shall
maintain a minimum clearance of seven and one-half feet above
the finished grade.
L. Any signs visible from SR 28, as defined in WAC 468-66-010(27),
shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 468-66 WAC
including any permitting required by the Washington State
Department of Transportation. (Ord. 10-02 § 3 (Exh. A), 2010;
Ord. 2000-03 § 1, 2000)
Section 4: Amendment 3. The City Council amends EWMC 17.74.060 to read as
follows.
17.74.060 General standards.
The type, number, height, setbacks, and maximum sign area are
subject to the review procedures of this chapter, and are hereby
established for all signs in all zoning districts.
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
Page 6 of 26
A. Development Standards.
1. Construction shall satisfy the requirements of EWMC Title 15
and the Uniform Sign Code, as amended.
2. All signs, together with their supports, braces, and guys shall
be maintained in a safe and secure manner.
3. Except for exempt signs as provided in EWMC 17.74.030, all
signs shall be constructed of permanent materials and shall be
permanently attached to the ground, a building, or another
structure by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame, or
structure.
4. The ratio of the area of the sign support, framing structure,
and/or other decorative features that contain no written or
advertising copy, to the sign cabinet shall not be greater than
1: 1.
B. Setback and Sight Distance. Freestanding signs may be permitted
anywhere on the premises, except in a required side yard; provided,
the sign does not project over any sidewalk or within five feet from the
face of curb, except as provided in EWMC 17.74.080.
C. Clearance. Clearance shall be measured as the distance from the
lowest point of any sign to the finished grade directly below the sign.
1. Over Pedestrian Ways. All signs over pedestrian ways shall
provide a minimum of seven and one-half feet of clearance.
2. Over Vehicular Ways. All signs over vehicular ways shall
provide a minimum of 13.5 feet of clearance.
D. Illumination. Illumination from any sign shall be shaded, shielded,
directed, or reduced so as to avoid undue brightness, glare, or
reflection of light onto private or public property or right-of-way in the
surrounding area, and so as to avoid unreasonable distractions of
pedestrians or motorists.
E. Computations. The following principles shall control the
computation of sign area and sign height:
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
1. Area of Individual Signs. The area of a sign face (which is also
the sign area of a wall sign or other sign with only one face)
shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle,
rectangle, triangle, or combination thereof that will encompass
the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, or
other display, together with any material or color forming an
integral part of the background of the display or used to
differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against
which it is placed, but not including the area encompassing the
address of the property, any supporting framework, bracing, or
Page 7 of 26
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
decorative fence or wall that is clearly incidental to the display
itself. If there is a space between letters or groups of letters
(horizontally or vertically) of 24 inches or more, the area of each
grouping shall be calculated separately using the above method.
In the case of a mural incorporating commercial wording, the
sign area shall include only the portion of the mural that
contains the wording, circumscribed as set forth above.
2. Area of Multi -Faced Signs. The sign area shall be computed
by adding together the area of all sign faces. When two identical
sign faces are placed back to back or in opposition of 130 degrees
or less, the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of
one of the faces. No more than two faces are permitted per
freestanding sign. If the opposing faces of a sign are more than
130 degrees, both opposing faces shall be used in calculating
sign size.
3. Height. The height of a sign shall be computed as the vertical
distance from the base of the sign at the aver -age finished grade
ofthethe top of the highest attached component of the
sign. The "base" is the lowest part of the surface of the ground
that a solid object stands on. For examples, see the figures below
SIGN
nrtEn = A x B
W
BRICK BASE
. .
. W. .. . . . . .. .
-- - -- -- --
Lill
- -- -- - - -- - -- - --
ask
a
-- -bib -
- = --- -
Page 8 of 26
(Ord. 10-02 § 3 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2000-03 § 1, 2000)
Section 5: Amendment 4. The City Council amends EWMC 17.74.080 to read as
follows.
17.74.080 District regulations.
This section shall apply to all zoning districts, special uses, planned
developments, and conditional uses designated in this title.
A. R-L and R-M Zoning Districts.
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
1. Address numbers on individual homes or building complexes
shall be three inches in height or larger and shall be visible from
the street.
2. Nonconforming Uses and Those Uses Permitted by
Conditional Use Permit (Except Home Occupations).
a. Each use is permitted one monument or freestanding
sign having a maximum sign area of 20 square feet. The
sign structure together with the sign shall not exceed a
height of 48 inches, provided the location of the sign
complies with the provisions of Chapter 10.28 EWMC for
visibility at intersections. One additional monument or
freestanding sign is permitted if there is more than one
primary entrance located on an adjacent street.
b. One flush -mounted wall sign having a maximum sign
area of eight square feet. In lieu of a monument or
freestanding sign, the attached sign may be increased in
area to the total square footage of the monument or
freestanding sign plus the square footage of the attached
sign for a total of 16 square feet.
3. Home Occupations, Adult Family Homes, and Day Care
Facilities. Signs relating to such uses shall be unlighted, flush -
mounted wall signs and shall not exceed eight square feet in
area. For such uses that are located in a manner that does not
permit visibility of a wall -mounted sign from the street, a
freestanding sign not exceeding four square feet in area and
located on the property housing the use or an access easement
may be permitted. For properties that are not corner lots and
have frontage on more than one public street, a second
freestanding sign may be permitted on the other public street.
The total height of the sign shall not exceed three and one-half
feet above the grade of the surface of the ground or driveway
and shall be placed in a manner that does not impede vehicular
access to the property.
Page 9 of 26
4. Rentals. One unlighted sign indicating the renting of rooms,
apartments or other dwellings. The sign shall not exceed 16
square feet in area and shall be placed flat against the building.
5. Residential Subdivisions, Short Subdivisions, Multifamily
Developments, Manufactured Housing Complexes or Mobile
Home Parks, and Planned Residential Developments.
Decorative subdivision or area name signs of a permanent
character at the street entrance or entrances to the housing
development which identify the development shall be permitted,
subject to the following conditions:
a. One monument sign may be permitted per entrance
from an access street to the property, provided the sign
does not exceed 20 square feet and is 48 inches or less in
height, provided the location of the sign complies with the
provisions of Chapter 10.28 EWMC for visibility at
intersections, or as approved by the city at the time of
preliminary subdivision approval.
b. The sign shall be located in a maintained landscaped
area in accordance with EWMC 17.72.060, General
landscaping, as amended.
c. The sign shall be indirectly illuminated and shall be
shielded to prevent glare visible from public rights -of -way
and neighboring properties; no internal illumination is
permitted.
B. R-H District. In addition to the signage permitted in the R-L and R-
M zoning districts, the following standards apply to general or
professional offices for uses established under EWMC 17.32.020(D):
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
1. Single -Occupancy Office, Business or Building.
a. One monument or freestanding sign. The freestanding
or monument sign shall not exceed a maximum area of 20
square feet or exceed a height of 48 inches; provided, the
location of the sign complies with the provisions of
Chapter 10.28 EWMC for visibility at intersections. Signs
shall be unlighted if located along a residential street
other than an arterial. The sign may be illuminated when
located on an arterial street frontage; and
b. One attached sign, unlighted or with low intensity
lighting, placed flat against the wall of the main building,
having a surface area not greater than 32 square feet, is
permitted. In lieu of a monument sign the attached sign
may be increased in area to the total square footage of the
Page 10 of 26
monument sign plus the square footage of the attached
sign for a total of 52 square feet.
2. Multi -Tenant Complex. One freestanding or monument
business or park identification sign not exceeding 40 square feet,
nor exceeding a height of 48 inches, provided the location of the
sign complies with the provisions of Chapter 10.28 EWMC for
visibility at intersections, except where enumerated elsewhere
in this title. Individual occupancies or buildings are not
permitted a separate freestanding or monument sign. The sign
may be illuminated when located on an arterial street frontage.
a. One additional freestanding or monument sign is
permitted per arterial or collector street as determined by
the director if all of the following conditions exist:
i. The premises has frontage on two or more
arterial or collector streets; and
ii. Vehicular access is provided to the property from
that street; and
iii. The signs are separated by more than 100 feet
as measured horizontally; and
iv. The additional sign is not located on a street
abutting an R-L district.
b. In lieu of erecting the second freestanding or
monument sign (as provided for in subsection (B)(2)(a) of
this section), the office/business may elect to use only one
freestanding or monument sign and may increase the sign
size to 60 square feet; and
c. One wall identification sign not exceeding an area of 32
square feet shall be permitted for each principal building
or occupancy. Identification signs shall be attached flat
against the building and shall not project above the eaves
of the roof, the top of the parapet, beyond the eave lines,
or beyond the outer limits of the wall.
C. Commercial or Industrial Districts.
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
1. Single Business or Building.
a. One freestanding sign for each lot. The sign shall not
exceed a maximum area of 50 square feet, nor exceed a
height of 24-30 feet. Additionally, a parcel with more than
50 lineal feet of frontage on any one street may increase
the maximum size of the freestanding sign located on that
street frontage by one square foot for each one lineal foot
of street frontage over 50 feet, to a maximum sign copy
Page 11 of 26
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
area of 120 square feet. Signs may be internally or
externally illuminated.
b. Wall or canopy signage per building side shall be
permitted for each principal building or occupancy based
upon the provisions of Table 17.74.080A. Wall signs other
than canopy or awning style signs shall be attached flat
against the building and shall not project above the eaves
of the roof or the top of the parapet or beyond the eave
lines or beyond the outer limits of the wall.
2. Multi -Tenant Complex, Including Commercial or Industrial
Land Uses.
a. Freestanding Signs.
I'm FAT
-
- - - - . - - - -
- - - - - - - WOMAN' - V. -
- - - - WM�KV - - • -
- - -
-..
- - - - • .
. .
.. . . .. . . .
.. .
i. Number of Signs. For each street abutting a
multi -tenant complex where there is a vehicular
access driveway connecting to the street, the
complex will be permitted freestanding si nna e in
accordance with the following schedule:
Street Fronta e
# of Signs Allowed
1-300 feet
1
301-600 feet
2
601-900 feet
3
901+ feet
4
ii. Maximum sign height — 30 feet.
iii. Maximum sign area 200 square feet per sib
Page 12 of 26
b. Wall signage per building side shall be permitted for
each principal building or occupancy based upon the
provisions of Table 17.74.080A.
c. Unused wall signage area may be used by any
enterprise within the same multi -tenant complex, if:
i. The applicant files with the city a written
statement signed by the enterprise that earned the
sign area under this code permitting the applicant
to utilize the unused sign surface area. The
statement shall be in the form of a recordable
document that will be recorded by the Douglas
County auditor at the sole expense of the applicant.
The agreement shall indemnify and hold harmless
the city of East Wenatchee and include a provision
restricting the revocation of the permission without
the written consent of the city.
ii. The display of a sign on the wall by the applicant
will not create a significant adverse impact on
other users of that wall area.
iii. The display of the applicant's sign is necessary
to reasonably identify the enterprise, and the
provisions of this code do not provide the enterprise
with adequate sign display options.
Table 17.74.080A
The surface area of any wall-, awning- or canopy -mounted sign
shall not exceed the figures derived from the following schedule:
Architectural Building
Maximum Sign Surface Area (for
Elevation Wall Area
that wall area)
Below 100 sq. ft.
32 sq. ft.
100 — 199 sq. ft.
32 sq. ft. + 11% of wall area over 100
sq. ft.
200 — 499 sq. ft.
42 sq. ft. + 12% of wall area over 200
sq. ft.
500 — 999 sq. ft.
75 sq. ft. + 11% of wall area over 500
sq. ft.
1,000 — 1,499 sq. ft.
131 sq. ft. + 7.5% of wall area over
1,000 sq. ft.
1,500 — 2,999 sq. ft.
169 sq. ft. + 3% of wall area over 1,500
sq. ft.
Over 3,000 sq. ft.
214 sq. ft. + 3% of wall area up to a
maximum of 400 sq. ft. in total sign
area
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
Page 13 of 26
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
3. Regional Shopping Center. A regional shopping center (site
size more than 20 acres and more than 250,000 square feet in
total floor area of all buildings) is permitted one primary
freestanding sign not exceeding 30 feet in height and 400 feet in
sign area. Such sign must be located at least 20 feet from all
property lines and rights -of -way and must be located along the
frontage of an arterial with direct access to the shopping center.
One additional freestanding sign not exceeding 80 percent of the
height and area of the primary freestanding sign may be
permitted along each right-of-way which provides direct
vehicular access to the property.
4. Informational Signs. Informational signs indicating only the
name of a particular use and the direction in which it is located.
Such signs shall be used for informational purposes only, and
not for advertising copy. Such signs may be a maximum of four
feet in height, and must be designed in a uniform manner using
a single background color and single color and typeface for
wording.
5. Internal Circulation Signs to Aid Customers in Circulation
within Parking Lots. Such signs may also be used to indicate
entrances, exits or customer drive-thrus, but may not contain
advertising or logos. Maximum size is three and one-half feet in
height as measured to the highest point of the sign and two feet
in width. The maximum lettering size is six inches in height and
these signs may be designed as small monument style signs or
placed on poles.
6. Electronic reader boards are permitted in commercial districts
subject to the following provisions.
a. The reader board shall be counted in the total sign area
allowed for the uses on the subject property.
b. Reader boards may be incorporated into permitted wall
signage or freestanding signage and the maximum size
for an electronic reader board is subject to the same size,
height and location restrictions based upon the type of
sign.
c. If an electronic reader board is located within 200 feet,
measured in any direction, from a residential zoning
district, the sign shall not be illuminated between 10:00
p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
d. Only commercial messages advertising on -premises
business services and products may be displayed.
Messages with noncommercial advertising for community
Page 14 of 26
activities and events may be displayed. Off -premises
commercial messages are not permitted.
e. No chasing, blinking, rotating or flashing shall be
employed in displaying a message or image, or during the
change from one message or image to another.
f. Text messages that are longer than the display area
and do not contain any nontext graphics shall scroll in a
consistent and predictable manner.
g. No streaming video shall be displayed.
h. These signs shall not change displays or images at a
rate less than once every five seconds.
i. The motion created by streaming text or images shall
not exceed 10 feet per second for any sign within 20 feet of
a public street. An additional five feet per second shall be
added for each additional 10-foot setback from the street
up to a maximum of 30 feet per second.
j. There shall be no more than a three -second delay
between messages.
k. The sign shall be equipped with an automatic dimming
system to reduce the intensity of the light emitted during
evening hours.
1. No freestanding electronic reader boards shall be
erected within 100 feet of a controlled intersection.
7. Time -Temperature -Date Signs. Such signs are permitted as a
permanent accessory sign on commercially developed parcels
subject to the requirements below:
a. These signs may only display numerical information in
an easily comprehensible way and shall be kept accurate.
b. They may be ground -mounted or building signs, and
are subject to the regulations applicable to such signs.
c. The area of the said sign shall be included in the
allowable signage for the subject property.
d. There shall be no more than a three -second delay
between messages.
e. The sign shall be equipped with an automatic dimming
system to reduce the intensity of the light emitted during
evening hours.
D. Community Bulletin Board Signs. One community bulletin board
sign is permitted when associated with a government or municipal
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
Page 15 of 26
building, utility, public school, park, recreation facility, grange, fire
station, church or other similar type uses. Only one sign is permitted
and shall not exceed 40-75 square feet in area. Freestanding signs
shall provide a vertical clearance of eight feet if located within the
front yard setback and shall in no case exceed a height of 2,0-26 feet.
Monument signs shall not exceed a height of 48 inches if located within
the front yard setback. In all other cases the monument sign shall not
exceed a height of 15 feet. The sign may be internally illuminated if
located on an arterial street. Additional wall or canopy signage per
building side shall be permitted for each principal building or
occupancy based upon the provisions of Table 17.74.080A. Wall signs
other than canopy or awning style signs shall be attached flat against
the building and shall not project above the eaves of the roof or the top
of the parapet or beyond the eave lines or beyond the outer limits of
the wall. The reader board may be manual or electronic reader board
regardless of the zoning district in which they are located; however, if
the sign is located within a residential zoning district or within 200
feet measured in any direction from a residential zoning district, the
sign shall not be illuminated between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The
reader board shall comply with the requirements of subsection (C)(6) of
this section. (Ord. 13-04 § 14, 2013; Ord. 11-03 § 3, 2011; Ord. 10-02
§ 3 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2000-03 § 1, 2000)
Section 6: Amendment 5. The City Council amends EWMC 17.74.110 to read as
follows.
17.74.110 Nonconforming signs.
A. Purpose. The ultimate purpose of any zoning or land use regulation
is to confine certain classes of buildings to certain localities and to
restrict other uses. The continued existence of those which are
nonconforming are inconsistent with these goals, and therefore
nonconforming buildings and uses should be reduced to conformity as
completely and quickly as possible without causing substantial
injustice.
B. Abatement and Loss of Nonconforming Status. A nonconforming
sign shall immediately lose its nonconforming designation and shall
either be removed or brought into compliance with this chapter if:
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
1. The sign is structurally altered in any way which tends to or
makes the sign less in compliance with the requirements of this
code than it was before the alteration; or
2. The sign is relocated; or
3. The sign is altered, damaged or destroyed and the value of the
alteration, damage or destruction exceeds 50 percent of the
value of the sign based upon the market value of a similar sign
using no depreciation; or
Page 16 of 26
4. The sign is
r-ep a ee If the property is vacated for a 12-month
eriod; or
5. The business or tenant associated with the sign under ee-
substantial
improyeme tschanges and any new signs of any
type, is ereet^d or
ginned i nenneet withthe ente .,-�y.i c} �
.� C'01TIZfCG
the neneenform;r^n;6� roposed for the site.
6. If the sign has been improperly maintained or has become
structurally unsound.
On the applicability of any one of subsections (E)(1) through (E)(5) of
this section, the sign shall no longer be designated a nonconforming
sign. The director shall notify the sign user, sign owner or owner of the
property upon which the sign is located of cancellation of the
designation. The sign shall immediately be brought into compliance
with this chapter and a new sign permit secured thereforfor the
replacement sign, or the sign shall be removed. Such sign shall be
designated a nuisance and processed in accordance with the nuisance
abatement procedures set forth in Chapter 8.20 EWMC, as amended.
C. Nonconforming Sign Maintenance and Repair. Nothing in this
section shall relieve the owner or user of a nonconforming sign or
owner of the property on which the nonconforming sign is located from
the provisions of this code regarding safety, maintenance and repair of
signs, and from the provisions on prohibited and abandoned signs. Any
nonconforming sign that is maintained or repaired in a manner in
which the sign loses its nonconforming status pursuant to subsection B
of this section shall immediately be brought into compliance with this
code and a new permit secured therefor, or the sign shall be removed.
D. Exemption. The city may elect not to apply any provisions of this
section if the removal of a sign would require the city to pay
compensation under any federal, state or other law, including Chapter
47.42 RCW. (Ord. 10-02 § 3 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2000-03 § 1, 2000)
Section 7: Amendment 6. The City Council amends EWMC 17.74.120 to read as
follows.
17.74.120 Definitions.
A. "A -frame sign" or "sandwich board sign" means a two-faced, hinged
in an A -frame style sign which is readily movable and has no
permanent attachment to a building, structure or the ground.
B. "Abandoned sign" means any sign located on property that is vacant
and unoccupied for a period of six months or more, or any sign which
pertains to any occupant, business or event unrelated to the present
occupant or use.
C. "Alteration of sign" means any construction material, size, or
location change except for normal maintenance to an existing sign.
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Page 17 of 26
D. "Animation" means the presentation of pictorials and/or graphics on
signs displayed in a progression of frames which give the illusion of
motion, including, but not limited to, the illusion of moving objects,
moving patterns or bands of light.
E. "Awning" means an architectural projection covered with cloth,
plastic, or other nonstructural covering that either is permanently
attached to a building or can be raised or retracted to a position
against the building when not in use and is entirely supported from an
exterior wall of a building.
F. "Awning or canopy sign" means any sign that is painted on or forms
part of or is integrated into an awning or canopy and that does not
extend beyond the limits of such awning or canopy. A marquee is not a
canopy.
G. Building Elevation Wall Area. The area of the building elevation
wall shall be calculated by multiplying the height of the building wall
by the width of the wall. The height of the wall is represented by the
vertical distance measured from the average elevation of the finished
grade to the lowest point of the eave of the roof.
H. "Canopy" means a permanent roof -like structure providing
protection from the elements, such as a service station gas pump
island that is either entirely freestanding or attached to a building on
one side with posts supporting the opposite side.
I. "Changing message center sign" means an electronically controlled
sign where different automatic changing messages are shown on the
lamp bank. This definition does not include time and temperature
displays.
J. "Construction sign" means any sign used to identify the architects,
engineers, contractors, or other individuals or firms involved with the
construction of a building; and to show the design of the building or the
purpose for which the building is intended.
K. "Drive-in restaurant" or "refreshment stand" means any place or
premises used for sale, dispensing, or serving of food, refreshments, or
beverages in automobiles, including those establishments where
customers may serve themselves and may eat or drink the food,
refreshments, or beverages on the premises.
L. "Directional sign" means a sign designed to guide or direct
pedestrian or vehicular traffic to an area, place or convenience, and
may include incidental graphics such as trade names and trademarks
but does not contain advertising or promotional information.
M. "Directory sign" means a sign listing the names, uses, addresses or
locations of the various businesses or activities conducted within a
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
Page 18 of 26
multi -tenant building or multi -tenant complex for the purpose of
identification and direction only, and containing no advertising.
N. "Flashing or blinking sign" means an electric sign or a portion
thereof (except changing message centers) which changes light
intensity in a sudden transitory burst, or which switches on and off in
a constant pattern in which more than one-third of the incandescent
light source is off at any one time.
O. "Freestanding sign" means a sign permanently supported from the
ground in a fixed location by a structure of poles, uprights, braces or
monumental base and not supported by nor attached to a building. The
base of such sign shall be located on the business property. Pole sib
and monument signs are considered to be freestandinsigns.
P. "Illuminated sign" means an electric sign or other sign employing
the use of lighting sources for the purpose of decorating, outlining,
accentuating or brightening the sign area.
1. Indirectly illuminated signs are signs that are illuminated
from an external source that may or may not be attached to the
sign.
2. Internally illuminated signs are signs where the source of the
illumination is inside the sign and light emanates through the
message of the sign, rather than being reflected off the surface of
the sign from an external source.
Q. "Informational sign" means an on -premises sign which is incidental
and necessary for public safety and convenience and general
information that has a purpose secondary to the use of the property on
which it is located, such as restrooms, telephone, help wanted, hours of
operation, acceptable credit cards, recycling containers, no trespassing,
parking space designations (compact, handicapped, no parking, etc.),
and vehicle impound signs required under RCW 46.55.070.
R. "Landscaping" means any material used as a decorative feature,
such as shrubbery or planting materials, planter boxes, concrete bases,
brick work, decorative framing or pole covers, used in conjunction with
a sign which expresses the theme of the sign and related structure but
does not contain advertising copy.
S. "Marquee" means a permanent roof -like structure extending from
part of a wall of a building and supported solely by the building.
T. "Marquee sign" means any sign that forms part of or is integrated
into a marquee and that does not extend beyond the limits of such
marquee.
U. "Monument sign" means a freestanding sign permanently affixed to
the ground by a wide, solid base that is the same or nearly the same
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
Page 19 of 26
width as the sign face, with no open space between the sign and the
ground.
V. "Mural" means a drawing or picture painted on a wall which
contains no printed words and which depicts no logo or other business
symbol.
W. "Multi -tenant complex" means all of the following: a group of
separate buildings operating under a common name or ownership; a
group of separate buildings which share a common lot, access and/or
parking facility; a group of separate buildings on adjoining lots for
which the property owners have requested in writing to be considered
as a multi -tenant complex; a building or lot containing multiple
dealership franchises or service support facilities; or a single building
containing multiple tenant spaces where there are specific exterior
pedestrian entrances for individual tenants.
X. "Nonconforming sign" means a sign which was legally installed
under laws or ordinances in effect prior to the effective date of the
ordinance codified in this chapter or subsequent revisions, but which is
in conflict with the current provisions of this chapter.
Y. "Normal maintenance" means to restore a sign to a state
comparable to its original condition within a reasonable period after
decay or partial destruction except where repair involves a total
replacement.
Z. "Off -premises sign" means a sign which advertises or promotes
merchandise, service, goods, or entertainment which are sold,
produced, manufactured or furnished at a place other than on the
property on which the sign is located.
A.A. "On -premises sign" means a sign incidental to a lawful use of the
premises on which it is located, advertising the business transacted,
services rendered, goods sold or products produced on the premises or
the name of the business, person, firm, or corporation occupying the
premises.
BB. "Parapet" means that portion of a building wall which extends
above the roof of a building.
CC. "Projecting sign" means any sign, other than a wall sign, which
projects from and is supported by a wall of a building or structure,
excluding awnings.
DD. "Pole sign" means a freestanding sign permanently supported by
one or more uprights, poles, pylons or braces in or on the ground, and
is not defined as a monument sign. The base of such sign shall be
located on the business property.
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
Page 20 of 26
EE. "Political sign" means temporary signs for local, state or national
purposes advertising a candidate or candidates for public elective office
or a political party, signs urging a particular vote on a public issue or
referendum decided by ballot, or signs expressing a noncommercial
viewpoint.
FF. "Portable sign" means a sign that is capable of being moved easily
and not permanently affixed to the ground, a structure, or a building
(does not include sandwich board signs).
GG. "Reader board" means a sign on which different messages can be
displayed.
1. A manual reader board includes messages which are changed by use
of removable letters that must be physically placed and arranged on
the sign. Messages are usually displayed for periods of 24 hours or
longer.
2. Electronic reader boards utilize computer -generated messages or
some other electronic means of changing copy. These signs include
displays using incandescent lamps, LEDs, LCDs or a flipper matrix,
and may also enable changes to be made to messages from locations
other than at the sign.
HH. "Real estate sign" means a sign that advertises the real estate on
which it is located for rent, lease, or sale.
II. "Residential sign" means any sign located in a residential district
that contains no commercial message except advertising for goods or
services legally offered on the premises where the sign is located, if
offering such service location conforms with all requirements of this
title.
JJ. "Roof sign" means any sign erected upon, against, or directly above
a roof or roof eave, or on top or above the parapet, or on a functional
architectural appendage above the roof or roof eave which exceeds the
highest point of a roof or parapet wall.
KK. "Sign" means a communication design, device, structure, or fixture
that incorporates graphics, graphic designs, symbols, colors, figures,
logos, trademarks, or written copy, for the purpose of conveying a
particular message to public observers. Painted designs, murals, or
patterns located on a building wall or roof which do not represent a
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
Page 21 of 26
product, service or registered trademark/copyright, and which do not
identify the user, are not considered signs.
LL. "Streaming video" means electronic video displays utilizing
content in motion picture form similar to or otherwise depicting a
television screen.
MM. "Substantial improvement" means any maintenance, repair,
structural modification, addition or other improvement of a site, the
cost of which within any 60-month period equals or exceeds 50 percent
of the assessed value of the buildings on the site, either before the
maintenance, repair, modification or addition is started or before the
damage occurred, if the building has been damaged and is being
restored.
NN. "Suspended sign" means a sign that hangs below the permanent
overhang, marquee or canopy extending over public or private
sidewalks, pedestrian way, or rights -of -way.
00. "Temporary sign" means any sign, banner, pennant, valance, or
advertising display constructed of cloth, paper, canvas, cardboard,
and/or other light, nondurable materials. Types of display included in
this category are: signs for grand openings, special sales, special
events, and garage sales.
PP. "Wall sign" means any sign attached to or erected on the exterior
wall of the building with the exposed face of the sign in a plane
approximately parallel to the plane of the exterior wall of the building,
projecting less than 12 inches and not extending above the eave line.
The top of a parapet wall shall be considered the eave line. The lowest
part of a mansard -style roof shall be considered the eave line. Where a
parapet wall is combined with a mansard roof, the eave line shall be
the top of the parapet.
QQ. "Window sign" means any sign that is painted or mounted onto
either side of an exterior windowpane or within three feet of an
exterior window. Also, any sign that is hung inside the window with
the intent of being visible from the exterior in a more than incidental
manner, including advertisements for services or products in the form
of decals, emblems, paint, exposed neon, banners, etc. If inside the
window, the sign message must be visible from the exterior to be
considered a window sign. The term does not include merchandise
located within three feet of a window. (Ord. 10-02 § 3 (Exh. A), 2010;
Ord. 2000-03 § 1, 2000)
Section 8: Findings of Fact. The City Council adopts the following the findings of
fact and conclusions.
(1) Findings of Fact
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
Page 22 of 26
1. The City of East Wenatchee ("City") commercial area serves as
the commercial center of Douglas County and the surrounding
rural and urban area.
2. The City adopted comprehensive sign standards in 2000,
codified as Chapter 17.74 EWMC. The purpose of a sign
ordinance is to protect the health, safety, property and welfare
of the citizens of the city by establishing standards for the
structural design, placement, size and maintenance of all signs
and sign structures in the city.
3. The proposal s a text amendment to the East Wenatchee
Municipal Code chapter 17.74 — Sign Code intended to increase
the allowance for freestanding signage for multi -tenant
complexes based upon property frontage; add auto dealers to the
definition of multi -tenant complexes; increase the height of
freestanding signs to 30 feet; expand sandwich board signs
regulations; and other housekeeping changes.
4. Douglas County has adopted city codes for application within
the unincorporated areas located inside the urban growth area
(UGA) boundary. Any amendments adopted by the city are
subsequently adopted by Douglas County. The proposal will be
applicable within the residential and commercial zoning
districts in the City of East Wenatchee, WA and the
unincorporated area of Douglas County within the Greater East
Wenatchee Urban Growth Area
5. The City adopted a comprehensive plan in accordance with the
Growth Management Act (GNU), RCW Chapter 36.70A, which
is a generalized, coordinated land use policy statement of the
City. The Greater East Wenatchee Area Comprehensive Plan
(March 2012) includes policies that encourage the development
of consistent design standards for signage and stresses visual
appeal and community attractiveness.
6. Chapters 35A.63 and 36.70A RCW authorize the City to adopt
development regulations governing land use activities.
7. The City hereby finds that this development regulation
amendment is consistent with the spirit and intent of the GNU.
8. Standards and criteria permit and encourage the design of signs
which are responsive to the needs of the public in locating a
business establishment by identifying the business and the
product and/or services provided.
9. The proposed text amendments clarify and add standards and
provisions for various signs and more properly relate the
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
Page 23 of 26
number and height of signs in relation to the scale of a proposed
project.
10. An Environmental Checklist was prepared on January 10,
2014. A threshold determination and environmental review
pursuant to RCW 43.21C the State Environmental Policy Act
was completed and a Determination of Non -significance (DNS)
was issued on January 10, 2014.
11. In accordance with the provisions of RCW 36.70A, the
proposed development code amendment has been transmitted to
the Washington State Department of Commerce and other state
agencies on January 10, 2014 initiating the state review and
comment period. Expedited review was requested.
12. Expedited review was granted by Commerce on January
27, 2014.
13. The East Wenatchee Planning Commission has reviewed
the entire record including the goals and policies of the
comprehensive plan and public testimony as it relates to the
proposed development regulations.
(2) Conclusions
1. The processing of the proposal complies with the procedural and
substantive requirements of the State Environmental Policy
Act, chapter 43.21 C RCW.
2. The processing of the proposal complies with the procedural
requirements of RCW 36.70A.
3. It is the determination of the responsible lead agency that no
more than a moderate effect on the environment is a reasonable
probability as a result of the proposed action. The proper
exercise of the threshold determination process as required by
WAC 197-11 is than an environmental impact statement is not
required to be prepared for this project.
4. The proposed text amendment is consistent with and
implements the goals and policies in the comprehensive plan.
5. Proper legal requirements of RCW 36.70A.106 and Title 19
EWMC were met and the community was given the opportunity
to comment on the proposal at duly noticed public workshops
and a public hearing.
6. Approval of the proposal will not be detrimental to the public
health, safety, and general welfare.
Section 9: Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision
in this Ordinance to be contrary to law, such declaration shall not affect
the validity of the other provisions of this Ordinance.
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
Page 24 of 26
Section 10: Publication. The City Council directs the City Clerk to publish a
summary of this Ordinance. The summary shall consist of the title of
this Ordinance
Section 11: Effective Date. This Ordinance becomes effective five days after the
date its summary is published.
Passed by the City Council of East Wenatchee, at a regular meeting thereof
on day of .�rcc �� y , 2014.
ATTEST:
Dana Barnard, •
APPROVED AS TO FORM ONLY:
evin Poulson, City Attorney
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: 2/5/2014
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: It l
PUBLISHED:41,44,��E
EFFECTIVE DATE: a g
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
CITY OF EAST WENATCHEE,
WASHINGTON
Page 25 of 26
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 2014-03
Of the City of East Wenatchee, Washington
On the llth day of .February, 2014, the City Council of the City of East
Wenatchee, Washington, passed Ordinance No. 2014-03. A summary of the content
of said Ordinance, consisting of the title, provides as follows:
An ordinance of the City of East Wenatchee, Washington,
amending the East Wenatchee Municipal Code sections
17.74.030, 17.74.050, 17.74.060, 17.74.080, 17.74.110,
17.74.120 — Sign Code - expand sandwich board and garage
sale signs regulations, increase the allowance and the
height of freestanding signs, clarify nonconforming sign
regulations, add definitions, and other general
housekeeping changes, containing a severability clause,
and establishing an effective date.
The full text of this Ordinance will be mailed upon request.
Dated: February 11, 2014
CITY CLERK, DANA BARNARD
Ordinance 2014-03
Sign Code Amendments
Page 26 of 26