6214_PLN20130057_StaffReport_withAttachments.pdfCiTY OF EDMONDS
121 5th Avenue North, Edmo* nds WA 98020
Phone: 425.771.0220 - Fax: 425.771.0221 - Web: www.edmondswa.go
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT - PLANNING DIVISION
�1�1c. 10",
PLANNING DIVISION
REPORT & RECOMMENDATION TO THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
BOARD
Project: c'est la Vic Sign Modification Request
File Numbers: PLN20130057
Date of Report: e er 9, 2013
0
Staff Contact: C—il — —
KTmen Lien, SenlorIllann-er
ADB Meeting: Wednesday — October 16, 2013 at 7: 00 P.M.
Edmonds Public Safety Complex: Council Chambers
250 5th Avenue North, Edmonds WA 98020
1. SUMMARY OF PROPOSED ACTION
C'est la Vie is requesting a modification from the City of Edmonds sign standards as detailed in the
Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) 20.60. ECDC 20.60.020.M.2 notes that within the
downtown area internally illuminated signs may only light the letters. C'est la Vie's company logo
includes three symbols. C'est la Vie is requesting internal illumination for the three symbols in their logo
although they are not letters (Attachments I — 3). Review by the Architectural Design' Board (ADB) is
required for applications that requests a modification to any of the sign standards prescribed in ECDC
20.60.
The following represents staff s findings of fact, analysis, conclusions, and recommendation on the
project.
11. FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS
A. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Applica : Berry Neon Sign Systems
2. Owner: c'est la Vie
3. Tax Parcel Numbers: 27032300413000.
4. Location: 320 5 1h Avenue South, Edmonds WA 98020 (Attachment 4)
5. Zonin : Downtown Business (BD2 — Downtown Mixed Commercial)
c'est la Vie Sign Modification
PLN20130057
6. Process: Review by the Architectural Design Board is required for applications that
requests a modification to any of the sign standards prescribed in ECDC 20.60. The
decision of the ADB is appealable to the Edmonds City Council.
motel N UN
No notice is required for ADB sign permit reviews.
C. TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
This application was reviewed by the Engineering Division, which did not have any comments on the
design review of the proposed sign.
D. NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTERISTICS
This property is located in the BD2 zone as are the properties to the north and south of the site and
across 5t" Avenue South. Multifamily zoned property is located to the east and west of the BD2
. zoned property lining 5 Ih Avenue South. C'est la Vie shares a building with Arista Wine Cellars
while Beek's Funeral Home and a commercial building is located across 50'Avenue South from the
subject property. 5th Avenue South is considered a "Minor Arterial" according to the City's
Transportation Plan.
E. PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comments have been received as of the writing of this staff report.
F. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Comprehensive Plan designation for this site is "Downtown Mixed Commercial" and is located
with the "Downtown/Waterftont Activity Center" overlay. The Comprehensive Plan lists design
objectives for signs in the Downtown/Waterfront Activity Center on page 58. These sign design
objectives are evaluated below.
1. Protect the streetscapefi-oni becoming cluttered.
The proposed sign will not create a cluttered street scape. C'est la Vie is only requesting one 7.5
square foot sign while the code would allow c'est la Vie to have 25 square total feet of signage
and three signs.
2. Minimize distraction fi-oin the overuse of advertisement elements.
As noted above the proposed c'est la Vie sign is only a fraction of the signage that may be
permitted at this location and thus is minimizing the overuse of advertisement elements.
3. Provide clear signage to identi
,fy each distinct property or business and to iniprove orientation
and way -finding downtown.
The proposed sign will clearly identify the c'est la Vie business, which is located in a building
shared with Arista Wine Cellars. The applicant is requesting the internal illumination in order to
keep with the branding of their business at other locations.
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PLN20130057
4. Use graphics or symbols to reduce the need to have large letters.
The proposed sign includes three symbols, which make up just over half of the 7.5 square feet
sign area. The applicant has noted that the symbols are important for their branding and with the
logo recognition of the symbols, less lettering is needed.
5. Lighting of signs should be indirect or ininiinally backlit to display lettering and symbols or
graphic design instead of broadly lighting theface of the sign..
The "c'est la Vie" portion of the sign is halo lit, which is a form of backlighting. The three
symbols are halo lit as well as internally illuminated. The color portion of the symbols are
opaque to prevent light from shining through, while the white portion of the symbols will allow
the light to shine through. The proposed sign will not broadly light the face of the sign.
6. Signage and other way -finding methods should be employed to assist citizens and visitors in
finding businesses and services.
The proposed sign will clearly identify the c'est la Vie business, which is located in a building
shared with Arista Wine Cellars. The applicant is requesting the internal illumination in order to
keep with the branding of their business at other locations.
7. Signage should be given special consideration when it is consistent with or contributes to the
historic character ofsites on the Edinonds Register ofHistoric Places.
The subject property is not on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places.
G. APPLICABLE CODES
1. ECDC 20.60: ajM
A. Sign Type: C'est la Vie is proposing to install a wall sign which is a permitted sign type in
the downtown area pursuant to 20.60.020.L. The symbol portion of the sign proposed to be
internally illuminated which is conditionally permitted in the downtown area. The conditions
for internally illuminated signs are contained in ECDC 20.60.020.M as follows:
i. Internally illuminated signs in the downtown area and neighborhood commercial areas
inay only light the letters. The background of a signJace may not be4llundnated.
The proposed sign contains two parts, "c'est la Vie" lettering and three symbols above
the "c'est la Vie" portion of the sign. The "c'est la Vie" portion of the sign has halo
illumination, which the City has determined to be a type of external illumination
according to Interpretation No. 2011-1 (Attachment 5). The symbol portion of the sign
contains a combination of halo and internal illumination, The color portion of the
symbols are opaque to prevent light from shining through, while the white portion of the
symbols will allow the light to shine through. Since the symbols are not letters, this
portion of the sign is not consistent with this criterion and is the subject of this sign
modification request.
ii. Internally illuminated signs in the downtown area and the neighborhood commercial
areas inust be mounted on the wall of the building. Tlieniayi7otbeti7ow7tedoi7oruiider
an attached m4wing.
The proposed sign is a wall mounted sign.
Page 3 of 7
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PLN20130057
iii. Internally illuminatedsigns that use exposed neon inny only be located in the interior of
buildings in the downtown area and the neighborhood commercial areas.
The proposed sign does not contain any exposed neon.
iv. Internally illuininatedsigns in the downtown area shall not beperinittedto be height than
14jeet in height.
The facade of the c'est la Vie building facing 5'h Avenue is only 14 feet above the
sidewalk so the proposed sign would not be higher than 14 feet.
B. Sign Area:
i. Wall signs within the BD zones are permitted a maximum sign area of one square foot
per lineal foot of attached wall pursuant to ECDC 20.6O.O3OiA. Attachment 3 indicates
the c'est la Vie portion of the building is 28 feet in length, which would allow c'est la Vie
a maximum of 28 square feet of sign area.
ii. The proposed sign is approximately 7.5 square feet and thus is compliant with the sign
area requirements.
C. Sign Height: Pursuant to ECDC 20.60.030.13, the maximum height for a wall sign in the BD
zones is 14 feet or the height of the face of the building on which the sign is located. As
noted above the face of the building is only 14 feet in height so the proposed sign is
compliant with the sign height requirement.
D. ECDC 20.60.015 Design Review Procedures
As noted above, the applicant is requesting a modification to the sign criterion in ECDC
20.60.020.M.2 to allow the symbols of the proposed sign to be internally illuminated.
Pursuant to ECDC 20.60.015.13, the ADB reviews signs where the applicant requests a
modification from the sign code. The ADB shall approve, conditionally approve or deny
any sign modification request in accordance with the policies of ECDC 20. 10.000, the
criteria set forth in ECDC 20.10.070, and the standards of the sign code.
ii. The purposes of ECDC 20.10.000 areas follows:
a. To encourage the realization and conservation of a desirable and aesthetic
environment in the city of Ednionds;
b. To encourage andproinote development whiclifeatures amenities and excellence in
theforin of variations of siting, types ofstructures and adaption to and conservation
of topography and other naturalfeatures;
c. To encourage creative approaches to the use of land and relatedphysical
developments;
d. To encourage the enhancement andpreservation of land or building of unique or
outstanding scenic or historic significance;
e. To minimize incompatible and unsightly surroundings and visual blight which
prevent orderly community development and reduce community property values.
Staff feels that the proposal is consistent with the purposes enumerated in ECDC
20.10.000.
iii. ECDC 20.10.070 no longer exists in the Edmonds Community Development Code. This
section of code use to be the design review criteria. With the establishment of general
design review and district based design review, general design review criteria and
specific district design review criteria where established. Properties located in the BD
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c'est la Vie Sign Modification
PLN20130057
zones are subject to the design review criteria contained in ECDC 22.43, which will be
the standards used in this analysis. The design standards for signs in the BD zone are
contained in ECDC 23.43.040.13. 8 — B. 13 as detailed below:
a. Signage should be designed to integrate with the building and streetfi-ont.
Combinations ofsign types are encouraged, which result in a coordinated design
while minimizing the size of individual signs.
The proposed sign is integrated with the building and is much smaller than the size of
sign allowed by the code at only 7.5 square feet which is consistent with minimizing
the size of individual signs.
b. Blade orprojecting signs which include decorativeftalnes, brackets or other design
elements are preferred. Projecting signs (including blade signs) offour squarefeet or
less are permitted and are not counted when calculating the amount ofsignage
permittedfor a business in Chapter 20.60 ECDC This type of detail can be used to
satisfy one of the required elements under ECDC 22.43.030(B).
The proposed sign is not a blade sign. While blade signs are preferred, wall signs are
not prohibited and expressly permitted pursuant to ECDC 20.60.020.L.
c. Use graphics or symbols to reduce the need to have large expanses of lettering.
The proposed sign includes three symbols, which make up just over half of the 7.5
square feet sign area. The applicant has noted that the symbols are important for
their branding and with the logo recognition of the symbols, less lettering is needed.
d. -Instead of broadly lighting the face of the sign, signage should be indirectly lit, or
backlit to only display lettering and symbols or graphic design.
The "c'est la Vie" portion of the sign is halo lit, which is a form of backlighting. The
three symbols are halo lit as well as internally illuminated. The color portion of the
symbols are opaque to prevent light from shining through, while the white portion of
the symbols will allow the light to shine through. The proposed sign will not broadly
light the face of the sign.
e. Signage should be given special consideration when it is consistent with or
contributes to the historic character ofsites on the National Register, the Edmonds
Register ofHistoric Places, or on a city council -approved historic survey.
The subject property is not listed on any historic register nor has the property been
part of any historic survey approved by the City Council.
Signage shall include decorative ftames, brackets or other design elements. An
historic sign may be used to meet this standard. All signs should conforin to the
general design theine of the development.
This criterion only makes sense if a blade sign is being proposed. None of the
elements that attach the sign to the wall will be visible.
iv. Pursuant to ECDC 20.60.015.13. 1, the ADB shall only approve a modification request if
all following criteria are met:
a. The request isfor signage on a site that has a unique configuration, such asftontage
on more than two streets or has an unusual geometric shape;
The site of c'est la Vie does not front on two streets or have an unusual geometric
shape. The c'est la Vie site fronts directly on 5th Avenue South with approximately
28 feet of frontage along 5h Avenue.
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b. The subject property, building, or business has site conditions that do not afford it
theo ortunity to provide signage consistent with or similar to other properties in
TT
the vicinity;
Site conditions do not prevent c'est la Vic the opportunity to provide signage
consistent with the code are other properties in the vicinity. C'est la Vie's location is
similar to many other businesses in the BD zones where the building is located right
up to the sidewalk and street edge.
c. The design of the proposed signage must be compatible in its use of materials, colors,
design andproportions with development throughout the site;
The proposed signs materials, colors, design and proportions are compatible with the
site. The proposed sign is similar in design to the existing sign, the main difference
being that the proposed sign includes illumination.
d. In no event shall the modification result in signage which exceeds the maximum
normally allowed by more than 50 percent.
C'est la Vie is not requesting an increase in sign area. The proposed sign is 7.5
square feet which is well within the 28 square feet that may be permitted.
111. SUMMARY
A. Except for the proposed internal illumination of the symbols on the sign, the proposed sign is
consistent with all of the other standards contained within ECDC 20.60.
B. The proposed sign appears to be consistent with the comprehensive plan design guidelines for the
Downtown/Waterfront Activity Center and the design standards for signs in the BD zones as
detailed in ECDC 22.43.040.
C. The requested sign modification does not meet two of the required criteria established in ECDC
20.60.015.B. 1; the subject property does not have a unique configuration and the subject property
and building does not have site conditions that prevent opportunity to provide signage consistent
with or similar to other properties in the vicinity.
IV. RECOMMENDATION
Based on the findings, analysis, conclusions, and attachments to this report, staff recommends that the
Architectural Design Board DENY c'est la Vie's sign modification request to allow internal illumination
of the symbols in the proposed sign as the request fails to meet the required criteria in ECDC
20.60.015.B. La and ECDC 20.60.015.B. Lb.
Page 6 of 7
Michael Bowman
c'est la Vie
320-5 1h Avenue South
Edmonds, WA 98020
City of Edmonds
121 — 5'h Ave North
Edmonds, WA 98020
1. Land Use Application
2. Applicant Narrative
3. Sign Details
4. Zoning and Vicinity Map
5. Halo Sign Interpretation
Berry Neon Sign Systems
7400 Hardeson Road
Everett, WA 98203
c'est ]a Vie Sign Modification
PLN20130057
Page 7 of 7
City of Edmonds
Land Use Application
IF"-
d
?— ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN REVIEW FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
0 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT
0 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FILE OW2oi.�oos---7 zoNE bD 2-
0 HOME OCCUPATION DATE REc'D By C ('C�
0 FORMAL SUBDIVISION
11 SHORT SUBDIVISION FEE RECEIPT #
0 LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT HEARING DATE
0 PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
0 OFFICIAL STREET MAP AMENDMENT 11 BE 11 STAFF El PB '�kLADB El CC
0 STREET VACATION
El REzoNE
[I SHORELINE PERMIT
11 VARIANCE / REASONABLE USE ExcEPTION
El OTHER:
PLEASENOTE TIMTALLEVFORMATIONCONTAEVED WTHEVTHEAPPLICATIONISA PUBLICRECORD
PROPERTY ADDRESS OR LOCATION S70 '5'— +v-e—
PROJECT NAME (IF APPLICABLE)
PROPERTY OWNER PHONE#
ADDRESS 'Uo kd-) WZC-)
E-MAIL FAx 4
TAX ACCOUNT# �211D i? -Z -2 RNG.
:, - � 0 CL( SEC. TwP.
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT OR PROPOSED USE (ATTACH COVER LETTER AS NECESSARY)
5a, L(�LkcLw-d
DESCRIBE HOW THE PROJECT MEETS APPLICABLE CODES (ATTACH COVER LETTER AS NECESSARY)
APPLICANT J�>e, V-V-Ui PHONE # 14
:JL"11b G-) i 'J 11dA qg-Z03
ADDRESS
E-MAIL V) FAX# 4(zg-7-74-1,�-Z 7f
CONTACT PERSON/AGENT PHONE # 4�7—S:Z71-,�"98"-��
ADDRESS 14DD ibu,�L� a- -qkU—)31
E-MAIL MLO W.M rk ffAX9�Af 4 (V-( FAx # Y2�� —174-1 (�� Zef
The undersigned applicant, and his/her/its heirs, and assigns, in consideration on the processing of the application agrees to
release, indemnify, defend and hold the City of Edmonds harmless from any and all damages, including reasonable attorney's
fees, arising from any action or infraction based in whole or part upon false, misleading, inaccurate or incomplete information
ftimished by the applicant, his/her/its agents or employees.
By my signature, I certify that the information and exhibits'herewith submitted are true and correct to the best of my knowledge
and that I am authorized to file this application or� the b of the owner as listed below.
SIGNATURE OF APPLIcANT/AGENT DATE
Property Owner's Authorization
1, Mle-tI146-& _, certify under the penalty of pedury under the laws of the State of
Washington that the following is a true and correct statement: I have authorized the above Applicant/Agent to apply for the
subject land use application, and grant my permission for the public officials and the staff of the City of Edmonds to enter the
subject property for the purposes of inspection and posting attendant to this application.
SIGNATURE OF OWNER DATE
Questions? Call (425) 771-0220.
Revised on 8122112 B - Land Use Application. doc Page I of I
Attachment I
Vest la Vie — 320 SO Ave South
Description of project:
We are proposing a wall sign that is 7.5 square feet. The letters are reverse pan halo lit letters, with 3
logo's that are 15" x 15.25" that are halo lit and also internally lit, with opaque background.
Describe how the project meets applicable codes:
The size of the sign is only 7.5 square feet, less than 12' from top of sign to grade; the letters and logo's
are halo lit (which the logo's will also have opaque backgrounds that'll be internally lit). C' est la Vie has
other locations with the same look, we need to keep with the branding of their other locations. We are
asking for the 3 — 15" x 15.25" logo's to be halo lit along with internally lit with opaque vinyl. The
opaque vinyl won't allow light to shine through the color part of the logo, which will help control the
light that internally letters would normally allow.
RECEIVED4
SEP 2 0, 2013
DEVELOPMENT SERACES
COUNTER
Attachment 2
*104" (8'- 8-)
94.5" IT- 10-)
3' 3-
15.25" F-1 15.25" F-1 15.25"
Ln
N
rq
cest
S/F ILLUMINATED SIGN DISPLAY
MATERIAL COLORS
1
FT: 7.5
1-1
0
E
0
0
FASCIATITTLE TOOT'
BLUE
HOLLY GREEN
YELLOW (SUNFLOWER)
RED
MP#08835
PIVIS Reflex Blue
#230-76
#230-25
#230-33
SATIN PAINT
SATIN PAINT
SATIN PAINT
SATIN PAINT
SATIN PAINT
1-1
F1
WHITE
CLEAR
REFLECTIVE
POLYCARBONATE
PAINT
DIFFUSED
0
B E R R Y
SIG N SYSTEMS
RECEIVED
SEP 2 0 2013
DEVELOPMENT SERVIICES
COUNTER
SIMULATED NIGHT VIEW SCALE: 1/4"= 1'
,57oD2-
Fascia
CHANNEL MODULES: 3" deep aluminum returns, prepainted satin White,
White trim cap, translucent White acrylic faces,
OPAQUE vinyl backgrounds applied to face: Green, Yellow & Red
Internally illuminated with White LEDs, peg mounted 1.5" off of fascia
Backed with diffused clear polycarbonate face for halo illumination
REVERSE PAN - HALO LIT LETTERS: 2" deep aluminum fabricated,
Exterior painted Blue, interior painted reflective White
'Ragged'routed faces attached to'smooth'fabricated side walls
e Backed with diffused clear polycarbonate face, internally illuminated with
Pegged off wall 1.5", power supply located behind wall
SCALE: 3/4"= 1'
M
M
_r
+/- 25'- 8" (Tenant Fronta
0 ium
'0%),Mst
%., 1U IaVie
3-
2"
F-1
SIDE DETAIL SCALE: 3/4"= 1'
CHANNEL LETTER
� A._A-__-!
FRONT ELEVATION SCALE: 1/4"= 1'
Job Name: C6st [a Vie - Edmonds Scale: Noted Designer: C. Snider
Q Berry Sign Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved
El APPROVED AS IS F_] APPROVED W/ CHANGES AS MARKED
Site Address: 320 5th Ave. S., Edmonds WA 98020 Date: 06-20-13; rev. 6-26,8-30,9-20
Unauthorized use, reproduction, and or display shal.l. render the infringer
DATEAPPROVED:
Sales Representative: Erik Stephanides Design #: C6st [a Vie - Edmonds 1 b E: 57002
liable forup to $150,000in Statutory Damages, plus attorneysfees and costs,
CLIENTAPPROVAL:
7400 Hardeson Road, Everett, WA 98203 m (425) 776-8835 m (800) 488-2430 m Fax: (425) 774-8221 @USM
foreach infringement, underthe U.S. CopyrightAct [17U.S.C. 412 Et 504]
LANDLORD APPROVAL, SIGNATURE
E-Mail: info@berrysignsystems.com
Note: If this file has been emailed or faxed it may be out of scale. Note: This Color Drawing is a simutation of the proposed colors and should be verified with actual materials. 516NAWN, n
Attachment _3
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Zoning and Vicinity Map
clest la Vie Sign Modification
PLN20130057 Scale
1 inch = 100 feet
Attachment 4
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 17,2011
To: Interpretations File No. 2011 -1
From: Kernen Lien, Associate Planner
Subject: INTERPRETATION REGARDING HALO SIGN ILLUMINATION
Date Issued/Posted: MAY 19,2011
Effective Date: JUNE 2, 2011 (unless appealed in a timely manner)
Issue Outline:
The City of Edmonds has been receiving more and more applications for halo lit or reverse lit channel
letter signs. Halo signs are signs where the light source is concealed behind an opaque face and the
rays of illumination are projected outwards to the edge of the sign or directed against the surface
behind the sign forming a halo effect around the exterior of the sign. Light does not pass through the
face of a halo sign. The City's sign code in Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) 20.60
does not define halo sign and the question that keeps arising is whether halo signs are internally
illuminated signs. Within the Downtown Activity Center and Neighborhood Commercial areas,
internally illuminated signs are permitted if they meet specific conditions noted in ECDC
20.60.020.M.2 through M.5. This interpretation is intended to clarify how halo signs may be
permitted within the City of Edmonds, specifically whether they should be considered internally
illuminated signs and thus subject to the conditions of ECDC 20.60.020.M.2 through M.5.
Relevant Code Sections:
20.60.005 Definitions
"Internally illuminated signs" include any sign where light shines through a transparent or semi-
transparent sign face to illuminate the sign's message. Exposed neon is considered to be a form of
internal illumination.
"Boxed cabinet sign" is a permanent sign that is mounted on the face of a building that is roughly
rectangular in shape and provides for internal illumination and changing the message of the sign by
replacing a single transparent or translucent material such as a Plexiglas/lexan face. This definition is
meant to distinguish between a cabinet sign that is essentially a rectangular box and one that follows
the outlines of the letters of the sign, or an "outline cabinet sign."
"Outline cabinet sign" is a permanent sign that is mounted on the face of a building that roughly
follows the shape of the text of the sign and provides for internal illumination. This definition is
meant to distinguish between a cabinet sign that follows the outlines of the letters of the sign and one
that is essentially a rectangular box or a "boxed cabinet sign." An "outlined cabinet sign" will be
Attachment 5
treated more like an "individual letter sign" where the area of the sigii is calcidated based oii the
actual outlined shape of the sign.
20.60.020 General regulations for permanent signs.
M. The following standards clarify how some signs identified as "conditionally permitted" must be
installed to be permitted in the City of Edmonds.
2. Internally illuminated signs in the downtown area and neighborhood commercial areas may
only light the letters. The background of a sign face may not be illuminated.
3. Internally illuminated signs in the downtown area and the neighborhood commercial areas
must be mounted on the wall of the building. They may not be mounted on or under an
attached awning.
4. Internally illuminated signs that use exposed neon may only be located in the interior of
buildings in the downtown area and the neighborhood commercial areas.
5. Internally illuminated signs in the downtown area shall not be permitted to be higher than 14
feet in height.
Design Standards for the BDI. zone 22.43.040 Awnings/canopies and signage
B. Standards
11. Instead of broadly lighting the face of the sign, signage should be indirectly lit, or backlit to
only display lettering and symbols or graphic design.
Analysis:
Within the Downtown Activity Center,
internally illuminated signs are permitted
with certain conditions. Only the letters of
the sign may be illuminated as depicted in
Figure I as opposed the entire cabinet being
illuminated as shown in Figure 2.
Additionally, internally illuminated signs
may not be placed any higher than 14 feet on
the face of a building.
The definition of internally illuminated signs Figure I: Boxed cabinet sign Nvith internally illuminated
in ECDC 20.60.005 includes signs where
light shines through a transparent or semi-
transparent sign face to illuminate the sign's message. This definition of internally illuminated sign
closely correlates with two sign types identified in the definition section: boxed cabinet and outline
cabinet signs (Figure 3). Both of these sign types include providing for internal illumination within
their definitions.
"if!are 3: Internally illuminated outline cabinet sign.
Figure 2: Internally illuininaled boxed cabinet sign.
Page 2
Halo signs by design do not have light that shines through the face, but rather are backlit providing
indirect light which creates a halo effect around the lettering or graphic as shown in Figure 4. This
type of lighting for signs is
encouraged both within the design
standards for signs within the
City's Comprehensive Plan, and
within the design standards for the
BDI zone contained in
ECDC 22.43.
Figure 4: Halo sign.
The Comprehensive Plan indicates
that the "Lighting of signs should
be indirect or minimally backlit to display lettering and symbols or graphic design instead of broadly
lighting the face of the sign." (pg. 5 8) Similarly, ECDC 22.43.040.B. I I provides that "Instead of
broadly lighting the face of the sign, signage should be indirectly lit, or backlit to only display
lettering and symbols or graphic design."
Unlike the restrictions for internally illuminated signs, the City's sign code does not have similar
restrictions for externally illuminated signs (Figure 5). As a result, businesses within the Downtown
Activity Center that desire an illuminated sign above fourteen feet (such as businesses with tall first
floor windows or
businesses located on
the second floor of a
building) have designed
externally illuminated
signs which may be
placed as high as the
face of a building on
which the sign is iigut-e5:Exterii.ill�,ilitiniiii.ite(isi-ii.
located.
Halo signs more closely resemble externally illuminated signs by definition in that light does not
shine through the face of the sign. Halo signs can also provide a more subtle appearance than the
externally illuminated signs as shown by Figures 4 and 5. Furthermore, halo sign designs are
specifically encouraged by design guidelines within the Comprehensive Plan and ECDC 22.43. As
such, halo signs should not be subject to the restrictions for internally illuminated signs noted in
ECDC 20.60.020.M.2 through M.5.
I THEREFORE, THE FOLLOWING INTERPRETATION IS HEREBY ISSUED: =
HALO OR REVERSE LIT CHANNEL LETTER SIGNS SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED
INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS AND WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO THE
RESTRICTIONS FOR INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS PROSCRIBED WITHIN
ECDC 20.60.
THE SIGN ELEMENTS OF A SIGN ILLUMINATED THROUGH HALO LIGHTING
SHALL BE OPAQUE, SO THAT THE LIGHT DOES NOT APPEAR TO EMIT FROM
WITHIN OR THROUGH THE SIGN ELEMENTS.
Page 3
Appeal Procedures:
Pursuant to Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) Section 20.01.003(A), formal
interpretations of the text of the ECDC by the director or designated staff are appealable as Type 11
decisions.
Should anyone wish to appeal this interpretation, a written appeal, accompanied by the required appeal
fee (see Planning Division fee handout) must be submitted within 14 calendar days of the date of
issuance/posting of this interpretation.
The deadline for filing an appeal of this interpretation is: 4:OOP.M.ONJIUNE2,2011
A written appeal must contain the following:
I . The appellant's name, address and phone number;
2. A statement describing the appellant's standing to appeal;
3. Identification of the interpretation which is the subject of the appeal;
4. The appellant's statement of grounds for appeal and the facts upon which the appeal is based with
specific references to the facts in the record;
5. The specific relief sought;
6. A statement that the appellant has read the appeal and believes the contents to be true, followed
by the appellant's signature.
Notice: 1) Published in the Everett Herald
2) Posted at Edmonds City Hall, 2nd Floor — Development Services Department
3) Posted at Public Safety Complex, 121 5 1h Ave N
4) Posted at Edmonds Library
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