Interpretation 2010-3 Monument Sign Area Calculations.pdfDate:
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October 7, 2010
To: Interpretations File No. 2010-3
From: Kernen Lien, Associate Planner
Subject: INTERPRETATION REGARDING THE CALCULATION OF SIGN
AREA FOR MONUMENT SIGNS
Date Issued/Posted: OCTOBER 11, 2010
Effective Date: OCTOBER 26, 2010 (unless appealed in a timely manner)
The City of Edmonds sign code contained in ECDC 20.60 does not provide clear guidance on how
sign area for monument sign should be calculated. At a recent Architectural Design Board (ADB)
meeting for a sign code modification request, there was considerable discussion on how sign area
should be calculated for monument signs, particularly around whether only the sign face should be
counted or whether the whole monument sign should be counted. The ADB asked staff to provide
clarification about how the City of Edmonds calculates sign area. This topic was discussed at a
subsequent ADB meeting and this interpretation outlines that discussion and provides guidance on
how to calculate sign area for monument signs.
20.60.005 Definitions
"Monument signs" are freestanding signs that have integrated the structural component of the sign
into the design of the sign and sign base.
"Sign area" is the maximum actual area of a sign that is visible from any single point of observation
from any public vantage point. Supporting structures which are part of a sign display shall be
included in the calculation of the sign area.
The monument sign definition differentiates between the design of the sign and sign base,
while the definition of sign area talks about supporting structures which are part of a sign
display. For the basic monument sign design with a base and sign cabinet on top of the base
(Model 7 in Exhibit 1), the definitions could be literally interpreted to only include the
cabinet on top of the base in the sign area calculation. However, monument signs come in a
variety of shapes and forms, some of which do not include a sign base per se. For instance,
some are supported by pillars and the sign display area extends all the way to the ground
(Model 6 in Exhibit 1) or the sign has supporting structures on the top and sides and the sign
extending all the way to the ground (Model 35 in Exhibit 1). Other monument signs integrate
some form of structure all around the sign display area (Models 15, 21, 26, and 41 in
Exhibit 1).
In calculating the sign area for monument signs, a distinction should be made between the structural
components of the overall sign design and the sign display area.
THEREFORE, THE FOLLOWING INTERPRETATION IS HEREBY ISSUED:
WHEN CALCULATING THE SIGN AREA FOR MONUMENT SIGNS, ONLY THE AREA OF
A MONUMENT SIGN THAT CONTAINS THE SIGN'S MESSAGE (THE SIGN DISPLAY)
SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THE SIGN AREA CALCULATION, WHILE THE STRUCTURAL
DESIGN ELEMENTS ARE TO BE EXCLUDED FROM THE AREA CALCULATION.
EXHIBIT I SHOWS 56 MONUMENT SIGN DESIGNS WHERE THE HIGHLIGHTED SIGN
DISPLAY AREA INDICATES THE PORTION OF THE MONUMENT SIGN TO BE
INCLUDED IN THE SIGN AREA CALCULATION CONSISTENT WITH THIS
INTERPRETATION.
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 II
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: 4:30 P.M. ON OCTOBER 25, 2010 .
A written appeal must contain the following:
1. 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"' Ave N
4) Posted at Edmonds Library
2010-3—monument sign area calculations.doc Page 2
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