Resolution 533PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. 533
A RESOLUTION TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS RECOMMENDING
APPROVAL OF THE FINAL DRAFT OF THE EDMONDS SIGN CODE (ZO-9-76) AS SET
FORTH IN EXHIBIT "A" ATTACHED.
WHEREAS3 the Planning Commission of the City of Edmonds pursuant
to proper notice and publication, held a public hearing on a proposal
to amend all existing sign regulations in Title 12 of the Edmonds City
Code; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to permit signs more equitably; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to increase the effectiveness of signs
by avoiding visual competition; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to simplify signs to avoid hazardous
distractions of the motoring public; and
WHEREAS, there is a finding of no significant adverse environ-
mental impact on the proposed amendment; and
WHEREAS, said amendment is necessary to promote the public
health, safety and general welfare; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission recommends and
forwards to the City Council of said City, that the final draft of
the Edmonds Sign Code be adopted.
Chairman nd siY'l anni ng Commission
er
FILE #ZO-9-76
HEARING: 7-28-76
8-25-76
10-13-76
EDMONDS SIGN CODt DRAFT
1-0/6/76 10/20/76
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
12.
-
INTENT STATEMENT..................................................... 1
12.
DEFINITIONS.......................................................... 1
12.
12.
12.
12.
SIGNING CATEGORIES ................................................... 2
GENERAL SIGN REGULATIONS ............................................. 3
PRIMARY FREESTANDING SIGNS............ ............................... 6
A. Low Freestanding Sign..... ................................... 6
B. Individual Freestanding Sign..... ............................ 7
C. Group Freestanding Sign ...................................... 8
D. General Freestanding Sign Regulations ........................ 9
PRIMARY WALL MOUNTED SIGNS ........................................... 10
A. Allowable Sign Area .......................................... 10
B. Placement of Wall Signs....... 10
C. Wall Painted Signs ................................. ...... 11
12.
UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION CONCEPTS..... .................................. 11
12.
SECONDARY SIGNS ...................................................... 12
A. Marquee Sign or Projecting Sign .............................. 12
B. Gas Price Sign ............................................... 12
C. Window Sign .................................................. 12
EDMONDS SIGN CODE DRAFT
10/ 6/ 76
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
PAGE
12.
INCIDENTAL SIGNS ..................................................... 13
A. Temporary Signs .............................................. 13
B. Residential Identification Signs ............................. 13
C. Churches, Clubs, Public Utilities, Schools,
Recreation Facilities ........................................ 13
12.
AMORTIZATION OF NON -CONFORMING SIGNS ................................. 14
EDMONDS SIGN CODE DRAFT 10/6/76
12. INTENT STATEMENT
The Edmonds Sinn Code is established to implement Section 208
(Beautification and Urban Design) of the Edmonds Comprehensive,
Policy Plan, and to provide a safe, convenient and aesthetically
pleasing environmental indexing system.
12. DEFINITIONS
"ADVERTISE" - That which conveys information about goods and/or
services.
"BUSINESS COMPLEX OR MALL" - A multiple building complex or multiple
occupancy building where the individual establishments share common
parking.
"BUSINESS FACADE" - The rectangular surface of the finished side
of a building in a plane nearest the property line excluding the
roof.
"CONSTRUCTION SIGN" - A sign which identifies the nevi building and/or
enterprise. It may also contain the names of those involved in the
construction (such as the engineers, architects or contractors).
"ENTERPRISE" - Any individual or group of persons providing goods
and/or services permitted by the Edmonds Code.
"FREESTANDING SIGN" - A sign that is not attached to a building and
is supported from the ground by one or more columns, uprights or
braces.
"IDENTIFICATION" - That which indicates the name, logo, address
number or any combination thereof, of the establishment on the
premise. An identification sign is not an advertisement.
"LOGO" - A name, symbol, trademark, or design used to represent a
business, service and/or product.
"MALL" - See definition for "BUSINESS CMIPLEX"
"NON -PERMANENT SIGN" - Any sign that is portable or easily moved
because it is not securely fastened to a pole, wall or other per-
manent support.
"SIGN" - Any device used to attract attention to an enterprise or
its goods and/or services. The supporting structure, lighting,
sign display and any decorative features or appurtenances are con-
sidered parts of the sign. Excluded from this definition are official
traffic signals or signs, official public notices and signs not visible
from the exterior of the bui 1 d i ng.
EDMONDS SIGN CODE DRAFT
10/6/76
"SIGN FACE" - The finished face of a sign having written information,
symbol, trademark or design displayed thereon to attract attention.
"SIGN SETBACK" - The required sign setback is the minimum distance
allowed measured from the public right-of-way or property line to
the sign.
"SIMPLE STRUCTURAL MEMBER" - A supporting structure that is composed
of a single major element.
12. SIGNING CATEGORIES
A. Primary Signs
Primary signs identify an enterprise or advertise goods and services
available on the premise. There are three (3) types of primary signs:
1. Freestanding Signs
a) Low freestanding
b) Individual freestanding
c) Group freestanding
2. Wall Signs
a) Wall mounted signs
b) Wall painted signs
c) Graphic wall treatment
3. Unique Identification Conceats
B. Secondary Signs
Secondary signs provide additional information about the goods and/or
services available at the site and are subsidiary to the primary signs.
Secondary signs are not calculated as a part of the total primary
signage allowed.
C. Incidental Signs
Incidental signs are small signs of a non-commercial nature, provided
for the convenience of the public. Incidental signs are not included
in the number of primary signs allowed so long as the individual signs
do not exceed two (2) square feet in surface area.
- 2 --
E DMON DS SIGN CODE
DRAFT 10/6/76
12. GE14ERAL SIGN REGULATIONS
A. LOCATION
All signs shall advertise or identify only the business and/or
goods, and/or services located on the premise where the sign is
located. No billboard signs are permitted.
B. CONTENT
Because free-standing signs and many wall mounted signs are oriented
to automobile traffic, the information contained in the sign shall be
minimized to present a clearly understandable message. The form and
content of the sign shall be integrated into a unified design.
C. MEASUREMENT OF SIGN AREA
The allowable sign area shall be determined by drawing the smallest
rectangle around (a) all components above the base of the sign face
or faces on a free-standing sign, or (b) all components of a wall
sign including both copy symbols and contrasting background. Simple
supporting structural members will not be calculated into the allowable
sign area.
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EDMONDS SIGN CODE DRAFT
10/ 6/ 76 10/ 20176
D. ADDRESS NUMBERS
When a sign is oriented to a community arterial or major thoroughfare
the sign shall contain the address of the anternrise. This address shall be
clearly legible from the street to which the sign is oriented.
E. FINISH ON BACK OF SIGN
The back bracing, frame work and structural guys of all signs shall
be concealed.
F. LIGHTING
All lights must be positioned in such a manner that they do not glare
or shine into the eyes of motorists or,pedestrians, or into adjoining
properties. Due to the intensity of the light and the fact that it can
be particularly distracting when viewed from a public thoroughfares
G. MAINTENANCE
All signs existing or installed after the adoption of this ordinance
shall be maintained so that they are safe and in good condition and
conform to the Uniform Sign Code. If the Buildi.na Official determines
that any sign is insecurely fastened or otherwise Doses a danger to the
public safety, the owner of the premise will be responsible for removal
of the.sign immediately following receipt of the notice from the Building
Official. The area surrounding a freestanding sign shall be kept free
of litter.
- 4 -
EDMONDS SIGN CODE DRAFT
10/6/76 - 10/20/76
H. PROHIBITED SIGNS
1. Moving Sinn
No sign shall have any mechanically or electrically induced
movement. Minimal movement caused by slight wind pressure
is permitted for suspended signs. All banners, ribbons,
streamers, spinners or other similarly moving devices are
prohibited.
2. No sign which can be confused with a traffic control sign will
be allowed.
3: Flashinq and Moving Linhts
No flashing or moving lights will be allowed except time and/or
temperature displays, but excluding alternating displays.
4. Bare Bulb Illumination
Bare bulb illumination of any sign visible from any street or
parking lot is prohibited, including incandescent, flourescent
and neon, etc. (except inside a window).
5. Non permanent Signs
No portable, non -permanent sign is permitted except as specifically
provided under Temporary Signs Section 12. Sand-
wich board signs are specifically prohibited.
6. Abandoned or Off -Premise Signs
No sign shall advertise an activity, business, product, or service
no longer available on the premise upon which the sign is located.
It is the responsibility of the owner to remove all abandoned signs.
7. Content
No sign shall contain statements, words, or pictures of an obscene,
indecent, or immoral character, such as will offend public morals
or decency.
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EDMONDS SIGN CODE
DRAFT 10/20/76 :
D. GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR FREESTANDING SIGNS
1. Landscaping
A. minimum of one (1) square foot of landscaping per square foot
of sign .face area is required at the base of the sign. The land-
scaping shall be ground cover or other plants that do not inter-
fere with sight distances or otheniise create a hazardous condition,
and located so that vehicular traffic cannot hit or in any way damage
the sign.
2. Hei ght
The height of free-standing signs is measured from the base of the
supporting structure to the highest element of the sign structure.
If more than one (1)'supporting structure is used, the average
elevation between the supports shall be used as the base. Fill
material shall not be. used exclusively to increase the elevation
of the sign.
3. Only one (1) free-standing sign is allowed an each street frontage,
specifically -excluding alleys.
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E DMON DS SIGN CODE
DRAFT 10/6/76
10120176
12. WALL PAINTED SIGNS
A. Allowable Sign Area
Same as the schedule established for wall -mounted signs;.
B. Amenities Design Board Review
Required for all wall painted.signs due to permanence, difficulty of
removal, change and/or repair.
C. Alternative Graphic Wall Treatment
1. If an applicant wishes to pursue a unique sign concept (eg., super
graphic) that would not conform to the specific requirements of.this
code, the applicant may submit his or her specific proposed sign plus
an analysis of the existing signage on the property to -the ADB. If
the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the ADB
that the proposed signage is an integral part of the architecture
and conforms to established criteria, the ADB may waive the sign re-
strictions.
2. No specified sign area.
3. Requirements for submittal of design concept to the ADB -
a. Detail of sign wall to scale
b. Specific colors identified by manufacturer's code
c. Size and location of all other signs on the site
12. - UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION CONCEPTS
Because certain structures represent a visual communication that brings
the enterprise to the attention of the publicystructures such as fountains,
sculptures, awnings, totem poles, etc. shall be reviewed by the ADB prior
to the issuance of a permit for installation.
EDMONDS SIGN CODE DRAFT
10/ 6/ 76
12. SECONDARY SIGNS
Secondary Signs are those which are subsidiary to the primary signs and
help identify with a smaller sign the product or services offered at the
premises. They are not calculated into the size or number of primary signs +
allowed.
Secondary signs include:
A. '1AL\QUEE SIGN OR PROJECTING; SIGN
One which hangs from a permanent
marquee near the entrance to a
building, or one which projects
no more than four (4') feet from
the building or which projects
no more than the width of the
marquee.
MAXIMUM SIZE = 6 sq. ft.
MINIMUM HEIGHT = 8 feet
MAXIMUI NUMBER = One (1) per
enterprise
B. GAS PRICE SIGNS - contain only
the price of gas on the premise.
MAXIMUMM AREA = 6 sq. ft.
MAXIMUM NUMBER = One (1) sign
oriented to each street.
The sign must be permanently
attached to a column or pole,
or other permanent structure.
C. PERMANENT 11INDO14 SIGN
All sians located inside and
affixed to or within three
(3') feet of the windows of
a -building, lighted or un-
lighted, which may be viewed
from the exterior of the
building.
MAXIMUM AREA = 3 sq. ft.
Pic. ; �,t, � 3 � 5'3 n
CP_ 5!2n
A
EDMONDS SIGN CODE DRAFT
10/6/76
12. INCIDENTAL SIGNS
Incidental signs designate restrooms, address numbers, hours of operation,
entrances and exists to a building or property, public telephone, -residen-
tial identification, etc. Incidental signs are not included in the number
of primary signs. Incidental signs shall be sized to accomplish the in -
A.
tended purpose but in no case shall the sign exceed four (4) square feet
in area, unless otherwise specified.
A. Temporary Signs - are nonpermanent in nature and are intended for use
only for a short period of time. They shall include:
1. Grand Opening Sign: Maximum duration = One (1) month
11aximum area = Ten (10) square feet
2. Sale Signs: Maximum duration = One (1) month
3. Real Estate (for sale): Maximum duration = None specified
4. Construction Signs: Maximum duration = Until schedule completed
B. Residential Identification Signs:
1. Home Occupation Signs: Shall contain only the name and/or
address of the residents and shall not exceed three (3)
square feet in size.
2. Subdivision Entrance_Sians: Maximum one (1) permanent sign
at each entrance not to exceed ten (10) square feet nor 42
inches in height above the ground. One (1) square foot of
landscaping for every square foot of sign area is required.
3. Apartment Signs: One (1) wall sign or around supported sign,
not to exceed 20% of the signable area of the wall or ten (10)
square feet if a ground supported sign. If ground supported,
the maximum height shall be 42 inches, and one (1) square foot
of landscaping for every square foot of sign area is required.
C. Churches, Clubs, Public Utilities, Schools, Recreation Facilities -
Signs shall be unobtrusive, in keeping with the character of the
neighborhood and constructed of quality materials.
MAXIMUM SIZE = Twelve (12) square feet
MAXIMU!1 NUMBER = One (1) sign oriented to each street
MAXIMUM HEIGHT = Eight (8) feet
- 13 -
EDMONDS SIGN CODE DRAFT
1016176
12. AMORTIZATION OF NON -CONFORMING SIGNS
A. AMORTIZATION PERIOD
All signs that do not conform with all of the requirements
of this Ordinance upon its adoption shall be declared non-
conforming to this code and shall continue as non -conforming
uses until five (5) _years from the date that this Ordinance
becomes effective.
Exceptions: This amortization schedule shall not apply to
those signs which became non -conforming in 1963 .when this
Zoning Code was adopted. These signs shall adhere to the
1979 amortization date applied to them.
B. APPEAL FOR VARIANCE FROM AMORTIZATION) SCHEDULE
A variance from the amortization schedule may be requested when
the owner or user of a sign feels that strict application of the
provisions of this Code will cause him or her an undue hardship.
This application must be heard by the Board of Adjustment in
accordance .with Section 12.16 of the Zoning Code.
In addition to the variance application and fee, the applicant
shall include a written statement indicating specifically that:
1. Strict application of the Zoning Code will cause him undue
hardship because of unique or unusual conditions pertaining to
the specific building or property in question.
2. The granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the
neighboring property owners or to the general welfare.
3. The unusual conditions applying to the specific property do
not apply generally to other properties in the vicinity.
4. The granting of this variance will not be contrary to the
general objective of this Code which is to reduce clutter, and
to moderate the size, number and obtrusive placement of signs.
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