Resolution 596A�
I
PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. 596
A RESOLUTION TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS RECOMMENDING
APPROVAL OF THE FINAL DRAFT OF THE EDMONDS SIGN CODE AS SET FORTH
IN EXHIBIT "A" ATTACHED (FILE ZO-9-76)
WHEREAS, 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 effectivenesss
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
environmental 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.
DATED this �� day of May, 1978.
I
PROPOSED SIGN CODE
Section 12.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Ordinance is to enact the regulatory measures
necessary to implement those goals and policies stated in Section
208-5a through 5f of the Edmonds Comprehensive Policy Plan,
Section 12.
DEFINITIONS
ALLOWABLE SIGNAGE
ATTACHED SIGN
CAMPAIGN SIGNS
COMPOSITION
CONSTRUCTION SIGN
ENTERPRISE
FREESTANDING SIGN
GROUP SIGN
HEIGHT
The total permitted sign area of
a site.
A sign that is attached to a structure
erected for purposes other than support
of a sign.
Signs advertising
public office, or
or a public issue,
a candidate for
a political party,
All components of a sign including
but not limited to text, color, sign
face configuration, construction
materials, and supports.
A sign that contains information on
a building under construction or being
remodeled.
An individual, group of persons, or
corporation providing goods and/or
services.
A sign that is not attached to a
building.
A sign structure serving two or more
enterprises sharing the same parking
facility.
See sign height,
-1-
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INCIDENTAL SIGN
A sign that does not advertise or
identify a good or service or enter-
prise, and which is provided solely
for the convenience of the public.
QUEE SIGN
A sign mounted on the face of a mar-
quee or suspended under a marquee.
PORTABLE SIGN
Any sign not permanently attached to
the ground, or to a structure, in-
cluding but not limited to trailer
signs, and sandwich board signs.
PRIMARY ACCESS
The main public entrance to a building.
PROJECTING SIGNS
Any sign other than a wall sign that is
attached to and projects from a building.
READERBOARD
A sign which uses interchangeable
letters to vary the sign message.
ROOFLINE
The highest point of a parapet or
fascia of a flat or mansard roof and
the eave or drip line of a pitched roof.
SIGN
A display visible from a public place
that is intended to convey a message
to the public and/or attract attention
to an enterprise.
SIGN AREA
The area of the smallest rectangle that
can be drawn around all parts of the
sign from the viewpoint exposing the
largest sign surface area exclusive
of simple support structures. Sign
supporting structures which are part
of the sign display shall be included
in the area rectangle.
SIGN STRUCTURE
All parts of a sign including its
support.
SIGN HEIGHT
The verticle distance measured from
the finished grade elevation of the
ground to the highest point of the
sign structure. If more than one
supporting structure is used, the
height shall be measured from the
average elevation between the supports.
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SIMPLE SUPPORT STRUCTURE
RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION
IDENTIFICATION SIGN
TEMPORARY SIGN
A structure whose sole function is
to structurally support the sign,
not to attract attention. It is not
an integral part of the design of
the sign.
A sign located at the entrance to
a residential development.
A sign advertising an event that is
occurring or a product or service
that is avilable for a short, limited
period of time.
UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION STRUCTURE A unique structure the purpose of
which is.to bring the enterprise to
the attention of the public (example:
fountain, sculpture, awnings, totem
pole, etc.).
WALL GRAPHIC
WALL SIGN
WINDOW SIGN
A type of wall -sign in which color
and form are part of an overall de-
sign on the building.
A sign that is parallel to and not
projecting from a wall, or which is
painted directly on a wall.
A sign that is attached to, or located
near, the window in such a manner as
to obscure vision through the window.
It is intended to be seen by persons
outside of the building.
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Section 12.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
A. Number of Permitted Signs
An enterprise is permited one free-standing sign for each street
frontage, not including alleys (see Corner Lots Section 12.
below), and an unspecified number of attached signs provideTthe
total square footage of all signs does not exceed the maximum
allowed in subsection B below.
Enterprises sharing a common parking area shall use a group sign
and are not permitted to have individual free-standing signs.
B. Total Allowable Signage
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The total allowable signage for an enterprise is calculated at one
square foot of sign area for each lineal front foot of the wall con-
taining the primary access. The total signage allowable may be
divided between attached and free-standing signs. First floor
window signs shall be included in the total .allowable signage.
The total area of the attached signage on any wall shall not ex-
ceed -the ratio of one square foot of sign area to one lineal foot
of building frontage for that wall.
The maximum area of a projecting sign shall be as follows:
PROJECTING SIGN
ZONE
RS&RD&RM
BN
BC & IP
CW
CG
MAXIMUM SIGN AREA
Not permitted
16 square feet
16 square feet
16 square feet
32 square feet
The maximum area of a free-standing sign shall be as follows:
FREE-STANDING SIGN%
ZONE MAXIMUM SIGN AREA
RS & RD Subdivision Sign -
10 square feet
Individual Residence
Sign - 3 square feet
RM & RMP
-10
square
feet
BN
24
square
feet
- single
48
square
feet -
group
BC & IP
32
square
feet
- single
48
square
feet
- group
CW
32
square
feet
- single
64
square
feet
- group
CG
64
square
feet
- single
128
square
feet
- group
-4-
*Sizes indicated here are maximums and may not be reduced by any
Official, Board it Commission in the revir process, except the
Police and Fire-_,,aiefs, and Director of Pub-ic Works in the interest
of public safety and traffic control. The applicant may reduce the
sign size at his/her discretion.
C. Measurement of Si n Area
Sign area shall be measured according to the definition of Sign
Area in Section 12.
D. Sign Height
1. Sign height shall be measured according to the definition of
Sign height in Section 12.
2. Attached Signs - Attached signs on multi -story structures shall
be less than 14 feet in height.
3. Projecting and Marquee Signs - shall be at least 7 feet 4 inches,
but no higher than 14 feet, above the finished grade elevation.
The sign face of the marquee sign shall be no greater than 2 feet
in height.
4. Free-standing Signs - Fill material shall not be used exclusively
to increase the elevation of free-standing signs. The maximum
height of free-standing signs shall be as follows:
FREE-STANDING SIGNS
ZONE
RS & RD
RM & RMP
BN
BC & IP
CW
CG
MAXIMUM HEIGHT
3.5'
3.5'
14.0'
14.0'
14.0'
25.0'
E. Location of Si ns
1. Free-standing Signs - wherever feasible shall be located within
the center one-half of the street frontage. Enterprises located
directly at the intersection of two public rights -of -way may lo-
cate the sign on the corner in lieu of one sign on each street
frontage. Incidental and temporary signs are exempt from this
requirement.
2. Attached Signs - shall not extend above the roofline of the
building supporting the sign.
3. Residential Subdivision Identification Signs - shall be located
near the entrance(s) to the subdivision.
4. Enterprises located above the first floor in a multi -story
structure may place a sign in the window. The size of the
window sign shall be calculated at one square foot of signage
for each lineal foot of window frontage. The window sign area
shall not be computed into the total signage permitted on the
exterior of the building.
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Section 12.
ADMINISTRATION
The Director
istering and
forcement of
prises in the
A. Permits
of Community Development shall be responsible for admin-
enforcing the provisions of the Edmonds Sign Code. En -
the Sign Code is imperative to insure equity to all enter -
City and to carry out the policies in the Policy Plan.
All enterprises needing a sign must obtain a permit from the
Community Development Department prior to installation of the
sign, unless specifically excluded in Section 12.
The application shall contain information deemed necessary by
the Community Development Department to determine compliance
with this Chapter.
B. Fees
1. The application shall be accompanied by a $15.00 fee for
all permits, plus $1.00 per square foot of sign area.
2. The applicant will be charged a plan checking fee when,
in the opinion of the Director of Community Development,
services of a structural engineer are required. Fees will
be equal to the direct charges of the engineer.
C. NonconforminQ Signs
1. Pre-existing Conforming Signs - Legally installed signs which
do not comply with the terms of this Ordinance upon its adop-
tion, shall be removed or brought into compliance within ten
years of the effective date of this Ordinance.
2. Pre-existing Nonconforming Signs - Signs which are under a
previous amortization schedule according to Section 12.15.130
shall continue to be governed by that schedule and shall not
be affected by the adoption of this Ordinance.
3. Specific Amortization Period - The owner of a pre-existing
conforming sign,which does not meet the requirements of this
Ordinance, may apply to the Board of Adjustment for a specific
amortization period. The application fee for this action shall
be the same as the variance fee. The applicant shall provide
the following information on the application:
a. The date of the sign's purchase and its original cost.
b. The depreciation schedule used for the sign as evidenced
by prior Internal Revenue Service tax returns.
c. The amount of depreciation claimed for the sign.
d. The estimated costs of making the sign conforming.
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The Board shall set an amortization period which will allow
the owner a reasonable return on his investment. In deter-
mining the specific amortization period, the Board shall
consider, among other factors, the magnitude of the hardship
upon the sign owner or user compared to the benefits the pub-
lic may derive from the discontinuation of the nonconforming
sign.
Applications made under this section must be made within one
year of the effective date of this Ordinance.
Section 12.
LANDSCAPING
All free-standing signs shall have a landscaped area at the finished
grade elevation of the sign.
A. Area - 2 x sign area. The required landscaped area may be included
in the landscape requirement for the parking lot.(Section 12.14.020).
B. Location -The landscaped area shall be located around the sign
structure in such a manner that it will prevent vehicles from
hitting the sign.
C. Performance Bond - A landscape performance bond shall be required
in the amount of 125% of the estimated cost of the landscape im-
provements, or $1,000 whichever is greater. The bond, or other
acceptable surety, shall be held until the improvements are in-
stalled in conformance with this Code.
Section 12.
WALL GRAPHIC
A. No specified sign area, provided the wall graphic conforms to the
established criteria in Chapter 12.20.
B. Requirements for submittal of design concept to the ADB -
1. Detail of wall and sign to scale.
2. Specific colors identified by manufacturer's code.
3, Size and location of all other signs on the site.
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Section 12.
UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION STRUCTURES
Structures such as fountains, sculptures, awnings, totem poles, etc.,
shall be reviewed by the ADB prior to the issuance of a permit for
installation. There is no specified sign area provided the structure
conforms to the established criteria in Chapter 12.20.
Section 12.
PROHIBITED SIGNS
All signs not permitted by this Chapter are prohibited in the City of
Edmonds. Prohibited signs shall include but not be limited to the
following:
A. No sign or any part of a sign shall be designed to be moved by
any means, including but not limited to banners, ribbons, streamers,
and spinners.
B. No sign is permitted which is not directly related to the use or
activity conducted on the property on which the sign is located.
C. Signs shall be prohibited that are of a size, location, movement,
content, coloring, or manner of illumination that may be confused
with or construed as a traffic control device, or that hide from
view any traffic or street sign or signal, or that may be a hazard
to water traffic.
D. Portable signs, including but not limited to sandwich board signs,
shall be prohibited unless expressly permitted in this Code in the
Temporary Sign regulations.
E. No signs shall extend over a property line or into a public right-
of-way except on the issuance of a right-of-way invasion permit.
F. Exposed braces and angle irons are prohibited. Guywires are pro-
hibited unless there is no other practical means of supporting the
sign.
G. No sign shall have blinking, flashing, fluttering or moving lights
or other illuminating device which has a changing light intensity
or color. This does not exclude the temperature and/or time signs
that conform in all other respects to this Chapter.
H. No colored lights shall be used which could be confused with or
construed as traffic control devices. Neither directed nor re-
flected light shall create a traffic hazard to operators of motor
vehicles on public thoroughfares.
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I. No light source which -exceeds 20 watts shall be directly exposed
to any public street or adjacent property.
J. No illumination source of fluorescent light shall exceed 425
milliamps spaced closer than 8 inches on center.
K. No sign shall be illuminated after 11:00 p.m. unless the enter-
prise is open for business.
L. No window signs above the first floor shall be illuminated.
Section 12.
INCIDENTAL SIGNS
Incidental signs designate restrooms, address numbers, hours of opera-
tion, entrances and exits to a building or a property, public telephone,
etc. Incidental signs shall be sized to accomplish the intended pur-
pose but in no case shall the sign exceed a maximum of 6 square feet in
area. No permit is required for incidental signs.
Section 12.
TEMPORARY SIGNS
Temporary signs are not intended to continually advertise or identify
the goods and/or services available on the property. Maximum area of
a temporary sign is 10 square feet and maximum duration is 30 days,
unless otherwise specified below. No permit is required for temporary
signs.
A. Business Opening Signs
Maximum duration - 1 month
Maximum area - 10 square feet
B. "Sale" _Signs
Maximum duration - 1 month
C. "Quitting Business", "Fire Sale", and Similar Temporary Signs
Maximum duration - Not more than 1 month, with not more than
one extension for not more than 1 month.
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D. Real Estate (For Sale). Signs
Maximum duration - 7 days after the sale of the property
Maximum area - 6 square feet located on the property for sale
E. Construction Signs
Maximum duration - Until construction is completed or 1 year,
whichever is shorter
Maximum area - 32 square feet.
F. Campaign Signs
Maximum duration - Not longer than 7 days after the general election
Maximum area - 8 square feet
G. Seasonal Decoration and Signs Advertising a Public Event
Maximum duration - 1 month prior to the event to 7 days after
the event
Section 12.
RESIDENTIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL SIGNS
A. Individual Residence Signs_
Shall contain only the name and/or address of the residents, may be
lighted at all times, and do not require a permit.
B. Residential Subdivision Identification Signs
Maximum 1 permanent sign near each entrance. No interior lighting
is permitted. A permit is required.
C. Apartment Signs
One wall sign or ground supported sign is permitted. A permit is
required.
D. Churches and Other Non-residential Uses Permitted in RS Districts
Signage for these uses shall be calculated according to the RM
requirements. A permit is required.
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Section 12.
PENALTIES
Any person violating any
guilty of a misdemeanor
as set forth in Section
Section 12.
SEVERABILITY
If any portion of
section deemed to
the Chapter remain
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of the provisions of this Chapter shall be
and, upon conviction thereof, be punished
5.45.020 of the Edmonds City Code.
this Sign Code is held to be invalid, only that
be invalid is affected and all other sections of
in effect.
see