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2016-05-25 Planning Board Packet�1 o� NJI Agenda Edmonds Planning Board "" Ixyo COUNCIL CHAMBERS 250 5TH AVE NORTH, EDMONDS, WA 98020 MAY 25, 2016, 7:00 PM 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Approval of Draft Minutes May 11, 2016 3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA 4. AUDIENCE COMMENTS 5. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS A. Director Report May 20, 2016 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Public Hearing on Potential Amendments to the Edmonds Sign Code. A focus of the hearing is to gather input on three options dealing with temporary (e.g. A -frame) signs in the Downtown area, including (1) banning temporary portable signs such as A -frames, (2) allowing them as temporary signs for 60 days only (same as current code), or (3) allowing them as a form of permanent signage with restrictions on time, place and manner. In addition to the amendments regarding temporary portable signs, the draft amendments address a number of other minor clarifications and code language updates/issues. 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Land Division Code Update 8. NEW BUSINESS 9. PLANNING BOARD EXTENDED AGENDA A. Planning Board Extended Agenda 10. PLANNING BOARD CHAIR COMMENTS 11. PLANNING BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS 12. ADJOURNMENT Edmonds Planning Board Agenda May 25, 2016 Page 1 2.A Planning Board Agenda Item Meeting Date: 05/25/2016 Approval of Draft Minutes May 11, 2016 Staff Lead: N/A Department: Planning Division Prepared By: Diane Cunningham Background/History N/A Staff Recommendation Approve the draft minutes Narrative Draft minutes are attached Attachments: PB160511d Packet Pg. 2 2.A.a CITY OF EDMONDS PLANNING BOARD MINUTES May 11, 2016 Vice Chair Rubenkonig called the meeting of the Edmonds Planning Board to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Public Safety Complex, 250 — 5`h Avenue North. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT Philip Lovell, Chair Carreen Rubenkonig, Vice Chair Matthew Cheung Todd Cloutier Alicia Crank Nathan Monroe Daniel Robles BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT Phillip Lovell (excused) Valerie Stewart (excused) Samuel Klevin (Student Representative (excused) READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF PRESENT Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager Jerry Bevington, Video Recorder Karin Noyes, Recorder BOARD MEMBER CRANK MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF APRIL 27, 2015 BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED. BOARD MEMBER ROBLES SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA The agenda was accepted as presented. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Natalie Shippen, Edmonds, referred to an email she sent to the Board prior to the meeting in which she shared an example of boxes being placed near the door of a business on which advertising materials could be placed. She noted that the boxes are small, mailbox type that can hang on the wall next to the entryways or on the walls. She also pointed out that the Board has had significant discussion about the purpose of A -frame signs, and there seems to be a general acceptance that they provide an economic benefit to the businesses in the downtown. However, there has been no discussion about how the signs benefit the general public. She urged the Board to have a discussion about the public purpose of having the signs in the rights -of -way. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR REPORT TO PLANNING BOARD Vice Chair Rubenkonig referred the Board to the written Director's Report. None of the Board had comments or questions about the report. Packet Pg. 3 2.A.a REVIEW OF SIGN CODE: TEMPORARY SIGNS Mr. Chave announced that a public hearing on the draft sign code amendments is scheduled for May 25t'. The purpose of the current discussion is to finalize or get closure on the options that will be presented to the public at the hearing. Staff s intent is to publish information relative to the three options by Friday, May 13"', so the public has adequate time to review and prepare for the hearing. He briefly reviewed the three options as follows: Option 1 — This option would essentially prohibit A -frame and sandwich board signs from being allowed in the downtown. The business "premises" would no longer be defined as including the sidewalk in front of the building, and these types of signs would no longer be permitted as an allowed sign type downtown. Option 2 — This option would add a new definition of "pedestrian sign" that would specify more types of signs, including stanchion signs and other similar types. This option would continue the ability of businesses to use pedestrian signs as a form of "temporary signage," but a permit would be required and the 60-day limit would be retained as it currently exists for other types of temporary signage. Basically, this option would continue the status quo, but add a permit requirement to help staff administer the regulations. Option 3 — This option would change how "pedestrian signs" are treated downtown, considering them as a type of regular signage rather than "temporary." In exchange for this, there would be more standards in terms of where they can be located and how many would be permitted. The pedestrian signs would also count against the total sign area permitted for a business or building. This option would acknowledge how a number of businesses in the downtown currently use temporary signs. Option 3 is similar to Option 2, but more specific. Rather than allowing signs along the entire storefront, the location would be limited to either two feet next to the building or two feet out at the edge of the sidewalk, whichever provides the best through -way for people. In some cases, it may be less intrusive to the pedestrian walkway if the signs are placed closer to the street near trees, etc. This approach allows the City to determine the best location for the signs in order to maintain optimal pedestrian access. Mr. Chave emphasized that the three options would be tied to pedestrian signs in the downtown/waterfront area, where there is a pedestrian environment. They would still not be allowed elsewhere in the City. Mr. Chave advised that in addition the three options pertaining to "pedestrian signs," there are a number of other suggested code amendments included in the draft material. These are attempts to clarify or rectify problems or inconsistencies staff have encountered in applying the sign regulations to specific circumstances over the years. He emphasized that none of the proposed amendments would increase the sign area or the number of signs allowed per business. Vice Chair Rubenkonig explained that the Board should focus its discussion on the three options that will be presented at the public hearing on May 25 h. Mr. Chave said the other proposed amendments will be included in the draft language that is published for the public hearing to solicit public comment. However, he agreed that the most significant change is to the temporary sign provisions. Vice Chair Rubenkonig suggested it would be helpful for the Board to discuss the differences and identify the criteria by which the Board will review each of the three options. She reminded the Board that other sign types, including blade signs and window signs, are allowed in the downtown and do not count against the total sign area that a business is allowed to have. Mr. Chave agreed and noted that additional language from the sign standards was inserted into the draft code to make this clear. He noted that these signs are already allowed in the existing sign code. However, Option 3 would include pedestrian signs as part of the total sign area. Vice Chair Rubenkonig asked if staff has the resources to administer either Option 2 or Option 3, and Mr. Chave answered affirmatively. He explained that, while Options 2 and 3 would both require permits, Option 2 would require a new permit every 60 days, and Option 3 would require just one permit that would be valid as long as the sign consistent with the code. Vice Chair Rubenkonig noted that the Board received written comments regarding the draft sign code from Phil Lovell, Chair of the Board, and from Laura Zeck, the owner of Zinc Art + Interiors. They also received a memorandum from the Edmonds Downtown Business Association (ED) outlining their Sign Advisory Board's proposed revisions related to the sign code. Planning Board Minutes May 11, 2016 Page 2 Packet Pg. 4 Board Member Crank noted that Board Members received the written comments just prior to the meeting. She suggested they wait to discuss their content until the public hearing. The remainder of the Board concurred that would be appropriate. Board Member Crank referred to ECDC 20.60.080(A)(2)(c)(2), which states that portable temporary signs cannot be left outside during hours that the business is closed to the public. She asked if this same provision would apply to Option 2, and Mr. Chave answered affirmatively and agreed to check the language to make sure the provision was included in both options. Board Member Crank suggested that it would be helpful if staff could provide pictures at the public hearing to illustrate signs that would and would not be allowed per each of the options. Seeing examples of what is currently happening in the downtown would also be a helpful tool, and graphic illustrations would help the conversation move along faster. Mr. Chave said he is planning to prepare a PowerPoint presentation that talks about the key provisions of each of the options, and examples will be provided, as well. Vice Chair Rubenkonig said it would also be useful for staff to prepare a matrix to clearly identify the differences between the three options. Board Member Robles observed that Option 1 would be easy to implement and administer, but Options 2 and 3 would be more difficult to control and manage. He recalled that, at the last meeting, he suggested that the Board also consider a "green dot" option, which originated from Board Member Cloutier's recommendation that the Board's discussion should focus on what problems they are trying to solve. The only tangible problem that has been identified is the need to maintain adequate pedestrian access and meet the American's with Disabilities (ADA) requirements. Given that the Board is accountable for ensuring the safety, health and welfare of the public, sign location should be planned based on this criterion. If the City wants to be in the business or regulating signs, he suggested this could best be accomplished if the City were to make the pedestrian signs and determine exactly where they can be located. Board Member Robles observed that signs are a type of contract, statement of fact or statement of value. Any sign that does not accomplish this should not be considered a sign. He said he believes the "green dot" approach is an easy way to manage pedestrian signs, and he is surprised that staff didn't put more effort into developing the concept further. There are other ideas that haven't been adequately heard, as well. He suggested that the Board postpone their recommendation until all ideas have been heard. Mr. Chave said that is the purpose of tonight's discussion. The intent is to offer several options for the public to respond to. Board Member Robles voiced concern that limiting the hearing to the three options would result in people commenting without having a full menu of options. He asked that his planned -location approach be included as an option for the hearing. Mr. Chave agreed to develop the option further if that is the Board's consensus. Vice Chair Rubenkonig announced that the City Council agreed to work with students from Washington State University to develop a wayfinding sign program and/or technology that would provide information about businesses in Edmonds. Mr. Chave clarified that the City Council authorized staff to submit an application to participate in the program, but the selection is competitive and there is no guarantee that the City will be chosen. Board Member Monroe pointed out that, in addition to safety and maintaining pedestrian access, the Board has also discussed a desire to address visual clutter. Board Member Robles suggested it would be the Architectural Design Board's responsibility to establish the visual aspects of the sign code. Board Member Monroe concurred, but suggested that clutter should at least be part of the Board's discussion. Mr. Chave said that Option 3 would be easy to implement, and Option 2 would be more difficult. Board Member Monroe asked if the permit fee would be the same for both Option 2 and Option 3. Mr. Chave answered affirmatively and explained that the fee would be minimal. The permit is intended to enable the City to track pedestrian signs to ensure that pedestrian areas are clear. The fee should be high enough to cover the cost of administration, but not so costly that it becomes an obstacle. Board Member Monroe suggested that both Options 2 and 3 imply a "green dot" solution, since they both limit where the signs can be placed. While the concept was not specifically included as an option, it was not necessarily excluded, either. Mr. Chave agreed and cautioned that what actually happens on the sidewalk can change over time. Adopting a "green dot" approach would require the City to update the sign code each time something changes. Board Member Robles suggested that the dots could be identified on a map rather than physical dots on the sidewalk. He cautioned against creating a sign code Planning Board Minutes May 11, 2016 Page 3 Packet Pg. 5 2.A.a that is too detailed and difficult to understand, and he felt that the "green dot" approach would be the simplest approach and represent a good compromise. Board Member Monroe asked the public benefit of allowing restaurants to serve food on the sidewalks. Mr. Chave answered that a study was done some years ago that looked at how to create a more vibrant and attractive downtown, and street life came up as being an important goal for the public environment. Allowing restaurants to have a limited presence on the sidewalk adds to street life. However, it is also important to manage where they can be located. Board Member Robles observed that, sometimes, outdoor dining expands beyond what the City approved and encroaches into the pedestrian area. Mr. Chave agreed and said that would be a code enforcement issue. Vice Chair Rubenkonig suggested that the Board should review each of the options based on the following criteria: 1. Whether or not pedestrian signs will be allowed. 2. What size of pedestrian signs can exist? 3. Where can pedestrian signs be located? 4. How many pedestrian signs will be allowed? 5. What benefit do pedestrian signs provide. Vice Chair Rubenkonig suggested that this criterion should also be presented at the public hearing, along with examples to illustrate existing pedestrian signs, as well as how Option 2 and 3 would be implemented. Board Member Cheung suggested it would also be helpful for staff to specifically identify the differences between the three options. Vice Chair Rubenkonig led a discussion about the differences between the options and suggested that a matrix be prepared for the public hearing to visually illustrate the differences. The following is a summary of their discussion: • Permits: Both Option 2 and Option 3 would require permits for pedestrian signs. Option 1 would not allow pedestrian signs at all. Location: Both Option 2 and Option 3 would require that pedestrian signs provide a minimum of 4 feet of clearance for pedestrians to pass. Option 3 states that the preferred locations are within 2 feet of the building face or within 2 feet of the curb if that location does not block access to parked vehicles. This would provide more flexibility to place the sign in an area that is the least intrusive to the pedestrian walkway. The Board agreed that the location criteria should be the same in both Option 2 and Option 3. Board Member Cloutier observed that requiring the signs to be within 2 feet of the building or street would be similar to the "green dot" approach. Instead of dots, there would be green bands. This requirement would eliminate the need for a case -by -case sign review to determine location. Board Member Robles pointed out that, in some cases, putting the pedestrian sign next to the building requires pedestrians to walk closer to the street where there is no weather protection. He would prefer that the signs be placed closer to the street so that pedestrians do not have to walk in the rain. • Time Limitations. It was pointed out that Option 2 would impose a 60-day time limit on pedestrian signs, and Option 3 would not. In both Option 2 and Option 3, pedestrian signs cannot be left outside during hours that the business is closed to the public. • Number of Pedestrian Signs Allowed: Option 2 would limit the number of pedestrian signs to one per ground floor storefront. Option 3 would also limit the number of pedestrian signs to one per ground floor storefront, but the signs would count against the permanent sign area and the number of signs permitted. • Sign Size: Options 2 and 3 both identify the same maximum size for pedestrian signs. The difference is that the pedestrian sign area would count as part of the total sign area in Option 3, but not in Option 2. • Benefits. The Board had a brief discussion about the pros and cons of permanent signs to both businesses and citizens. The Board decided against having a lengthy discussion about the benefits criteria until after the public hearing. They discussed that the public would inform them of their views relative to the benefits of each of the options. Vice Chair Rubenkonig recommended that, at the public hearing, the Board should specifically solicit comments from the public relative to the pros and cons of each option. Planning Board Minutes May 11, 2016 Page 4 Packet Pg. 6 2.A.a Rather than focusing on the pros and cons of each of the options, Board Member Crank reminded the Board that they should focus on trying to solve the problems, which are ADA access and the proliferation of pedestrian signs. Board Member Cheung pointed out that all three options would require ADA compliance, which is a federal mandate. Board Member Robles asked if the City has a mission statement in place that could guide the discussion at the public hearing. Board Member Cloutier answered that the City has a mission statement, which is contained in the Comprehensive Plan. However, it is important to keep in mind that the Comprehensive Plan is a vision rather than the rule. Mr. Chave encouraged the Board Members to review the Downtown Waterfront Plan, as well as the Economic Development Element, which are part of the Comprehensive Plan. While the two documents do not specifically address pedestrian signs, they do speak about the pedestrian environment. Vice Chair Rubenkonig suggested that the Board's recommendation to the City Council relative to sign code amendments should tie in with the Comprehensive Plan, and specifically the two elements identified by Mr. Chave. Mr. Chave said he anticipates the Board will receive a lot of input at the public hearing to help inform their recommendation. Board Member Monroe asked why staff is recommending a 60-day limit for pedestrian signs in Option 2. Mr. Chave said this is consistent with the current code language, so it would simply maintain the status quo. The Board prepared the following chart to illustrate their discussion: Existing Sign Type Sign Location Sign Size Time Limitation Pedestrian Sin Containment Option 1 No N/A N/A N/A N/A Option 2 Yes Pedestrian "Green Zone" Limited to 6 sq. ft. 60 days Perhaps within 2 Does not count feet of the against total sign building face or area or total within 2 feet of number of signs. the curb. Option 3 Yes Pedestrian "Green Zone" Limited to 6 sq. ft. No limit Perhaps within 2 Does count feet of the against total sign building face or area or total within 2 feet of number of signs. the curb. REVIEW OF EXTENDED AGENDA Vice Chair Rubenkonig announced that a public hearing on the draft Sign Code Amendments is scheduled for May 25"' Also on May 25tb, the Board will continue its discussion about the Subdivision Code Update. PLANNING BOARD CHAIR COMMENTS Vice Chair Rubenkonig commented that the Planning Board oversees the City of Edmonds Parks and Recreation Planning Department, and they get quarterly, or at least regular reports. In that capacity, she would like to explore how the activities of the department are chosen. In particular, she wants to focus on whether the Board has any oversite of the programs and volunteer opportunities for the environment, education and service. The Planning Board represents the community's interest, so their activism on behalf of the sustainability, health, and viability of the City Marsh, solar power, energy consumption, and involvement in volunteer service is important. She asked if Public Works or Parks and Recreation Departments are the managers of such programming. She reviewed that the Deer Creek Hatchery is located in Edmonds, and Edmonds has been designated as a Backyard Natural Habitat. The City also has a Beach Watcher Program and the Frog Lady, who is integral to many programs. She said she would like the Planning Board to look at all the programming (activities and commercial provisions) and consider what oversight should be provided. Planning Board Minutes May 11, 2016 Page 5 Packet Pg. 7 2.A.a PLANNING BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Board Member Cloutier announced that that an open house relative to the Highway 99 Subarea Plan is scheduled for May 19th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Swedish Hospital. Vice Chair Rubenkonig announced that an open house for the Waterfront Access Study is scheduled for May 12th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Edmonds Library Plaza Room. An online open house will also be available from May 9th to May 234d. Board Member Crank commented on the new signal light that was installed at 228th Street and Highway 99. She said she lives off of Highway 99 and turning onto the highway is so much easier now because the light creates a natural break in the traffic. Board Member Robles announced that he will participate in a stakeholders interview relative to the Civic Center Master Plan on May 17th from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. Other Commissioners indicated they would be interviewed at separate times. ADJOURNMENT The Board meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m. Planning Board Minutes May 11, 2016 Page 6 Packet Pg. 8 5.A Planning Board Agenda Item Meeting Date: 05/25/2016 Director Report May 20, 2016 Staff Lead: Shane Hope Department: Development Services Prepared By: Diane Cunningham Background/History N/A Staff Recommendation Review and consider information Narrative Director Report is attached Packet Pg. 9 5.A.a OY F f]M v MEMORANDUM Date: May 20, 2016 To: Planning Board From: Shane Hope, Development Services Director Subject: Director Report Planning Board —Next Meeting The Planning Board's next meeting is on May 25, with an agenda focused on: ❑ Public Hearing on Sign Code Update ❑ Land Division Code Update REGIONAL UPDATES Alliance for Housing Affordability The Alliance for Housing Affordability (AHA), of which Edmonds is a member, has its next Joint Board meeting on May 25. The agenda will include reviewing AHA's original goals and the work program, as well as a presentation from County Councilmember Hans Dunshee about his experience working on housing issues at the state level. Sound Transit 3 Sound Transit received 34,706 survey responses and 2,320 written comments on the ST3 Draft Plan that it released. The Sound Transit Board expects to make a decision in late June to finalize the plan and bring a funding decision to the public ballot. Puget Sound Regional Staff Committee The PSRC Regional Staff Committee meeting on May 19 included information on: ❑ New regional open space mapping tool that is underdevelopment ❑ Transportation 20140: State of the System, Part 2 ❑ Transportation 2040 update: technology issues (such as driverless cars) to address LOCAL UPDATES Highway 99 Area Planning Over 70 people attended the Highway 99 Area Open House on May 19 at the Edmonds Swedish Hospital (4th floor). At the open house, possible scenarios for the future of the Highway 99 area were featured. The scenarios focused on transportation improvements and development capacity in both the near -term (5-10 years) and longer term (10- years or more). However, the scenarios were still at a very high level. The intent for the open house was to get early input on 11Pane Packet Pg. 10 5.A.a general concepts. People spoke about desires for housing, business viability, walkability, safety, traffic flow, landscaping, and more. Next, the ideas will be refined, taking into account the comments heard. Options and impacts will be analyzed. A more specific draft plan is expected for further input this fall. The project website is: http://www.edmondshwV99.org/. Also, a project summary, showing some graphics, will be given at an upcoming Planning Board meeting. City Council Below are a few highlights from the May 17 City Council meeting: ❑ Arts Commission annual report and update on Community Cultural Plan implementation ❑ Public hearing on Civic Playfield right-of-way vacation, with Council consensus for a resolution to vacate the rights -of -way to come back for action on The Council's consent calendar ❑ Review of professional services agreement for master planning Civic Center Playfield Waterfront Access A Waterfront Access open house was held May 12 to provide information and get feedback on the progress of the Waterfront Access Study. After studying approximately 40 access ideas, the team is proposing to narrow the list, based on goals, feasibility, and other factors. The study aims to determine the best feasible alternatives to at -grade railroad crossings at Dayton and Main Streets, which are currently blocked by 35-40 trains each day along the city's waterfront and could eventually be blocked by up to 100 trains a day by 2030. For people who could not attend the open house, information and an opportunity for comments is available online through May 23. See: http://edmondswaterfrontaccess.publicmeeting.info/. The study will be completed later this year. Architectural Design Board The ADB will have a special meeting on June 15 to discuss the Senior Center project. Hearing Examiner The Hearing Examiner's last decision was on a reconsideration of a Critical Areas Reasonable Use Variance at 742 Daley Street. The reconsideration prompted a technical correction to the findings but did not change the underlying approval. The approval is for a house that has a 336- square foot footprint to be built on a vacant lot within the 100-foot critical area buffer of Shell Creek. The Hearing Examiner meetings for May 12 and May 26 are cancelled due to a lack of items Historic Preservation Commission The HPC met on May 12. Here are highlights: ❑ Presentation on the Edmonds Museum maintenance project and meeting discussion has been continued to June 9 meeting. ❑ The plaque ceremony for the First Baptist Church of Edmonds will be on Sunday June 5 at 9:45 am (in between church services). 2 1 P a g e Packet Pg. 11 5.A.a Citizens Economic Development Commission (CEDC) The Economic Development Commission's May 18 meeting included: ❑ Strategic Action Plan Orientation ❑ Economic Development Goals & Policies ❑ Discuss/create Ad Hoc Committee to work on EDC priorities and presentation COMMUNITY CALENDAR ❑ May 7—July 3: Edmonds Historical Museum exhibit will be "Salish Bounty' —Traditional Native American Foods of the Puget Sound ❑ May 21: Garden Market at 5t" & Bell St 9 am — 2 pm ❑ May 30: Memorial Day Program at Edmonds Memorial Cemetery at 820 15t" St SW beginning at 11 am. Bring your lawn chair. Refreshments will be served. This event is free. ❑ June 2: Mayor's Town Hall from 6:30 — 8:30 pm at the Meadowdale Clubhouse at 6801 N. Meadowdale Rd. ❑ June 3 -5: Edmonds Waterfront Festival at Port of Edmonds from 3 pm —10 pm ❑ June 17 —19: Edmonds Art Festival from 10 am — 8 pm ❑ June 19: Summer Market from 9 am — 3 pm ❑ July 4: Edmonds Kind of 4tn ❑ July 4: Beat Brackett 5K 31 Packet Pg. 12 6.A Planning Board Agenda Item Meeting Date: 05/25/2016 Public Hearing on Potential Amendments to the Edmonds Sign Code. A focus of the hearing is to gather input on three options dealing with temporary (e.g. A -frame) signs in the Downtown area, including (1) banning temporary portable signs such as A -frames, (2) allowing them as temporary signs for 60 days only (same as current code), or (3) allowing them as a form of permanent signage with restrictions on time, place and manner. In addition to the amendments regarding temporary portable signs, the draft amendments address a number of other minor clarifications and code language updates/issues. Staff Lead: Rob Chave Department: Planning Division Prepared By: Rob Chave Background/History The Planning Board has had several discussions on options for temporary portable signs downtown, including their meetings of April 27 and May 11, 2016. Staff Recommendation The Planning Board will hold the public hearing. Deliberations and developing a recommendation to the City Council may occur after the hearing, or at a subsequent meeting. Narrative The City Council requested the Planning Board to provide recommendations concerning temporary portable signs in the downtown area. Staff is also working on updates to the City's development code on various subjects, and some minor updates to the sign code are incorporated into the drafts being considered here. Various types of signs are used as temporary portable signs downtown, including A -frames, stanchions, easels, etc. In the updated code the proposal is simply to call all of these signs "pedestrian signs" for simplicity's sake. For pedestrian signs in the downtown area (e.g. A -frame, stanchion, or other freestanding portable signs), the existing code considers these to be 'temporary signs' and only allows them for a total of 60 days in a calendar year. Option 2 would continue this practice, and add a requirement for a low-cost permit so that the 60 days can be tracked. According to existing code, these types of signs can't be placed off of the property (e.g. down the street at a street corner); this would not change. Option 1 would no longer permit these types of "pedestrian signs" downtown at all. Option 3 would permit "pedestrian signs" as permanent signage (so that the 60-day limit no longer applies), but also include specific conditions on duration (only during business hours), placement (close to the building or curb, and only in front of the store), and how many (only one per store front). Packet Pg. 13 6.A A summary matrix of the three options for "pedestrian signs" is included as the first attachment to this agenda item. As indicated, the Planning Board is seeking input on the various options being considered. Is one approach the best? Are there different aspects of more than one of the options that should be combined? Are there other ideas that should be considered or added? Note that the Board is particularly interested in what people see as the benefits or problems of each approach. For example, what are the benefits or problems of portable signs relative to the downtown businesses and the community at large? Attachments: Options Matrix for Pedestrian Signs Sign Code Option 1: No temporary portable signs downtown Sign Code Option 2: Portable signs (A -frames) as temporary signs (60 days, per existing code) Sign Code Option 3: Portable signs (e.g. A -frames) as permanent signage subject to restrictions Sign Code Comment Letters Packet Pg. 14 6.A.a Matrix of Downtown "Pedestrian Sign" Options Various types of signs are used as temporary portable signs downtown, including A -frames, stanchions, easels, etc. In the updated code the proposal is simply to call all of these signs "pedestrian signs" for simplicity's sake. The three options for how to deal with "pedestrian signs" downtown are summarized in the following table: •. •. Option 3: Portables Pedestrian Signs as Pedestrian Signs as Usm TemporaryNo Permanent Signs with restrictions Pedestrian Sign No Yes Yes Permitted? Size Allowed No 6 sq. ft. 6 sq. ft. Location Allowed No w/in 2 ft of building w/in 2 ft of building or street edge; 4 ft or street edge; 4 ft clear zone clear zone How Many No Duration No 60 days per year When business is open Benefits of ? ? ? approach? Packet Pg. 15 6.A.b Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE — Option 1: No Pedestrian/Sandwich Board Signs Sections: 20.60.000 Purpose. 20.60.005 Definitions. 20.60.010 Permit required. 20.60.015 Design review procedures. 20.60.020 General regulations for permanent signs. 20.60.025 Total maximum permanent sign area. 20.60.030 Wall signs— Maximum area and height. 20.60.035 Window signs — Maximum area. 20.60.040 Projecting signs — Maximum area and height restrictions. 20.60.045 Freestanding signs— Regulations. 20.60.050 Wall graphic and identification structures. 20.60.060 Campaign signs. 20.60.065 Real estate signs. 20.60.080 Temporary signs. 20.60.070 Construction signs. 20.60.090 Prohibited signs. 20.60.095 Exempt signs. 20.60.100 Administration. Page 1/18 20.60.000 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to enact regulatory measures to implement those goals and policies stated in the Edmonds Comprehensive Policy Plan and to achieve the following objectives: A. Protect the public right-of-way from obstructions which would impair the public's use of their right-of-way. B. Minimize the hazard to the public represented by distractions to drivers from moving, blinking, or other similar forms of signage or visual clutter. C. Provide for distinct signage for each distinct property. D. Encourage the use of graphics/symbols to reduce the visual clutter associated with overly large letters or extensive use of lettering. E. Minimize potential for view blockage and visual clutter along public rights -of -way. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.005 Definitions. For the purposes of the enforcement of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply: "Attached sign" is any sign attached or affixed to a building. Attached signs include wall signs, projecting signs, and window signs. "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." Sign Code Revisions - Option 1 (draft) Packet Pg. 16 6.A.b Edmonds Page 2/18 Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE "Building ID/historic sign" is a permanent sign that identifies or names a building and assists in creating landmarks in the city. Examples include dates, "1890"; names, "Beeson Building"; or addresses. "Campaign sign" is a temporary sign displaying a message relating to a candidate, political party, or issue that is registered or certified for an upcoming election. "Commercial sign" is a sign displayed for the purpose of identifying a commercial use, or advertising a service, product, business or venture that is offered for trade or sale. "Community event banner" is a noncommercial sign composed of cloth, fabric, canvas or similarly flexible material that promotes a temporary community event endorsed, operated or sponsored wholly or in part by a local public entity the jurisdiction of which includes the city of Edmonds. "Community events" are nonprofit, governmental or charitable festivals, contests, programs, fairs, carnivals or recreational contests conducted within the city. "Construction sign" is a permanent or temporary sign displayed on premises where any physical excavation, construction, demolition, rehabilitation, structural alteration or related work is currently occurring, pursuant to a valid building permit. "Directional symbols" are small in size (two square feet or less) and intended to provide on -site directions to specific locations or areas (such as parking areas, drive -through facilities, ATMs and entries and/or exits), hours of operation, parking limitations, warnings of hazards, prohibition of activities (such as "no parking"), historical markers and similar public information. Directional symbols are not considered to be signage as regulated in this chapter. "Fixed sign" is any sign attached or affixed to the ground or any structure in such a manner so as to provide for continuous display for an extended or indeterminable period of time. Fixed signs include, but are not limited to, freestanding signs and wall signs. "Freestanding sign" is any sign that is not attached or affixed to a building. Freestanding signs can be further described as "monument signs" or "pole signs." "Governmental sign" is a sign owned, operated or sponsored by a governmental entity, and which promotes the public health, safety or welfare. Governmental signs include, but are not limited to, traffic signs, directional and informational signs for public facilities, publicly sponsored warning or hazard signs, and community event banners displayed by a governmental entity on public property. "Group sign" is a sign or signs on one sign structure serving two or more businesses sharing a parking facility. "Halo sign" is a sign where the light source is concealed behind an opaque face and the rays of illumination are projected outward around the edges of the sign or directed against the surface behind the sign forming a silhouette or halo effect. Halo signs are not considered to be internally illuminated signs for the purposes of this chapter. "Identification structure" is a structure intended to attract the attention of the public to a site, without the use of words or symbols identifying the businesses. Examples include fountains, sculptures, awnings, and totem poles. "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. "Marquee" is a permanent roofed structure attached and supported by the building. Sign Code Revisions - Option 1 (draft) Packet Pg. 17 6.A.b Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 3/18 "Marquee sign" is any sign attached to or made a part of a building marquee. A marquee sign is a form of projecting sign. "Monument signs" are freestanding signs that have integrated the structural component of the sign into the design of the sign and sign base. "Noncommercial sign" is a sign that is intended to display a religious, charitable, cultural, governmental, informational, political, educational, or artistic message, that is not primarily associated with a good, product, or service offered for sale or trade. Noncommercial signs include signs advertising incidental and temporary commercial activities conducted by churches and nonprofit businesses, clubs, groups, associations or organizations. "Off -premises sign" is any sign that advertises or relates to a good, product, service, event, or meeting, that is offered, sold, traded, provided, or conducted at some location or premises other than that upon which the sign is posted or displayed. Off -premises signs include all signs posted or displayed in the public right-of-way. "On -premises sign" is any sign that advertises or relates to a good, product, service, event, or meeting that is lawfully permitted to be offered, sold, traded, provided, or conducted at the location or premises upon which the sign is posted or displayed. On -premises signs also include signs not related to any particular location or premises, such as signs displaying religious, charitable, cultural, governmental, informational, political, educational, or artistic messages that are intentionally displayed by the owner of the property or premises upon which the sign is displayed. "Outline cabinet sign" is a permanent sign that is mounted on the face of a building that roughly follows the shape of the text or symbology 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 treated more like an "individual letter sign" where the area of the sign is calculated based on the actual outlined shape of the sign. "Permanent sign" is a fixed or portable sign intended for continuous or intermittent display for periods exceeding 60 days in any calendar year. "Pole signs" are freestanding signs where the structural support for the sign is one or more aexposed pole(s). Pole signs may include community event banners where the banner is supported by at least two poles that are permanently attached to the ground ("pole -mounted community event banners"). However, pole signs with two poles that are not more than six (6) feet in height are considered to be monument signs. "Portable sign" is any sign that is readily capable of being moved or removed, whether attached or affixed to the ground or any structure that is typically intended for temporary display. Portable signs include, but are not limited to: 1. Signs designed and constructed with a chassis or support with or without wheels; Sign Code Revisions - Option 1 (draft) Packet Pg. 18 6.A.b Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 4/18 2. Pedestrian signs, including signs such as A -frame (sandwich board), stantion, easel, or post -style signs intended as free-standing signs in pedestrian environmentsMeMH and ndiyieh" heard gRS' 4. Wooden, metal, or plastic "stake" or "yard" signs; S. Posters or banners affixed to windows, railings, overhangs, trees, hedges, or other structures or vegetation, except for pole -mounted community event banners; 6. Signs mounted upon vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way, except signs identifying the related business when the vehicle is being used in the normal day-to-day operation of the business, and except for signs advertising for sale the vehicle upon which the sign is mounted; 7. Searchlights; 8. Inflatables. "Premises" is the actual physical area of the lot upon which a sign is posted or displayed, except within the boundaries of the BC or BD zone an the downtown activity center as defined in the comprehensive plan, where "Premises" shall include any portion ef the public sidewalk which fronts upon the let. "Projecting sign" is any sign attached or affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than 12 inches beyond the surface of such building or wall. "Reader board sign" is a sign that is designed to allow for a change in the message, either by adding or removing plastic letters, or by means of electronics and lights. Reader boards do not include signs which have a changeable message where the sign does not change more than once per day and where the changeable features are integrated with the background and overall design of the sign, including the sign's typefaces, colors and symbology. Individual letters or numbers placed on a solid colored background is considered to be a reader board. Left: Acceptable changeable message sign; Right: A reader board. rECKtiar+ vasd•� sw sr.. 393b 406"t A FI] T' Fo- 12345678904 B IF.]I F51 % 12345678901 c IF.] [21 $ W 12395678908 Sign Code Revisions - Option 1 (draft) Packet Pg. 19 6.A.b Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 5/18 "Real estate sign" is a sign displaying a message relating to the sale or rent of real property. "Sign" is any structure, device or fixture that is visible from a public place, that incorporates graphics, symbols, or written copy for the purposes of conveying a particular message to public observers, including wall graphics or identification structures. "Sign area" is the maximum aetual area of a sign that *S vi-sible from any single peint ef ebservation frem any public vantage point. SUPPeFtiRg StFU6WFes whieh are PaFt Of a SigR display shall be iReluded a n the Pale ilatien of the sign aFea.area of a sign on which copy is to be placed, as set forth in ECDC 20.60.020(A). "Temporary sign" is an allewed PeF a sign intended for short-term display, not to exceed 60 calendar days in any calendar year. Window signs meeting the requirements of ECDC 20.60.035 are not regulated as temporary SIgnS. "Wall graphic" is a wall sign, including murals, in which color and form, and primarily without the use of words, is a part of the overall design on the building(s) where the wall graphic is proposed. A wall graphic may be painted or applied (not to exceed one-half inch in thickness) to a building as a part of its overall color and design, but may not be internally lighted. Internally lighted assemblies, including those which project from the wall of the structure, or which are located on any accessory structure on the site, shall be considered wall signs and comply with the requirements of this chapter. "Wall sign" is a sign that is attached or affixed to a wall and that is parallel to and not projecting more than 12 inches at any angle from such wall. Wall signs include signs that are painted directly upon a wall. "Window sign" is a sign that is attached or affixed to a window, or a sign displayed within 24 inches of the inside of a window in such a manner as to be visible from any public place. [Ord. 3800 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3631 § 1, 2007; Ord. 3628 § 8, 2007; Ord. 3561 § 1, 2005; Ord. 3514 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3461 § 2, 20031. 20.60.010 Permit required. A. Except as provided in this chapter, no permanent sign may be constructed, installed, posted, displayed or modified without first obtaining a sign permit approving the proposed sign's size, design, location, and display as provided for in this chapter. B. Design approval is not required for the posting of permanent signs in residential zones; provided, that the restrictions and standards of this chapter are met. If additional signage is requested for conditional or nonconforming uses in residential zones, the property owner shall apply for design review. Design review is not required for any sign which does not require a building permit. C. A sign modification shall include, but is not limited to, relocations, modifications to size, design, height or color scheme, or the replacement of 25 percent or more of the structural material in the sign area. Normal and ordinary maintenance and repair, and changes to the graphics, symbols, or copy of a sign, without affecting the size, structural design, height, or color scheme, shall not constitute modifications for purposes of this section. [Ord. 3514 § 2, 2004; Ord. 3461 § 2, 20031. 20.60.015 Design review procedures. A. Staff Approval. Except as referred to the architectural design board pursuant to subsection (A)(1) of this section, and except as provided in subsection (B) of this section, the planning manager, or designee, shall review all applications for design review under this chapter, and shall approve, conditionally approve or deny the application in accordance with the policies of ECDC 20.10.000, the criteriaset forth ;^ ECDC 20.10.070, and the standards and requirements of this chapter; provided, that for murals and artwork the planning manager or designee shall review the application in accordance with the criteria set forth in subsection (C) of this section. The decision of the planning manager on any sign permit application shall be final except that signs reviewed by the architectural design board Sign Code Revisions - Option 1 (draft) Packet Pg. 20 6.A.b Edmonds Page 6/18 Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE 1. The planning manager or designee may refer design review applications to the architectural design board for the types of signs listed below, where the planning manager determines that the proposed sign has the potential for significant adverse impacts on community aesthetics or traffic safety: a. Any sign application for an identification structure as defined by this chapter; b. Any sign application for a wall graphic as defined by this chapter; c. Any proposed sign that the planning manager determines to be obtrusive, garish or otherwise not consistent with the architectural features of the surrounding neighborhood. B. Review by Architectural Design Board. The architectural design board shall review those signs listed below in subsection (13)(1) and any sign permit referred by the planning manager pursuant to subsection (A)(1) of this section. requirements ef this chapte.r. The der.isien ef the arehiteetwFal deSigR beard eR any SigR permit applicatien FRay be design beard decisions 1. The ADB shall review any Assign permit application that requests a modification to any of the standards prescribed by this chapter. The ADB shall only approve modification requests that meet all of the felle in craterea that arise from one of the following two situations: a. The request is for signage on a site that has a unique configuration, such as frontage on more than two streets or has an unusual geometric shape or topography; b. The request is for signage on a building that has unique architectural elements or features or details that substantially restrict the placement or size of signage relative to other buildings in the vicinity. 2. The ADB may approve the requested modification only if it meets the following criteria: ca. The design of the proposed signage must be compatible in its use of materials, colors, design and proportions with development throughout the site and with similar signage in the vicinity; db. In no event shall the modification result in signage which exceeds the maximum normally allowed by more than SO percent. C. Staff Review of Murals and Artwork. When a proposed wall graphic is proposed as a mural or artwork, the planning manager or designee shall review and approve, conditionally approve, or deny the application in accordance with the following criteria. While a separate sign permit is required for each wall graphic, the staff may make a single design review decision on wall graphics that consist of related murals or artwork. Related murals or artwork may include multiple proposals for sites within reasonable proximity to each other that are related by theme, style, materials used, and/or context. The decision of the staff on any design review application containing a mural or art as a wall graphic may be appealed to the city council pursuant to the procedure established in Chapter 20.06 ECDC. 1. Art, like other exercises of First Amendment rights, may be limited by reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. In this case, these criteria will be utilized to enhance the aesthetics of the city and to ensure quality and maintenance standards are observed. No recommendation shall be based upon the content or Sign Code Revisions - Option 1 (draft) Packet Pg. 21 6.A.b Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 7/18 message expressed by an artist or in a work of art. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate their artwork with the design or architectural elements of the building and the historic and pedestrian -oriented character of the downtown area. 2. Specific submission requirements for design review include, but are not limited to: a. Site sketch showing locations of artwork; b. Minimum one -fourth -inch scale color drawings of the art concept or art component; c. Material/color samples; d. Written Proposal. A written proposal in eight-and-one-half-inch-by-11-inch format to include a description and summary of a final design proposal for the artwork; detailed maintenance requirements; a schedule for development, fabrication, and completion; artist's resume; and evidence of assumption of liability by applicant or designee; and e. When required pursuant to ECDC 20.45.050, a certificate of appropriateness shall be obtained from the historic preservation commission for murals on designated historic structures or within a designated historic district. 3. Review Criteria. Review criteria for the design review include: a. Quality of the materials used to create the artwork. Materials should be resistant to fading; no fluorescent paints; b. Durability and permanence, including ability to withstand age, vandalism, and weathering. Consideration should be given to anti -graffiti coating; and c. Compatibility of the artwork with architectural elements, other elements of the street, and adjacent structures. Compatibility shall be determined by relationships of the elements of form, proportion, scale, color, materials, surface treatment, and size and style of lettering. Lettering shall be minimized, but may be considered for inclusion when necessary to the artistic content. D. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (A), (B), and (C) of this section, sign permit applications shall not be referred to or reviewed by the architectural design board if the proposed sign constitutes a modification to an existing sign and involves no significant alteration or modification to the size, height, design, lighting or color of the existing sign. Sign permit applications for such sign modifications shall be processed and subject to review in the same manner as provided for staff review in subsection (A) of this section. [Ord. 3800 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3736 § 60, 2009; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.020 General regulations for permanent signs. A. Sign Area. The area of a sign shall be calculated as follows: 1. The area of a sign is maximum actual area of a sign that is visible from any single point of observation from any public vantage point. The sign area is normally the smallest rectangle that encloses the entire copy area of the sign. 2. Individual letters, numbers or symbols applied directly to a wall or structure and used to form the sign shall be calculated individually; 3. Supporting structures which are part of a sign display shall be included in the calculation of the sign area, except that the supporting structure of a monument sign or pole sign shall not be included when calculating the sign area. Sign Code Revisions - Option 1 (draft) Packet Pg. 22 6.A.b Edmonds Page 8/18 Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE STORE,fi NAME 1 ��y0 �ft S� Left: Sign Area = X * Y Right: Applied individual letters are calculated separately Monument sign: the base is not included in the calculation of sign area (dashed rectangle) A. When located on a wall or mansard roof, no sign may extend above the highest point of the wall or mansard roof when the mansard roof is on a one-story building., or above the eave er drip line ^f a pitched roof on which it Inc—RtP' Other than a mansard roof on a one-story building, A -a sign may not be attached above the eave or drip line on a pitched roof. B. Except for pole -mounted community event banners, no sign or any part of a sign may be designed or constructed to be moving by any means and shall not contain items such as banners, ribbons, streamers and spinners. Signs with type that is movable to change the message (reader boards) are allowed, subject to the specific requirements detailed elsewhere in this chapter. C. Ne signs shall Signs that extend into or over a public right-of-way unlessss an eRGFeaehment . ....;+ h.,' h^^., appreved4Lhall comply with see Chapter 18.70 ECDCJ. D. Exposed braces and angle irons are prohibited unless they are part of a decorative design that is integral to the design of the sign. Guywires are prohibited unless there are no other practical means of supporting the sign. E. No sign shall have blinking, flashing, fluttering or moving lights or other illuminating device which has a changing light density or color; provided, however, temperature and/or time signs that conform in all other respects to this chapter are allowed. Electronic reader boards may have messages that change, however, moving messages are not allowed. Messages that change at intervals less than 20 seconds will be considered blinking or flashing and not allowed. F. No light source which exceeds 20 watts shall be directly exposed to any public street or adjacent property. G. No illumination source of fluorescent light shall exceed 425 milliamps or be spaced closer than eight inches on center. H. No commercial sign shall be illuminated after 11:00 p.m. unless the commercial enterprise is open for business and then may remain on only as long as the enterprise is open. I. No window signs above the first floor shall be illuminated. J. Sign height shall be determined as follows: Sign Code Revisions - Option 1 (draft) Packet Pg. 23 6.A.b Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 9/18 1. For attached signs, sign height is the vertical distance from the highest point on the sign to the average finished grade. 2. For freestanding signs, sign height is the vertical distance from the highest point of the sign area or its support to the average elevation of nddiss it"^dsee the finished grade at the base of the supports. K. Portable signs may not be used as permanent signage; only fixed signs are permitted. L. The following matrix summarizes the types of signs permitted in each neighborhood/district within the city: Sign Type Downtown' SR-99' Westgate/SR-1043 Neighborhood Commercial (BN BP and FVMU Zones) Business Uses in RM Zones Wall -mounted P P P P P Monument C P P C C Pole N P N N N Projecting P P P P P Internal Illumination C P P C N Reader Boards C C C C C Individual Letters P P P P P Boxed Cabinet N P C C N Building ID P P P P p c....,J.ViCh o,.. KIS Pedestrian RN N N N N Wall Graphics C C C C C ' Downtown includes all properties within the Downtown Activity Center defined in the Comprehensive Plan. SR-99 includes all properties within the Medical -Highway 99 Activity Center and the Highway 99 Corridor defined in the Comprehensive Plan. 3 Westgate/SR-104 includes all properties within the Westgate Corridor, the Edmonds Way Corridor, and within the Westgate Community Commercial area, as defined in the Comprehensive Plan. Note: In the above table, P = Permitted; N = Not permitted; C = Conditionally permitted through design review if consistent with the standards itemized in ECDC 20.60.020(M). M. The following standards clarify how some signs identified as "conditionally permitted" must be installed to be permitted in the city of Edmonds. 1. Monument signs over six feet in height must be reviewed to ensure that the materials, colors, design and proportions proposed are consistent with those used throughout the site._ 2. Internally illuminated signs in the downtown area and neighborhood commercial areas may only light the letters or logos/symbols. 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. Sign Code Revisions - Option 1 (draft) Packet Pg. 24 6.A.b Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 10/18 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. 6. Reader board messages are limited to alphanumeric messages only. 7. Reader boards are only permitted for public uses or places of public assembly. Public uses and places of assembly include, but are not limited to, schools and churches as well as local and regional public facilities. 8. The background color of a boxed cabinet sign face must be coordinated with and compliment the colors used on the building. 9. The background color of a boxed cabinet sign face must be opaque and not allow any internal illumination to shine through. [Ord. 3631 § 2, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.025 Total maximum permanent sign area. A. Business and Commercial Zone Districts (BN, ABC, BD, WMU, CW and CG). 1. The maximum total permanent sign area for allowed or permitted uses in the BN, BC, BD and CW zones shall be one square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of wall containing the main public entrance to the primary building or structure located upon a separate legal lot. 2. The maximum total permanent sign area for allowed or permitted uses in the CG zone shall be one square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage along a public street and/or along a side of the building containing the primary public entrance to a maximum of 200 square feet. The allowable sign area shall be computed separately for each qualifying building frontage, and only the sign area derived from that frontage may be oriented along that frontage. Sign areas for wall -mounted signs may not be accumulated to yield a total allowable sign area greater than that permitted upon such frontage, except that businesses choosing not to erect a freestanding sign may use up to 50 percent of their allowable freestanding sign area for additional attached sign area. Use of the additional area shall be subject to the review of the architectural design board. 3. The maximum total permanent sign area may be divided between wall, projecting, and freestanding signs, in accordance with regulations and maximum sign area and height for each type of sign, as provided in ECDC 20.60.030 through 20.60.050. Projecting signs (including blade signs) of four square feet or less and Window window signs meeting the requirements of ECDC 20.60.035 do not count against the total permanent sign area permitted. 4. The maximum number of permitted permanent signs is three per site, or three per physically enclosed business space on commercial sites with multiple business tenants. A site with more than one street frontage is allowed a maximum of five (5) signs. Projecting (including blade) signs of four square feet or less and Windowwindowsigns meeting the requirements of ECDC 20.60.035 do not count against the total number of permitted permanent signs. Multi -tenant sites are allowed one additional group sign per street frontage identifying the individual subtenants at the site. The total sign area of all signs permitted on site must also comply with the maximum total permanent sign area specified in this chapter. B. Residential Zone Districts (IRS, RM). 1. The maximum allowable signage area for individual residential lots shall be four square feet per street frontage, except as provided in subsection (13)(2) of this section. 2. The maximum allowable signage area for formal residential subdivisions, planned residential developments (PRD), or multifamily structures containing at least 10 dwelling units shall be 10 square feet per main street entrance into the subdivision or PRD. Only one sign may be provided at each main entrance. Sign Code Revisions - Option 1 (draft) Packet Pg. 25 6.A.b Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 11/18 3. The maximum total permanent sign area may be divided between wall and freestanding signs, in accordance with regulations and maximum sign area and height for each type of sign, as provided in ECDC 20.60.030 through 20.60.050. Window signs meeting the requirements of ECDC 20.60.035 do not count against the total permanent sign area permitted. 4. Signage in excess of that provided in subsections (B)(1) and (2) of this section for lawful nonconforming or conditional nonresidential uses in residential zones may be approved through the issuance of a sign permit pursuant to ECDC 20.60.010, subject to the maximum area and height limitations established for signs in the BN zone. 5. The maximum number of permitted permanent signs is one, except that multifamily sites with more than one vehicular entrance may have one permanent sign per entrance. The total sign area of all signs (excluding incidental signs) permitted on -site must also comply with the maximum total permanent sign area specified in this chapter. [Ord. 3805 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3628 § 9, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 20031. 20.60.030 Wall signs — Maximum area and height. A. The maximum area of any wall sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Area of Sign RS, RM 4 square feet BN, BP BC, BD, CW, CG, WMU, FVMU 1 square foot per lineal foot of attached wall B. The maximum height of any attached sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Height of Sign RS, RM 6 feet BN, BP BC, BD, CW, CG, 14 feet or the height of the face of the WMU, FVMU building on which the sign is located, consistent with ECDC 20.60.020(A) [Ord. 3628 § 10, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.035 Window signs — Maximum area. The maximum area of any window sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Area of Sign RS, RM 4 square feet BN, BP BC, BD, CW, CG, WMU,FVMU 1 square foot per each lineal foot of window frontage [Ord. 3628 § 11, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 20031. 20.60.040 Projecting signs — Maximum area and height restrictions. A. The maximum area of any projecting sign shall be as follows: Sign Code Revisions - Option 1 (draft) Packet Pg. 26 6.A.b Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 12/18 Zone Maximum Area of Sign RS, RM Not permitted BN, BP BC, BD, CW, WMU, FVMU 16 square feet CG 32 square feet B. The maximum height of any projecting sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Height of Sign RS, RM Not permitted BN, BP BC, BD, CW, CGS WMU, FVMU �4 fee4Heisht of the wall to which the sign is attached C. The bettem of the SigR aFea ef ffejeEting signS shall be at least eight feet in height and at least 1-1— feet in height if at projects eve.r a vehirle traveled right ^' The sign area of a marquee sign may not exceed two feet in vertical dimension. [Ord. 3628 § 12, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.045 Freestanding signs — Regulations. A. Regulation. Permanent freestanding signs are discouraged. Freestanding signs shall be approved only where the applicant demonstrates by substantial evidence that there are no reasonable and feasible alternative signage methods to provide for adequate identification and/or advertisement. B. Maximum Area. The maximum area of a freestanding sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Area of Sign RS, RM 10 square feet (subdivision, PRD, multifamily) 4 square feet (individual residence sign) BN BP 24 square feet (single) 48 square feet (group) BC, BD, WMU, 32 square feet (single) FVMU 48 square feet (group) CW 32 square feet (single) 48 square feet (group) CG Sign area shall be governed by subsection (C) of this section C. Allowable Sign Area for Freestanding Signs — CG Zone. The total allowable sign area for freestanding signs on general commercial sites shall be 56 square feet or one-half square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of street frontage, whichever is greater, up to a maximum of 160 square feet of freestanding sign area. Multiple business or tenant sites shall further be allowed an additional 24 square feet of freestanding sign area for each commercial tenant or occupant in excess of one up to a maximum sign area of 160 square feet. Corner lots choosing to accumulate sign area under the provisions of subsection E of this section shall be limited to 160 square feet. Sign Code Revisions - Option 1 (draft) Packet Pg. 27 6.A.b Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 13/18 D. Maximum Height. The maximum sign height of freestanding signs shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Height of Sign RS, RM 6 feet BN, BP BC, BD, CWL WMU, FVMU 14 feet CG 25 feet E. Location. Freestanding signs shall be located as close as possible to the center of the street frontage on which they are located. Except for pole -mounted community event banners, freestanding signs may not be located on public property. Sites on a corner of two public streets may have one sign on the corner instead of a sign for each frontage. Monument signs not more than six feet in height may be located in a zoning setback, but not less than five (5) feet from a property line. F. Number. In all zones, each lot or building site shall be permitted no more than one freestanding sign, except in the business and commercial zones where a lot or site has frontage on two arterial streets, in which case there may be permitted one sign per street frontage subject to the restrictions on area contained within this chapter. G. Landscaping. 1. Each freestanding sign shall have a landscaped area twice the size of the sign area at the base of the sign The landscaping and sign base shall be protected from vehicles by substantial curbing. 2. The applicant shall provide a landscape performance bond in the amount of 125 percent of the estimated costs of the landscaping, or $1,000, whichever is more. The bond shall be processed in accordance with Chapter 17.10 ECDC. [Ord. 3631 § 3, 2007; Ord. 3628 § 13, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.050 Wall graphic and identification structures. There are no area restrictions on wall graphics or identification structures. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.060 Campaign signs. A. On -premises campaign signs are permitted as a form of temporary signage in all zones, subject to the maximum sign size limitations set forth in ECDC 20.60.080. B. Off -premises campaign signs are permitted as a form of temporary signage in the public right-of-way; provided, that the following requirements are met: 1. All campaign signs shall be posted in accordance with the regulations set forth in ECDC 20.60.080(B). 2. All off -premises campaign signs shall be removed within 10 days after the primary, general, or special election to which they pertain. 3. Off -premises campaign signs shall be posted and displayed no earlier than upon declaration of candidacy in accordance with Chapter 29.15 RCW, or other formal registration or certification of the candidate, party, initiative, referendum or other ballot issue for an upcoming election, or 60 days prior to the election, whichever time period is greater. C. There is no maximum number of off -premises campaign signs that may be posted. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.065 Real estate signs. A. On -premises real estate signs are permitted as a form of temporary signage in residential and commercial zones, subject to the maximum signage area and sign number limitations set forth in ECDC 20.60.080. Sign Code Revisions - Option 1 (draft) Packet Pg. 28 6.A.b Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 14/18 B. Off -premises real estate signs are permitted as a form of temporary signage, subject to the following requirements: 1. Two and only two types of off -premises real estate signs shall be permitted: a. An off -premises real estate directional sign is a sign displaying a directional arrow and either a company or logo, or an indication that the property is for sale by its owner, and installed for the purpose of directing the public to the property. b. An off -premises open house sign is a form of temporary off -premises sign indicating the property is currently open for viewing. 2. All off -premises real estate signs shall be posted in accordance with the regulations set forth in ECDC 20.60.080(B). 3. The maximum number of off -premises real estate signs allowed per property shall only be the number reasonably necessary to direct people to the premises. An agent or owner shall be permitted no more than one off -premises real estate directional sign per intersection and five in total. No more than one off -premises open house sign shall be displayed per intersection and no more than five in total. a. Each off -premises real estate directional sign shall bear a legible tag located on the sign or supporting post indicating the date of posting and the address of the property to which it pertains. b. Off -premises real estate open house signs shall only be posted during daylight hours when the real estate agent or owner is in attendance at the property for sale or rent, and shall be removed immediately upon the termination of an "open house" or other similar property display event. 4. No off -premises real estate signs shall be fastened to any traffic control device, public structure, fence, rock, tree or shrub. C. All on -premises and all off -premises real estate directional signs shall be removed within seven days after the closing of the sale or lease of real property to which the sign pertains. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 20031. 20.60.070 Construction signs. Construction signs shall, irrespective of their duration, conform to the general regulations for permanent signs specified under ECDC 20.60.020. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the maximum area of a construction sign in any zone shall be 32 square feet. No sign permit is required for the posting of construction signs; provided, that all construction signs shall be removed from the premises within 10 days of the cessation of the excavation, construction, demolition, rehabilitation, structural alteration or related work on site. Zone Maximum Area of Signage (per Street Frontage) RS 16 square feet, or 32 square feet if one sign is displayed for a project consisting of building permits issued for four lots or more. Only one sign may be displayed per project. All other 32 square feet zones The preceding square footages shall be in addition to any other temporary signage permitted by ECDC 20.60.080 [Ord. 3514 § 3, 20041. 20.60.080 Temporary signs. A. On -Premises Temporary Signs. On -premises temporary signs are permitted in residential and commercial zones, in addition to any allowed or permitted permanent signage, subject to the following restrictions and standards: Sign Code Revisions - Option 1 (draft) Packet Pg. 29 6.A.b Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE 1. Residential Zones (RS, RM). a. Only portable, freestanding or attached signs may be used as temporary signage. Page 15/18 b. Commercial on -premises temporary signage is not permitted, except for real estate signs as defined by ECDC 20.60.065. c. Maximum number is one attached or freestanding sign. 2. Commercial Zones (BN, ABC, BD, WMU, FVMU, CW, CG). a. Only pokab'^ fFeestandin^ ^ attached signs may be used for temporary signage; provided, that 'Isandwieh board" OF "A" fFame portable SigRs shall eRly be permitted in the BC, BD and ON zenes. b. Maximum duration of display is 60 days in any calendar year for the cumulative posting of all temporary commercial signage upon each commercial location or premises. c. A permit is required for all temporary signage. cd. Maximum number of temporary signs is one freestanding sign per property street frontage, and one attached sign per building. 3. The total maximum area of on -premises temporary signage shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Area of Temporary Sign RS, RM 6 square feet BN, BP BC, BD, CW, WMU, FVMU 20 square feet CG 30 square feet 4. The total maximum area for each allowed on -premises temporary sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Area of Temporary Sign RS, RM 6 square feet (freestanding and attached) BN, BP BC, BD, 6 square feet (fre st nd ng) CW, WMU, 20 square feet (attached) FVMU CG 6 square feet (freestanding) 30 square feet (attached) 5. The maximum height of any allowed on -premises temporary sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Height of Sign RS, RM 6 feet (freestanding and attached) BN, BP BC, BD, CW, CG, WMU, FVMU 3 feet (freestanding) 14 feet (attached) 6. In no case shall temporary signage be posted, located, or displayed in violation of the regulations for permanent signs set forth in ECDC 20.60.020 through 20.60.050. Sign Code Revisions - Option 1 (draft) Packet Pg. 30 6.A.b Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 16/18 B. Off -Premises Temporary Signage. Off -premises temporary signs areal lowed in residential and commercial zones, in accordance with the restrictions and standards set forth below: 1. Commercial off -premises temporary signage is prohibited, except for real estate signs as permitted by ECDC 20.60.065; provided, that such off -premises real estate signs shall be posted, displayed, and removed as provided for in that section, in addition to the provisions of subsections (13)(5) through (9) of this section. 2. Noncommercial off -premises signs are permitted in the public right-of-way; provided, that the posting and display of off -premises signs in the public right-of-way shall require a street use permit where required pursuant to Chapter 18.70 ECDC. 3. Maximum duration of display for all temporary off -premises signs is a cumulative of 60 days in any calendar year, except as otherwise provided in ECDC 20.60.060 for campaign signs. Display may be continuous or intermittent, except as otherwise provided in this section. 4. Except for campaign signs as provided in ECDC 20.60.060, all off -premises noncommercial signs relating to a specific meeting, event, or occurrence shall be removed within 48 hours following the conclusion of the meeting, event, or occurrence to which they relate. 5. Only portable freestanding signs may be used as temporary off -premises signage; provided, that the following types of portable freestanding signs are prohibited from use as an off -premises sign: a. Signs with a vehicular chassis or support with or without wheels; b. Posters and banners; c. Signs mounted upon vehicles; d. Searchlights; e. Inflatables. 6. Maximum number of allowed off -premises signs to be displayed simultaneously shall be one sign per sign poster except as provided in ECDC 20.60.060 for campaign signs and in ECDC 20.60.065 for real estate signs. 7. Maximum allowable sign area for all temporary off -premises freestanding signs is six square feet. 8. Maximum allowable sign height for all permitted off -premises signs is three feet. 9. All off -premises temporary signage shall be posted and displayed in accordance with the following restrictions: a. Off -premises signs may not be placed in any portion of the public right-of-way typically used by motor vehicles in a lawful manner. b. Off -premises signs shall be placed so as not to impede pedestrian, bicycle, or handicapped travel or access. c. Off -premises signs shall not be posted in a manner or location which impairs traffic safety by unreasonably blocking line of sight at intersections. d. Off -premises signs shall be constructed of suitable material and design to adequately withstand the reasonably expected normal or average weather conditions during the intended display period of the sign. Sign Code Revisions - Option 1 (draft) Packet Pg. 31 6.A.b Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 17/18 e. Off -premises signs shall be regularly inspected to ensure that they have not been damaged or destroyed by natural forces or vandalism. Damaged and destroyed signs shall be immediately removed or repaired so as to avoid threats to public health and safety or the accumulation of unclaimed refuse upon the public rights -of -way. f. Off -premises signs shall not be posted upon public property other than the public right-of-way, and shall further not be posted within or upon planter boxes and flower beds within the publicly maintained landscaped portions of the public right-of-way. [Ord. 3628 § 14, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.090 Prohibited signs. A. General. All signs not expressly permitted by this chapter are prohibited. B. Hazards. Signs which the director of public works determines to be a hazard to vehicle or water traffic because they resemble or obscure a traffic control device, or because they obscure visibility needed for safe traffic passage, are prohibited. These signs shall be removed if they already exist. C. Confiscation of Prohibited Signs in Public Rights -of -Way. All signs which are located within a public right-of-way and that have been improperly posted or displayed are hereby declared to be a public nuisance and shall be subject to immediate removal and confiscation. D. Any signs confiscated by the city shall be held for 10 working days after which such signs may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of. The owner of any confiscated signs may recover the same upon payment of a $25.00 fee to cover the cost of confiscation and storage. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.095 Exempt signs. The following types of signs are exempted from regulations of this chapter, except that the dimensional and placement standards shall apply unless variance is required by other provisions of local, state or federal law: A. Governmental signs. B. Signs required by provision of local, state, or federal law. C. Official public notices required by provision of local, state, or federal law. D. Signs not visible from a public location. E. Seasonal and holiday displays not incorporating the use of written copy or graphics to convey a message. F. Gravestones. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.100 Administration. A. General. The community development director is responsible for administering and enforcing the provisions of this chapter. He or she shall adopt application requirements for sign permits. Fees shall be as stated in Chapter 15.00 ECDC. B. Installation Permits. Many signs require installation permits under Chapter 19.45 ECDC and may require plan checking fees as well. C. Notice of Violation. Whenever the planning director becomes aware of a violation of the provisions of this chapter, the planning director shall cause a notice to be sent to the alleged violator informing him or her of the violation, the applicable code section, and a time within which to remedy the violation. The notice shall also advise of the penalties for continued violation of the code as specified in this chapter. If the violation has not been corrected within the time limit specified, the planning director shall refer the matter to the city attorney's office for institution of appropriate legal action. Sign Code Revisions - Option 1 (draft) Packet Pg. 32 6.A.b Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 18/18 D. Penalty. Any person violating any provision of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of $25.00 for each day of continued violation. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. Sign Code Revisions - Option 1 (draft) Packet Pg. 33 6.A.c Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE — Option 2: Pedestrian/Sandwich Boards as 'Temporary' Signs Sections: 20.60.000 Purpose. 20.60.005 Definitions. 20.60.010 Permit required. 20.60.015 Design review procedures. 20.60.020 General regulations for permanent signs. 20.60.025 Total maximum permanent sign area. 20.60.030 Wall signs— Maximum area and height. 20.60.035 Window signs — Maximum area. 20.60.040 Projecting signs — Maximum area and height restrictions. 20.60.045 Freestanding signs— Regulations. 20.60.050 Wall graphic and identification structures. 20.60.060 Campaign signs. 20.60.065 Real estate signs. 20.60.080 Temporary signs. 20.60.070 Construction signs. 20.60.090 Prohibited signs. 20.60.095 Exempt signs. 20.60.100 Administration. Page 1/18 20.60.000 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to enact regulatory measures to implement those goals and policies stated in the Edmonds Comprehensive Policy Plan and to achieve the following objectives: A. Protect the public right-of-way from obstructions which would impair the public's use of their right-of-way. B. Minimize the hazard to the public represented by distractions to drivers from moving, blinking, or other similar forms of signage or visual clutter. C. Provide for distinct signage for each distinct property. D. Encourage the use of graphics/symbols to reduce the visual clutter associated with overly large letters or extensive use of lettering. E. Minimize potential for view blockage and visual clutter along public rights -of -way. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.005 Definitions. For the purposes of the enforcement of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply: "Attached sign" is any sign attached or affixed to a building. Attached signs include wall signs, projecting signs, and window signs. "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." Sign Code Revisions - Option 2 (draft) Packet Pg. 34 6.A.c Edmonds Page 2/18 Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE "Building ID/historic sign" is a permanent sign that identifies or names a building and assists in creating landmarks in the city. Examples include dates, "1890"; names, "Beeson Building"; or addresses. "Campaign sign" is a temporary sign displaying a message relating to a candidate, political party, or issue that is registered or certified for an upcoming election. "Commercial sign" is a sign displayed for the purpose of identifying a commercial use, or advertising a service, product, business or venture that is offered for trade or sale. "Community event banner" is a noncommercial sign composed of cloth, fabric, canvas or similarly flexible material that promotes a temporary community event endorsed, operated or sponsored wholly or in part by a local public entity the jurisdiction of which includes the city of Edmonds. "Community events" are nonprofit, governmental or charitable festivals, contests, programs, fairs, carnivals or recreational contests conducted within the city. "Construction sign" is a permanent or temporary sign displayed on premises where any physical excavation, construction, demolition, rehabilitation, structural alteration or related work is currently occurring, pursuant to a valid building permit. "Directional symbols" are small in size (two square feet or less) and intended to provide on -site directions to specific locations or areas (such as parking areas, drive -through facilities, ATMs and entries and/or exits), hours of operation, parking limitations, warnings of hazards, prohibition of activities (such as "no parking"), historical markers and similar public information. Directional symbols are not considered to be signage as regulated in this chapter. "Fixed sign" is any sign attached or affixed to the ground or any structure in such a manner so as to provide for continuous display for an extended or indeterminable period of time. Fixed signs include, but are not limited to, freestanding signs and wall signs. "Freestanding sign" is any sign that is not attached or affixed to a building. Freestanding signs can be further described as "monument signs" or "pole signs." "Governmental sign" is a sign owned, operated or sponsored by a governmental entity, and which promotes the public health, safety or welfare. Governmental signs include, but are not limited to, traffic signs, directional and informational signs for public facilities, publicly sponsored warning or hazard signs, and community event banners displayed by a governmental entity on public property. "Group sign" is a sign or signs on one sign structure serving two or more businesses sharing a parking facility. "Halo sign" is a sign where the light source is concealed behind an opaque face and the rays of illumination are projected outward around the edges of the sign or directed against the surface behind the sign forming a silhouette or halo effect. Halo signs are not considered to be internally illuminated signs for the purposes of this chapter. "Identification structure" is a structure intended to attract the attention of the public to a site, without the use of words or symbols identifying the businesses. Examples include fountains, sculptures, awnings, and totem poles. "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. "Marquee" is a permanent roofed structure attached and supported by the building. Sign Code Revisions - Option 2 (draft) Packet Pg. 35 6.A.c Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 3/18 "Marquee sign" is any sign attached to or made a part of a building marquee. A marquee sign is a form of projecting sign. "Monument signs" are freestanding signs that have integrated the structural component of the sign into the design of the sign and sign base. "Noncommercial sign" is a sign that is intended to display a religious, charitable, cultural, governmental, informational, political, educational, or artistic message, that is not primarily associated with a good, product, or service offered for sale or trade. Noncommercial signs include signs advertising incidental and temporary commercial activities conducted by churches and nonprofit businesses, clubs, groups, associations or organizations. "Off -premises sign" is any sign that advertises or relates to a good, product, service, event, or meeting, that is offered, sold, traded, provided, or conducted at some location or premises other than that upon which the sign is posted or displayed. Off -premises signs include all signs posted or displayed in the public right-of-way. "On -premises sign" is any sign that advertises or relates to a good, product, service, event, or meeting that is lawfully permitted to be offered, sold, traded, provided, or conducted at the location or premises upon which the sign is posted or displayed. On -premises signs also include signs not related to any particular location or premises, such as signs displaying religious, charitable, cultural, governmental, informational, political, educational, or artistic messages that are intentionally displayed by the owner of the property or premises upon which the sign is displayed. "Outline cabinet sign" is a permanent sign that is mounted on the face of a building that roughly follows the shape of the text or symbology 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 treated more like an "individual letter sign" where the area of the sign is calculated based on the actual outlined shape of the sign. "Permanent sign" is a fixed or portable sign intended for continuous or intermittent display for periods exceeding 60 days in any calendar year. "Pole signs" are freestanding signs where the structural support for the sign is one or more aexposed pole(s). Pole signs may include community event banners where the banner is supported by at least two poles that are permanently attached to the ground ("pole -mounted community event banners"). However, pole signs with two poles that are not more than six (6) feet in height are considered to be monument signs. "Portable sign" is any sign that is readily capable of being moved or removed, whether attached or affixed to the ground or any structure that is typically intended for temporary display. Portable signs include, but are not limited to: 1. Signs designed and constructed with a chassis or support with or without wheels; Sign Code Revisions - Option 2 (draft) Packet Pg. 36 6.A.c Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 4/18 2. Pedestrian signs, including signs such as A -frame (sandwich board), stantion, easel, or post -style signs intended as free-standing signs in pedestrian environmentsMeMH and ands ieh" heard ^^S; 3. "A" and „T„ fFaFne signs; 4. Wooden, metal, or plastic "stake" or "yard" signs; S. Posters or banners affixed to windows, railings, overhangs, trees, hedges, or other structures or vegetation, except for pole -mounted community event banners; 6. Signs mounted upon vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way, except signs identifying the related business when the vehicle is being used in the normal day-to-day operation of the business, and except for signs advertising for sale the vehicle upon which the sign is mounted; 7. Searchlights; 8. Inflatables. "Premises" is the actual physical area of the lot upon which a sign is posted or displayed, except within the boundaries of the BC or BD zone in the downtown ^ctivit • ^^ Downtown Waterfront Activity Center as defined in the comprehensive plan, where "premises" shall include arvf-that portion of the public sidewalk which fronts upon the letbusiness storefront. "Projecting sign" is any sign attached or affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than 12 inches beyond the surface of such building or wall. "Reader board sign" is a sign that is designed to allow for a change in the message, either by adding or removing plastic letters, or by means of electronics and lights. Reader boards do not include signs which have a changeable message where the sign does not change more than once per day and where the changeable features are integrated with the background and overall design of the sign, including the sign's typefaces, colors and symbology. Individual letters or numbers placed on a solid colored background is considered to be a reader board. Sign Code Revisions - Option 2 (draft) Packet Pg. 37 6.A.c Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Left: Acceptable changeable message sign; Right: A reader board. r€cKgan WulM SR Srrt 3a 4461 4 t fi Page 5/18 "Real estate sign" is a sign displaying a message relating to the sale or rent of real property. "Sign" is any structure, device or fixture that is visible from a public place, that incorporates graphics, symbols, or written copy for the purposes of conveying a particular message to public observers, including wall graphics or identification structures. "Sign area" is the maximurn actual area of a sign that is visible frorn any single point of observation frorn any public vantage point. Supporting structures which are part of a sign display shall be included On the calculation of the sign area area of a sign on which copy is to be placed, as set forth in ECDC 20.60.020(A). "Temporary sign" is an allowed pertablea sign intended for short-term display, not to exceed 60 calendar days in any calendar year. Window signs meeting the requirements of ECDC 20.60.035 are not regulated as temporary Signs. "Wall graphic" is a wall sign, including murals, in which color and form, and primarily without the use of words, is a part of the overall design on the building(s) where the wall graphic is proposed. A wall graphic may be painted or applied (not to exceed one-half inch in thickness) to a building as a part of its overall color and design, but may not be internally lighted. Internally lighted assemblies, including those which project from the wall of the structure, or which are located on any accessory structure on the site, shall be considered wall signs and comply with the requirements of this chapter. "Wall sign" is a sign that is attached or affixed to a wall and that is parallel to and not projecting more than 12 inches at any angle from such wall. Wall signs include signs that are painted directly upon a wall. "Window sign" is a sign that is attached or affixed to a window, or a sign displayed within 24 inches of the inside of a window in such a manner as to be visible from any public place. [Ord. 3800 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3631 § 1, 2007; Ord. 3628 § 8, 2007; Ord. 3561 § 1, 2005; Ord. 3514 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3461 § 2, 20031. 20.60.010 Permit required. A. Except as provided in this chapter, no permanent sign may be constructed, installed, posted, displayed or modified without first obtaining a sign permit approving the proposed sign's size, design, location, and display as provided for in this chapter. B. Design approval is not required for the posting of permanent signs in residential zones; provided, that the restrictions and standards of this chapter are met. If additional signage is requested for conditional or nonconforming uses in residential zones, the property owner shall apply for design review. Design review is not required for any sign which does not require a building permit. Sign Code Revisions - Option 2 (draft) Packet Pg. 38 6.A.c Edmonds Page 6/18 Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE C. A sign modification shall include, but is not limited to, relocations, modifications to size, design, height or color scheme, or the replacement of 25 percent or more of the structural material in the sign area. Normal and ordinary maintenance and repair, and changes to the graphics, symbols, or copy of a sign, without affecting the size, structural design, height, or color scheme, shall not constitute modifications for purposes of this section. [Ord. 3514 § 2, 2004; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.015 Design review procedures. A. Staff Approval. Except as referred to the architectural design board pursuant to subsection (A)(1) of this section, and except as provided in subsection (B) of this section, the planning manager, or designee, shall review all applications for design review under this chapter, and shall approve, conditionally approve or deny the application in accordance with the policies of ECDC 20.10.000, the criteria set forth in ECDC 20.10.070, and the standards and requirements of this chapter; provided, that for murals and artwork the planning manager or designee shall review the application in accordance with the criteria set forth in subsection (C) of this section. The decision of the planning manager on any sign permit application shall be final except that signs reviewed by the architectural design board are appealable to the Hearing Examiner.Feviewable as a Type II appeal (See ECDC 20 n1 005) established In Chapter 20.105 ECDC fOF appeal of sta4 deeffisiens and signs reviewed under subsection (A)(!) of this seectien are appealable as provided theFeimn-. 1. The planning manager or designee may refer design review applications to the architectural design board for the types of signs listed below, where the planning manager determines that the proposed sign has the potential for significant adverse impacts on community aesthetics or traffic safety: a. Any sign application for an identification structure as defined by this chapter; b. Any sign application for a wall graphic as defined by this chapter; c. Any proposed sign that the planning manager determines to be obtrusive, garish or otherwise not consistent with the architectural features of the surrounding neighborhood. B. Review by Architectural Design Board. The architectural design board shall review those signs listed below in subsection (B)(1) and any sign permit referred by the planning manager pursuant to subsection (A)(1) of this section. The arehiter-A-W.Fal design board shall approve, eenditionally appFeve or deny such sign peFFnit applieatia Fecluirernents of this chapteF. The decision of the architectural design board on any sign permit application may be appealed te the city eeuneil PUFSHant te the preeedUFe established in ECDC 20.10.080 feF appeal ef ff&iteetuFal design board decisiens. 1. The ADB shall review any Aey-sign permit application that requests a modification to any of the standards prescribed by this chapter. The ADB shall only approve modification requests that meet all of the following Uiter+a arise from one of the following two situations: a. The request is for signage on a site that has a unique configuration, such as frontage on more than two streets or has an unusual geometric shape or topography; b. The request is for signage on a building that has unique architectural elements or features or details that substantially restrict the placement or size of signage relative to other buildings in the vicinity. 2. The ADB may approve the requested modification only if it meets the following criteria: ea. The design of the proposed signage must be compatible in its use of materials, colors, design and proportions with development throughout the site and with similar signage in the vicinity; Sign Code Revisions - Option 2 (draft) Packet Pg. 39 6.A.c Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 7/18 db. In no event shall the modification result in signage which exceeds the maximum normally allowed by more than 50 percent. C. Staff Review of Murals and Artwork. When a proposed wall graphic is proposed as a mural or artwork, the planning manager or designee shall review and approve, conditionally approve, or deny the application in accordance with the following criteria. While a separate sign permit is required for each wall graphic, the staff may make a single design review decision on wall graphics that consist of related murals or artwork. Related murals or artwork may include multiple proposals for sites within reasonable proximity to each other that are related by theme, style, materials used, and/or context. The decision of the staff on any design review application containing a mural or art as a wall graphic may be appealed to the city council pursuant to the procedure established in Chapter 20.06 ECDC. 1. Art, like other exercises of First Amendment rights, may be limited by reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. In this case, these criteria will be utilized to enhance the aesthetics of the city and to ensure quality and maintenance standards are observed. No recommendation shall be based upon the content or message expressed by an artist or in a work of art. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate their artwork with the design or architectural elements of the building and the historic and pedestrian -oriented character of the downtown area. 2. Specific submission requirements for design review include, but are not limited to: a. Site sketch showing locations of artwork; b. Minimum one -fourth -inch scale color drawings of the art concept or art component; c. Material/color samples; d. Written Proposal. A written proposal in eight-and-one-half-inch-by-11-inch format to include a description and summary of a final design proposal for the artwork; detailed maintenance requirements; a schedule for development, fabrication, and completion; artist's resume; and evidence of assumption of liability by applicant or designee; and e. When required pursuant to ECDC 20.45.050, a certificate of appropriateness shall be obtained from the historic preservation commission for murals on designated historic structures or within a designated historic district. 3. Review Criteria. Review criteria for the design review include: a. Quality of the materials used to create the artwork. Materials should be resistant to fading; no fluorescent paints; b. Durability and permanence, including ability to withstand age, vandalism, and weathering. Consideration should be given to anti -graffiti coating; and c. Compatibility of the artwork with architectural elements, other elements of the street, and adjacent structures. Compatibility shall be determined by relationships of the elements of form, proportion, scale, color, materials, surface treatment, and size and style of lettering. Lettering shall be minimized, but may be considered for inclusion when necessary to the artistic content. D. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (A), (B), and (C) of this section, sign permit applications shall not be referred to or reviewed by the architectural design board if the proposed sign constitutes a modification to an existing sign and involves no significant alteration or modification to the size, height, design, lighting or color of the existing sign. Sign permit applications for such sign modifications shall be processed and subject to review in the same manner as provided for staff review in subsection (A) of this section. [Ord. 3800 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3736 § 60, 2009; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. Sign Code Revisions - Option 2 (draft) Packet Pg. 40 6.A.c Edmonds Page 8/18 Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE 20.60.020 General regulations for permanent signs. A. Sian Area. The area of a sign shall be calculated as follows: 1. The area of a sign is maximum actual area of a sign that is visible from anv single point of observation from any public vantage point. The sign area is normally the smallest rectangle that encloses the entire copy area of the sign. 2. Individual letters, numbers or symbols applied directly to a wall or structure and used to form the sign shall be calculated individually; 3. Supporting structures which are part of a sign display shall be included in the calculation of the sign area, except that the supporting structure of a monument sign or pole sign shall not be included when calculating the sign area. STORE ? NAME 1 140S Left: Sign Area = X * Y Right: Applied individual letters are calculated separately Monument sign: the base is not included in the calculation of sign area (dashed rectangle) A. When located on a wall or mansard roof, no sign may extend above the highest point of the wall or mansard roof when the mansard roof is on a one-story building., eF above the eave eF dFiP line of a patched Fof ^^ ..,b;,.b of gated. Other than a mansard roof on a one-story building, Xa sign may not be attached above the eave or drip line on a pitched roof. B. Except for pole -mounted community event banners, no sign or any part of a sign may be designed or constructed to be moving by any means and shall not contain items such as banners, ribbons, streamers and spinners. Signs with type that is movable to change the message (reader boards) are allowed, subject to the specific requirements detailed elsewhere in this chapter. C. Pie signs sha"Signs that extend into or over a public right-of-way unless an encrea^"m^^* permit has been approved eeshall comply with Chapter 18.70 ECDC4. D. Exposed braces and angle irons are prohibited unless they are part of a decorative design that is integral to the design of the sign. Guywires are prohibited unless there are no other practical means of supporting the sign. E. No sign shall have blinking, flashing, fluttering or moving lights or other illuminating device which has a changing light density or color; provided, however, temperature and/or time signs that conform in all other respects to this chapter are allowed. Electronic reader boards may have messages that change, however, moving messages are not Sign Code Revisions - Option 2 (draft) Packet Pg. 41 6.A.c Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 9/18 allowed. Messages that change at intervals less than 20 seconds will be considered blinking or flashing and not allowed. F. No light source which exceeds 20 watts shall be directly exposed to any public street or adjacent property. G. No illumination source of fluorescent light shall exceed 425 milliamps or be spaced closer than eight inches on center. H. No commercial sign shall be illuminated after 11:00 p.m. unless the commercial enterprise is open for business and then may remain on only as long as the enterprise is open. I. No window signs above the first floor shall be illuminated. J. Sign height shall be determined as follows: 1. For attached signs, sign height is the vertical distance from the highest point on the sign to the average finished grade. 2. For freestanding signs, sign height is the vertical distance from the highest point of the sign area or its support to the average elevation of undisturbed se4the finished grade at the base of the supports. K. Portable signs may not be used as permanent signage; only fixed signs are permitted. L. The following matrix summarizes the types of signs permitted in each neighborhood/district within the city: Sign Type Downtown' SR-99' Westgate/SR-1043 Neighborhood Commercial (BN BP and FVMU Zones) Business Uses in RM Zones Wall -mounted P P P P P Monument C P P C C Pole N P N N N Projecting P P P P P Internal Illumination C P P C N Reader Boards C C C C C Individual Letters P P P P P Boxed Cabinet N P C C N Building ID P P P P p 5;A1q(a,.0i,h PARF,JS Pedestrian P N N N N Wall Graphics C C C C C ' Downtown includes all properties within the Downtown Activity Center defined in the Comprehensive Plan. SR-99 includes all properties within the Medical -Highway 99 Activity Center and the Highway 99 Corridor defined in the Comprehensive Plan. 3 Westgate/SR-104 includes all properties within the Westgate Corridor, the Edmonds Way Corridor, and within the Westgate Community Commercial area, as defined in the Comprehensive Plan. Sign Code Revisions - Option 2 (draft) Packet Pg. 42 6.A.c Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 10/18 Note: In the above table, P = Permitted; N = Not permitted; C = Conditionally permitted through design review if consistent with the standards itemized in ECDC 20.60.020(M). M. The following standards clarify how some signs identified as "conditionally permitted" must be installed to be permitted in the city of Edmonds. 1. Monument signs over six feet in height must be reviewed to ensure that the materials, colors, design and proportions proposed are consistent with those used throughout the site._ 2. Internally illuminated signs in the downtown area and neighborhood commercial areas may only light the letters or logos/symbols. 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. 6. Reader board messages are limited to alphanumeric messages only. 7. Reader boards are only permitted for public uses or places of public assembly. Public uses and places of assembly include, but are not limited to, schools and churches as well as local and regional public facilities. 8. The background color of a boxed cabinet sign face must be coordinated with and compliment the colors used on the building. 9. The background color of a boxed cabinet sign face must be opaque and not allow any internal illumination to shine through. [Ord. 3631 § 2, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.025 Total maximum permanent sign area. A. Business and Commercial Zone Districts (BN, ABC, BD, WMU, CW and CG). 1. The maximum total permanent sign area for allowed or permitted uses in the BN, BC, BD and CW zones shall be one square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of wall containing the main public entrance to the primary building or structure located upon a separate legal lot. 2. The maximum total permanent sign area for allowed or permitted uses in the CG zone shall be one square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage along a public street and/or along a side of the building containing the primary public entrance to a maximum of 200 square feet. The allowable sign area shall be computed separately for each qualifying building frontage, and only the sign area derived from that frontage may be oriented along that frontage. Sign areas for wall -mounted signs may not be accumulated to yield a total allowable sign area greater than that permitted upon such frontage, except that businesses choosing not to erect a freestanding sign may use up to 50 percent of their allowable freestanding sign area for additional attached sign area. Use of the additional area shall be subject to the review of the architectural design board. 3. The maximum total permanent sign area may be divided between wall, projecting, and freestanding signs, in accordance with regulations and maximum sign area and height for each type of sign, as provided in ECDC 20.60.030 through 20.60.050. Projecting signs (including blade signs) of four square feet or less and Windew window signs meeting the requirements of ECDC 20.60.035 do not count against the total permanent sign area permitted. 4. The maximum number of permitted permanent signs is three per site, or three per physically enclosed business space on commercial sites with multiple business tenants. A site with more than one street frontage Sign Code Revisions - Option 2 (draft) Packet Pg. 43 6.A.c Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 11/18 is allowed a maximum of five (5) signs. Pro[ecting (including blade) signs of four square feet or less and Wandew-window signs meeting the requirements of ECDC 20.60.035 do not count against the total number of permitted permanent signs. Multi -tenant sites are allowed one additional group sign per street frontage identifying the individual subtenants at the site. The total sign area of all signs permitted on site must also comply with the maximum total permanent sign area specified in this chapter. B. Residential Zone Districts (RS, RM). 1. The maximum allowable signage area for individual residential lots shall be four square feet per street frontage, except as provided in subsection (13)(2) of this section. 2. The maximum allowable signage area for formal residential subdivisions, planned residential developments (PRD), or multifamily structures containing at least 10 dwelling units shall be 10 square feet per main street entrance into the subdivision or PRD. Only one sign may be provided at each main entrance. 3. The maximum total permanent sign area may be divided between wall and freestanding signs, in accordance with regulations and maximum sign area and height for each type of sign, as provided in ECDC 20.60.030 through 20.60.050. Window signs meeting the requirements of ECDC 20.60.035 do not count against the total permanent sign area permitted. 4. Signage in excess of that provided in subsections (13)(1) and (2) of this section for lawful nonconforming or conditional nonresidential uses in residential zones may be approved through the issuance of a sign permit pursuant to ECDC 20.60.010, subject to the maximum area and height limitations established for signs in the BN zone. 5. The maximum number of permitted permanent signs is one, except that multifamily sites with more than one vehicular entrance may have one permanent sign per entrance. The total sign area of all signs (excluding incidental signs) permitted on -site must also comply with the maximum total permanent sign area specified in this chapter. [Ord. 3805 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3628 § 9, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 20031. 20.60.030 Wall signs — Maximum area and height. A. The maximum area of any wall sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Area of Sign RS, RM 4 square feet BN, BP BC, BD, CW, CG, WMU, FVMU 1 square foot per lineal foot of attached wall B. The maximum height of any attached sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Height of Sign RS, RM 6 feet BN, BP BC, BD, CW, CG, 14 feet or the height of the face of the WMU, FVMU building on which the sign is located, consistent with ECDC 20.60.020(A) [Ord. 3628 § 10, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.035 Window signs — Maximum area. The maximum area of any window sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Area of Sign Sign Code Revisions - Option 2 (draft) Packet Pg. 44 6.A.c Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 12/18 Zone Maximum Area of Sign IRS, RM 4 square feet BN, BP BC, BD, CW, CG, WMU,FVMU 1 square foot per each lineal foot of window frontage [Ord. 3628 § 11, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.040 Projecting signs — Maximum area and height restrictions. A. The maximum area of any projecting sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Area of Sign IRS, RM Not permitted BN, BP BC, BD, CW, WMU, FVMU 16 square feet CG 32 square feet B. The maximum height of any projecting sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Height of Sign IRS, RM Not permitted BN, BP BC, BD, CW, CGS WMU, FVMU �-0 #eetHeight of the wall to which the sign is attached C. The bettem ef the sign area of projecting signs shall be at least eight feet In height and at least 11 feet In height ;f it PFOjects eve.r a vehiele tFaveled right of The sign area of a marquee sign may not exceed two feet in vertical dimension. [Ord. 3628 § 12, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.045 Freestanding signs — Regulations. A. Regulation. Permanent freestanding signs are discouraged. Freestanding signs shall be approved only where the applicant demonstrates by substantial evidence that there are no reasonable and feasible alternative signage methods to provide for adequate identification and/or advertisement. B. Maximum Area. The maximum area of a freestanding sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Area of Sign IRS, RM 10 square feet (subdivision, PRD, multifamily) 4 square feet (individual residence sign) BN BP 24 square feet (single) 48 square feet (group) BC, BD, WMU, 32 square feet (single) FVMU 48 square feet (group) CW 32 square feet (single) 48 square feet (group) CG Sign area shall be governed by subsection (C) of this section C. Allowable Sign Area for Freestanding Signs — CG Zone. The total allowable sign area for freestanding signs on general commercial sites shall be 56 square feet or one-half square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of street Sign Code Revisions - Option 2 (draft) Packet Pg. 45 6.A.c Edmonds Page 13/18 Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE frontage, whichever is greater, up to a maximum of 160 square feet of freestanding sign area. Multiple business or tenant sites shall further be allowed an additional 24 square feet of freestanding sign area for each commercial tenant or occupant in excess of one up to a maximum sign area of 160 square feet. Corner lots choosing to accumulate sign area under the provisions of subsection E of this section shall be limited to 160 square feet. D. Maximum Height. The maximum sign height of freestanding signs shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Height of Sign R5, RM 6 feet BN, BP BC, BD, CWL WMU, FVMU 14 feet CG 25 feet E. Location. Freestanding signs shall be located as close as possible to the center of the street frontage on which they are located. Except for pole -mounted community event banners, freestanding signs may not be located on public property. Sites on a corner of two public streets may have one sign on the corner instead of a sign for each frontage. Monument signs not more than six feet in height may be located in a zoning setback, but not less than five (5) feet from a property line. F. Number. In all zones, each lot or building site shall be permitted no more than one freestanding sign, except in the business and commercial zones where a lot or site has frontage on two arterial streets, in which case there may be permitted one sign per street frontage subject to the restrictions on area contained within this chapter. G. Landscaping. 1. Each freestanding sign shall have a landscaped area twice the size of the sign area at the base of the sign The landscaping and sign base shall be protected from vehicles by substantial curbing. 2. The applicant shall provide a landscape performance bond in the amount of 125 percent of the estimated costs of the landscaping, or $1,000, whichever is more. The bond shall be processed in accordance with Chapter 17.10 ECDC. [Ord. 3631 § 3, 2007; Ord. 3628 § 13, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.050 Wall graphic and identification structures. There are no area restrictions on wall graphics or identification structures. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 20031. 20.60.060 Campaign signs. A. On -premises campaign signs are permitted as a form of temporary signage in all zones, subject to the maximum sign size limitations set forth in ECDC 20.60.080. B. Off -premises campaign signs are permitted as a form of temporary signage in the public right-of-way; provided, that the following requirements are met: 1. All campaign signs shall be posted in accordance with the regulations set forth in ECDC 20.60.080(B). 2. All off -premises campaign signs shall be removed within 10 days after the primary, general, or special election to which they pertain. 3. Off -premises campaign signs shall be posted and displayed no earlier than upon declaration of candidacy in accordance with Chapter 29.15 RCW, or other formal registration or certification of the candidate, party, initiative, referendum or other ballot issue for an upcoming election, or 60 days prior to the election, whichever time period is greater. C. There is no maximum number of off -premises campaign signs that may be posted. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. Sign Code Revisions - Option 2 (draft) Packet Pg. 46 6.A.c Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 14/18 20.60.065 Real estate signs. A. On -premises real estate signs are permitted as a form of temporary signage in residential and commercial zones, subject to the maximum signage area and sign number limitations set forth in ECDC 20.60.080. B. Off -premises real estate signs are permitted as a form of temporary signage, subject to the following requirements: 1. Two and only two types of off -premises real estate signs shall be permitted: a. An off -premises real estate directional sign is a sign displaying a directional arrow and either a company or logo, or an indication that the property is for sale by its owner, and installed for the purpose of directing the public to the property. b. An off -premises open house sign is a form of temporary off -premises sign indicating the property is currently open for viewing. 2. All off -premises real estate signs shall be posted in accordance with the regulations set forth in ECDC 20.60.080(B). 3. The maximum number of off -premises real estate signs allowed per property shall only be the number reasonably necessary to direct people to the premises. An agent or owner shall be permitted no more than one off -premises real estate directional sign per intersection and five in total. No more than one off -premises open house sign shall be displayed per intersection and no more than five in total. a. Each off -premises real estate directional sign shall bear a legible tag located on the sign or supporting post indicating the date of posting and the address of the property to which it pertains. b. Off -premises real estate open house signs shall only be posted during daylight hours when the real estate agent or owner is in attendance at the property for sale or rent, and shall be removed immediately upon the termination of an "open house" or other similar property display event. 4. No off -premises real estate signs shall be fastened to any traffic control device, public structure, fence, rock, tree or shrub. C. All on -premises and all off -premises real estate directional signs shall be removed within seven days after the closing of the sale or lease of real property to which the sign pertains. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 20031. 20.60.070 Construction signs. Construction signs shall, irrespective of their duration, conform to the general regulations for permanent signs specified under ECDC 20.60.020. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the maximum area of a construction sign in any zone shall be 32 square feet. No sign permit is required for the posting of construction signs; provided, that all construction signs shall be removed from the premises within 10 days of the cessation of the excavation, construction, demolition, rehabilitation, structural alteration or related work on site. Zone Maximum Area of Signage (per Street Frontage) RS 16 square feet, or 32 square feet if one sign is displayed for a project consisting of building permits issued for four lots or more. Only one sign may be displayed per project. All other 32 square feet zones The preceding square footages shall be in addition to any other temporary signage permitted by ECDC 20.60.080 [Ord. 3514 § 3, 2004]. Sign Code Revisions - Option 2 (draft) Packet Pg. 47 6.A.c Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 15/18 20.60.080 Temporary signs. A. On -Premises Temporary Signs. On -premises temporary signs are permitted in residential and commercial zones, in addition to any allowed or permitted permanent signage, subject to the following restrictions and standards: 1. Residential Zones (RS, RM). a. Only portable, freestanding or attached signs may be used as temporary signage. b. Commercial on -premises temporary signage is not permitted, except for real estate signs as defined by ECDC 20.60.065. c. Maximum number is one attached or freestanding sign. 2. Commercial Zones (BN, ABC, BD, WMU, FVMU, CW, CG). a. Only portable, freestanding or attached signs may be used for temporary signage; provided, that "sandwich board" or " frarne pertaWep_edestrian signs shall only be permitted in the BC, BD and CW zones within the Downtown Waterfront Activity Center defined in the Comprehensive Plan. b. Maximum duration of display is 60 days in any calendar year for the cumulative posting of all temporary commercial signage upon each commercial location or premises. c. A permit is required for all temporary signage. ed. Maximum number of temporary signs is one freestanding sign per property street frontage, and one attached sign per building_ e. Pedestrian signs, if allowed, require a permit from the City. The permit application shall identify the duration and location for the sign. and shall meet the following standards. 1) If located on or near a sidewalk, building entry or pedestrian way, the sign shall be located to provide a minimum of four feet of clearance for pedestrians to pass; 2) Portable temporary signs cannot be left outside during hours that the business is closed to the public; 3. The total maximum area of on -premises temporary signage shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Area of Temporary Sign RS, RM 6 square feet BN, BP BC, BD, CW, WMU, FVMU 20 square feet CG 30 square feet 4. The total maximum area for each allowed on -premises temporary sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Area of Temporary Sign RS, RM 6 square feet (freestanding and attached) BN, BP BC, BD, CW, WMU, FVMU 6 square feet (freestanding) 20 square feet (attached) CG 6 square feet (freestanding) Sign Code Revisions - Option 2 (draft) Packet Pg. 48 6.A.c Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 16/18 Zone Maximum Area of Temporary Sign 30 square feet (attached) 5. The maximum height of any allowed on -premises temporary sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Height of Sign RS, RM 6 feet (freestanding and attached) BN, BP BC, BD, CW, CG, WMU, FVMU 3 feet (freestanding) 14 feet (attached) 6. In no case shall temporary signage be posted, located, or displayed in violation of the regulations for permanent signs set forth in ECDC 20.60.020 through 20.60.050. B. Off -Premises Temporary Signage. Off -premises temporary signs are allowed in residential and commercial zones, in accordance with the restrictions and standards set forth below: 1. Commercial off -premises temporary signage is prohibited, except for real estate signs as permitted by ECDC 20.60.065; provided, that such off -premises real estate signs shall be posted, displayed, and removed as provided for in that section, in addition to the provisions of subsections (13)(5) through (9) of this section. 2. Noncommercial off -premises signs are permitted in the public right-of-way; provided, that the posting and display of off -premises signs in the public right-of-way shall require a street use permit where required pursuant to Chapter 18.70 ECDC. 3. Maximum duration of display for all temporary off -premises signs is a cumulative of 60 days in any calendar year, except as otherwise provided in ECDC 20.60.060 for campaign signs. Display may be continuous or intermittent, except as otherwise provided in this section. 4. Except for campaign signs as provided in ECDC 20.60.060, all off -premises noncommercial signs relating to a specific meeting, event, or occurrence shall be removed within 48 hours following the conclusion of the meeting, event, or occurrence to which they relate. 5. Only portable freestanding signs may be used as temporary off -premises signage; provided, that the following types of portable freestanding signs are prohibited from use as an off -premises sign: a. Signs with a vehicular chassis or support with or without wheels; b. Posters and banners; c. Signs mounted upon vehicles; d. Searchlights; e. Inflatables. 6. Maximum number of allowed off -premises signs to be displayed simultaneously shall be one sign per sign poster except as provided in ECDC 20.60.060 for campaign signs and in ECDC 20.60.065 for real estate signs. 7. Maximum allowable sign area for all temporary off -premises freestanding signs is six square feet. 8. Maximum allowable sign height for all permitted off -premises signs is three feet. Sign Code Revisions - Option 2 (draft) Packet Pg. 49 6.A.c Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 17/18 9. All off -premises temporary signage shall be posted and displayed in accordance with the following restrictions: a. Off -premises signs may not be placed in any portion of the public right-of-way typically used by motor vehicles in a lawful manner. b. Off -premises signs shall be placed so as not to impede pedestrian, bicycle, or handicapped travel or access. c. Off -premises signs shall not be posted in a manner or location which impairs traffic safety by unreasonably blocking line of sight at intersections. d. Off -premises signs shall be constructed of suitable material and design to adequately withstand the reasonably expected normal or average weather conditions during the intended display period of the sign. e. Off -premises signs shall be regularly inspected to ensure that they have not been damaged or destroyed by natural forces or vandalism. Damaged and destroyed signs shall be immediately removed or repaired so as to avoid threats to public health and safety or the accumulation of unclaimed refuse upon the public rights -of -way. f. Off -premises signs shall not be posted upon public property other than the public right-of-way, and shall further not be posted within or upon planter boxes and flower beds within the publicly maintained landscaped portions of the public right-of-way. [Ord. 3628 § 14, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.090 Prohibited signs. A. General. All signs not expressly permitted by this chapter are prohibited. B. Hazards. Signs which the director of public works determines to be a hazard to vehicle or water traffic because they resemble or obscure a traffic control device, or because they obscure visibility needed for safe traffic passage, are prohibited. These signs shall be removed if they already exist. C. Confiscation of Prohibited Signs in Public Rights -of -Way. All signs which are located within a public right-of-way and that have been improperly posted or displayed are hereby declared to be a public nuisance and shall be subject to immediate removal and confiscation. D. Any signs confiscated by the city shall be held for 10 working days after which such signs may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of. The owner of any confiscated signs may recover the same upon payment of a $25.00 fee to cover the cost of confiscation and storage. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.095 Exempt signs. The following types of signs are exempted from regulations of this chapter, except that the dimensional and placement standards shall apply unless variance is required by other provisions of local, state or federal law: A. Governmental signs. B. Signs required by provision of local, state, or federal law. C. Official public notices required by provision of local, state, or federal law. D. Signs not visible from a public location. E. Seasonal and holiday displays not incorporating the use of written copy or graphics to convey a message. F. Gravestones. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. Sign Code Revisions - Option 2 (draft) Packet Pg. 50 6.A.c Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE 20.60.100 Administration. Page 18/18 A. General. The community development director is responsible for administering and enforcing the provisions of this chapter. He or she shall adopt application requirements for sign permits. Fees shall be as stated in Chapter 15.00 ECDC. B. Installation Permits. Many signs require installation permits under Chapter 19.45 ECDC and may require plan checking fees as well. C. Notice of Violation. Whenever the planning director becomes aware of a violation of the provisions of this chapter, the planning director shall cause a notice to be sent to the alleged violator informing him or her of the violation, the applicable code section, and a time within which to remedy the violation. The notice shall also advise of the penalties for continued violation of the code as specified in this chapter. If the violation has not been corrected within the time limit specified, the planning director shall refer the matter to the city attorney's office for institution of appropriate legal action. D. Penalty. Any person violating any provision of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of $25.00 for each day of continued violation. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. Sign Code Revisions - Option 2 (draft) Packet Pg. 51 6.A.d Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE — Option 3: Pedestrian/Sandwich Boards as a form of Permanent Signage Sections: 20.60.000 Purpose. 20.60.005 Definitions. 20.60.010 Permit required. 20.60.015 Design review procedures. 20.60.020 General regulations for permanent signs. 20.60.025 Total maximum permanent sign area. 20.60.030 Wall signs— Maximum area and height. 20.60.035 Window signs — Maximum area. 20.60.040 Projecting signs — Maximum area and height restrictions. 20.60.045 Freestanding signs— Regulations. 20.60.050 Wall graphic and identification structures. 20.60.060 Campaign signs. 20.60.065 Real estate signs. 20.60.080 Temporary signs. 20.60.070 Construction signs. 20.60.090 Prohibited signs. 20.60.095 Exempt signs. 20.60.100 Administration. Page 1/18 20.60.000 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to enact regulatory measures to implement those goals and policies stated in the Edmonds Comprehensive Policy Plan and to achieve the following objectives: A. Protect the public right-of-way from obstructions which would impair the public's use of their right-of-way. B. Minimize the hazard to the public represented by distractions to drivers from moving, blinking, or other similar forms of signage or visual clutter. C. Provide for distinct signage for each distinct property. D. Encourage the use of graphics/symbols to reduce the visual clutter associated with overly large letters or extensive use of lettering. E. Minimize potential for view blockage and visual clutter along public rights -of -way. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.005 Definitions. For the purposes of the enforcement of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply: "Attached sign" is any sign attached or affixed to a building. Attached signs include wall signs, projecting signs, and window signs. "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." Sign Code Revisions - Option 3 (draft) Packet Pg. 52 6.A.d Edmonds Page 2/18 Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE "Building ID/historic sign" is a permanent sign that identifies or names a building and assists in creating landmarks in the city. Examples include dates, "1890"; names, "Beeson Building"; or addresses. "Campaign sign" is a temporary sign displaying a message relating to a candidate, political party, or issue that is registered or certified for an upcoming election. "Commercial sign" is a sign displayed for the purpose of identifying a commercial use, or advertising a service, product, business or venture that is offered for trade or sale. "Community event banner" is a noncommercial sign composed of cloth, fabric, canvas or similarly flexible material that promotes a temporary community event endorsed, operated or sponsored wholly or in part by a local public entity the jurisdiction of which includes the city of Edmonds. "Community events" are nonprofit, governmental or charitable festivals, contests, programs, fairs, carnivals or recreational contests conducted within the city. "Construction sign" is a permanent or temporary sign displayed on premises where any physical excavation, construction, demolition, rehabilitation, structural alteration or related work is currently occurring, pursuant to a valid building permit. "Directional symbols" are small in size (two square feet or less) and intended to provide on -site directions to specific locations or areas (such as parking areas, drive -through facilities, ATMs and entries and/or exits), hours of operation, parking limitations, warnings of hazards, prohibition of activities (such as "no parking"), historical markers and similar public information. Directional symbols are not considered to be signage as regulated in this chapter. "Fixed sign" is any sign attached or affixed to the ground or any structure in such a manner so as to provide for continuous display for an extended or indeterminable period of time. Fixed signs include, but are not limited to, freestanding signs and wall signs. "Freestanding sign" is any sign that is not attached or affixed to a building. Freestanding signs can be further described as "monument signs" or "pole signs." "Governmental sign" is a sign owned, operated or sponsored by a governmental entity, and which promotes the public health, safety or welfare. Governmental signs include, but are not limited to, traffic signs, directional and informational signs for public facilities, publicly sponsored warning or hazard signs, and community event banners displayed by a governmental entity on public property. "Group sign" is a sign or signs on one sign structure serving two or more businesses sharing a parking facility. "Halo sign" is a sign where the light source is concealed behind an opaque face and the rays of illumination are projected outward around the edges of the sign or directed against the surface behind the sign forming a silhouette or halo effect. Halo signs are not considered to be internally illuminated signs for the purposes of this chapter. "Identification structure" is a structure intended to attract the attention of the public to a site, without the use of words or symbols identifying the businesses. Examples include fountains, sculptures, awnings, and totem poles. "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. "Marquee" or canopy is a permanent roofed structure attached and supported by the building. Sign Code Revisions - Option 3 (draft) Packet Pg. 53 6.A.d Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 3/18 "Marquee sign" is any sign attached to or made a part of a building marquee. A marquee sign is a form of projecting sign. "Monument signs" are freestanding signs that have integrated the structural component of the sign into the design of the sign and sign base. "Noncommercial sign" is a sign that is intended to display a religious, charitable, cultural, governmental, informational, political, educational, or artistic message, that is not primarily associated with a good, product, or service offered for sale or trade. Noncommercial signs include signs advertising incidental and temporary commercial activities conducted by churches and nonprofit businesses, clubs, groups, associations or organizations. "Off -premises sign" is any sign that advertises or relates to a good, product, service, event, or meeting, that is offered, sold, traded, provided, or conducted at some location or premises other than that upon which the sign is posted or displayed. Off -premises signs include all signs posted or displayed in the public right-of-way. "On -premises sign" is any sign that advertises or relates to a good, product, service, event, or meeting that is lawfully permitted to be offered, sold, traded, provided, or conducted at the location or premises upon which the sign is posted or displayed. On -premises signs also include signs not related to any particular location or premises, such as signs displaying religious, charitable, cultural, governmental, informational, political, educational, or artistic messages that are intentionally displayed by the owner of the property or premises upon which the sign is displayed. "Outline cabinet sign" is a permanent sign that is mounted on the face of a building that roughly follows the shape of the text or symbology 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 treated more like an "individual letter sign" where the area of the sign is calculated based on the actual outlined shape of the sign. "Permanent sign" is a fixed or portable sign intended for continuous or intermittent display for periods exceeding 60 days in any calendar year. "Pole signs" are freestanding signs where the structural support for the sign is one or more aexposed pole(s). Pole signs may include community event banners where the banner is supported by at least two poles that are permanently attached to the ground ("pole -mounted community event banners"). However, pole signs with two poles that are not more than six (6) feet in height are considered to be monument signs. "Portable sign" is any sign that is readily capable of being moved or removed, whether attached or affixed to the ground or any structure that is typically intended for temporary display. Portable signs include, but are not limited to: 1. Signs designed and constructed with a chassis or support with or without wheels; Sign Code Revisions - Option 3 (draft) Packet Pg. 54 6.A.d Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 4/18 2. Pedestrian signs, including signs such as A -frame (sandwich board), stanchion, easel, or post -style signs 8. "A" and „T„ fFaFne signs; 4. Wooden, metal, or plastic "stake" or "yard" signs; S. Posters or banners affixed to windows, railings, overhangs, trees, hedges, or other structures or vegetation, except for pole -mounted community event banners; 6. Signs mounted upon vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way, except signs identifying the related business when the vehicle is being used in the normal day-to-day operation of the business, and except for signs advertising for sale the vehicle upon which the sign is mounted; 7. Searchlights; 8. Inflatables. "Premises" is the actual physical area of the lot upon which a sign is posted or displayed, except within the boundaries ef the BC or BD zone in the dewRtewn aetivity eenteF aS defined in the WMPFehensive plan, wheFe 11 pFemises" shall Include any portion of the publie sidewalk which fronts upon the 'at. "Projecting sign" is any sign attached or affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than 12 inches beyond the surface of such building or wall. "Reader board sign" is a sign that is designed to allow for a change in the message, either by adding or removing plastic letters, or by means of electronics and lights. Reader boards do not include signs which have a changeable message where the sign does not change more than once per day and where the changeable features are integrated with the background and overall design of the sign, including the sign's typefaces, colors and symbology. Individual letters or numbers placed on a solid colored background is considered to be a reader board. Sign Code Revisions - Option 3 (draft) Packet Pg. 55 6.A.d Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Left: Acceptable changeable message sign; Right: A reader board. r€cKgan WulM SR Srrt 3a 4461 �416 Page 5/18 "Real estate sign" is a sign displaying a message relating to the sale or rent of real property. "Sign" is any structure, device or fixture that is visible from a public place, that incorporates graphics, symbols, or written copy for the purposes of conveying a particular message to public observers, including wall graphics or identification structures. "Sign area" is the maximum aetual aFea ef a sign that as visible frem any single peint ef ebseFVatien fFeFn any public VaRtage PeiRt. SUPPeFtiAg StFUeWFes whieh aFe PaFt ef a sign display shall be ineluded an the ealeulatien ef the sign eFea.area of a sign on which copy is to be placed, as set forth in ECDC 20.60.020(A). "Temporary sign" is an allewed peF a sign intended for short-term display, not to exceed 60 calendar days in any calendar year. Window signs meeting the requirements of ECDC 20.60.035 are not regulated as temporary signs. "Wall graphic" is a wall sign, including murals, in which color and form, and primarily without the use of words, is a part of the overall design on the building(s) where the wall graphic is proposed. A wall graphic may be painted or applied (not to exceed one-half inch in thickness) to a building as a part of its overall color and design, but may not be internally lighted. Internally lighted assemblies, including those which project from the wall of the structure, or which are located on any accessory structure on the site, shall be considered wall signs and comply with the requirements of this chapter. "Wall sign" is a sign that is attached or affixed to a wall and that is parallel to and not projecting more than 12 inches at any angle from such wall. Wall signs include signs that are painted directly upon a wall. "Window sign" is a sign that is attached or affixed to a window, or a sign displayed within 24 inches of the inside of a window in such a manner as to be visible from any public place. [Ord. 3800 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3631 § 1, 2007; Ord. 3628 § 8, 2007; Ord. 3561 § 1, 2005; Ord. 3514 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.010 Permit required. A. Except as provided in this chapter, no permanent sign may be constructed, installed, posted, displayed or modified without first obtaining a sign permit approving the proposed sign's size, design, location, and display as provided for in this chapter. B. Design approval is not required for the posting of permanent signs in residential zones; provided, that the restrictions and standards of this chapter are met. If additional signage is requested for conditional or nonconforming uses in residential zones, the property owner shall apply for design review. Design review is not required for any sign which does not require a building permit. Sign Code Revisions - Option 3 (draft) Packet Pg. 56 6.A.d Edmonds Page 6/18 Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE C. A sign modification shall include, but is not limited to, relocations, modifications to size, design, height or color scheme, or the replacement of 25 percent or more of the structural material in the sign area. Normal and ordinary maintenance and repair, and changes to the graphics, symbols, or copy of a sign, without affecting the size, structural design, height, or color scheme, shall not constitute modifications for purposes of this section. [Ord. 3514 § 2, 2004; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.015 Design review procedures. A. Staff Approval. Except as referred to the architectural design board pursuant to subsection (A)(1) of this section, and except as provided in subsection (B) of this section, the planning manager, or designee, shall review all applications for design review under this chapter, and shall approve, conditionally approve or deny the application in accordance with the policies of ECDC 20.10.000, the criteria set forth in ECDC 20.10.070, and the standards and requirements of this chapter; provided, that for murals and artwork the planning manager or designee shall review the application in accordance with the criteria set forth in subsection (C) of this section. The decision of the planning manager on any sign permit application shall be final except that signs reviewed by the architectural design board are appealable to the Hearing Examiner. rPv'P ;;h'^ as Type " appeal (See ECDC 20 n1 005) established In ChapteF 20405 EGDCf9F appeal ef sta4decisiens and signs reviewed und-er S-Uh-Ser-Affien (A)(!) ef this seEtien are appealable as provided thereimn-. 1. The planning manager or designee may refer design review applications to the architectural design board for the types of signs listed below, where the planning manager determines that the proposed sign has the potential for significant adverse impacts on community aesthetics or traffic safety: a. Any sign application for an identification structure as defined by this chapter; b. Any sign application for a wall graphic as defined by this chapter; c. Any proposed sign that the planning manager determines to be obtrusive, garish or otherwise not consistent with the architectural features of the surrounding neighborhood. B. Review by Architectural Design Board. The architectural design board shall review those signs listed below in subsection (B)(1) and any sign permit referred by the planning manager pursuant to subsection (A)(1) of this section. requirements of this chapte.r. The deei-sien A-f the arehiteetwFal design beaFd en any sign peFmit applicatien FRay be appealed te the city eeuncil PUFSUant to the procedwe established in ECDC 20.10.080 f8F appeal of aFEhiteetwal 1. The ADB shall review any Assign permit application that requests a modification to any of the standards prescribed by this chapter. The ADB shall only approve modification requests th,* m^^* ," of the fellewin crater+a that arise from one of the followinE two situations: a. The request is for signage on a site that has a unique configuration, such as frontage on more than two streets or has an unusual geometric shape or topography; b. The request is for signage on a building that has unique architectural elements or features or details that substantially restrict the placement or size of signage relative to other buildings in the vicinity. 2. The ADB may approve the requested modification only if it meets the following criteria: ea. The design of the proposed signage must be compatible in its use of materials, colors, design and proportions with development throughout the site and with similar signage in the vicinity; Sign Code Revisions - Option 3 (draft) Packet Pg. 57 6.A.d Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 7/18 db. In no event shall the modification result in signage which exceeds the maximum normally allowed by more than 50 percent. C. Staff Review of Murals and Artwork. When a proposed wall graphic is proposed as a mural or artwork, the planning manager or designee shall review and approve, conditionally approve, or deny the application in accordance with the following criteria. While a separate sign permit is required for each wall graphic, the staff may make a single design review decision on wall graphics that consist of related murals or artwork. Related murals or artwork may include multiple proposals for sites within reasonable proximity to each other that are related by theme, style, materials used, and/or context. The decision of the staff on any design review application containing a mural or art as a wall graphic may be appealed to the city council pursuant to the procedure established in Chapter 20.06 ECDC. 1. Art, like other exercises of First Amendment rights, may be limited by reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. In this case, these criteria will be utilized to enhance the aesthetics of the city and to ensure quality and maintenance standards are observed. No recommendation shall be based upon the content or message expressed by an artist or in a work of art. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate their artwork with the design or architectural elements of the building and the historic and pedestrian -oriented character of the downtown area. 2. Specific submission requirements for design review include, but are not limited to: a. Site sketch showing locations of artwork; b. Minimum one -fourth -inch scale color drawings of the art concept or art component; c. Material/color samples; d. Written Proposal. A written proposal in eight-and-one-half-inch-by-11-inch format to include a description and summary of a final design proposal for the artwork; detailed maintenance requirements; a schedule for development, fabrication, and completion; artist's resume; and evidence of assumption of liability by applicant or designee; and e. When required pursuant to ECDC 20.45.050, a certificate of appropriateness shall be obtained from the historic preservation commission for murals on designated historic structures or within a designated historic district. 3. Review Criteria. Review criteria for the design review include: a. Quality of the materials used to create the artwork. Materials should be resistant to fading; no fluorescent paints; b. Durability and permanence, including ability to withstand age, vandalism, and weathering. Consideration should be given to anti -graffiti coating; and c. Compatibility of the artwork with architectural elements, other elements of the street, and adjacent structures. Compatibility shall be determined by relationships of the elements of form, proportion, scale, color, materials, surface treatment, and size and style of lettering. Lettering shall be minimized, but may be considered for inclusion when necessary to the artistic content. D. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (A), (B), and (C) of this section, sign permit applications shall not be referred to or reviewed by the architectural design board if the proposed sign constitutes a modification to an existing sign and involves no significant alteration or modification to the size, height, design, lighting or color of the existing sign. Sign permit applications for such sign modifications shall be processed and subject to review in the same manner as provided for staff review in subsection (A) of this section. [Ord. 3800 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3736 § 60, 2009; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. Sign Code Revisions - Option 3 (draft) Packet Pg. 58 6.A.d Edmonds Page 8/18 Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE 20.60.020 General regulations for permanent signs. A. Sien Area. The area of a sign shall be calculated as follows: 1. The area of a sien is maximum actual area of a sien that is visible from anv single point of observation from any public vantage point. The sign area is normally the smallest rectangle that encloses the entire copy area of the sign. 2. Individual letters, numbers or symbols applied directly to a wall or structure and used to form the sign shall be calculated individually; 3. Supporting structures which are part of a sign display shall be included in the calculation of the sign area, except that the supporting structure of a monument sign or pole sign shall not be included when calculating the sign area. STORE ? NAME 1 140S Left: Sign Area = X * Y Right: Applied individual letters are calculated separately Monument sign: the base is not included in the calculation of sign area (dashed rectangle) A. When located on a wall or mansard roof, no sign may extend above the highest point of the wall or mansard roof when the mansard roof is on a one-story building., eF above the eave eF dFiP line of a patched Fof ^^ .. hiCh ;t gated. Other than a mansard roof on a one-story building, Xa sign may not be attached above the eave or drip line on a pitched roof. B. Except for pole -mounted community event banners, no sign or any part of a sign may be designed or constructed to be moving by any means and shall not contain items such as banners, ribbons, streamers and spinners. Signs with type that is movable to change the message (reader boards) are allowed, subject to the specific requirements detailed elsewhere in this chapter. C. No signs shall Signs that extend into or over a public right-of-way unless an encroachment permit has been apprised {3eeshall comply with -Chapter 18.70 ECDC). D. Exposed braces and angle irons are prohibited unless they are part of a decorative design that is integral to the design of the sign. Guywires are prohibited unless there are no other practical means of supporting the sign. E. No sign shall have blinking, flashing, fluttering or moving lights or other illuminating device which has a changing light density or color; provided, however, temperature and/or time signs that conform in all other respects to this chapter are allowed. Electronic reader boards may have messages that change, however, moving messages are not Sign Code Revisions - Option 3 (draft) Packet Pg. 59 6.A.d Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 9/18 allowed. Messages that change at intervals less than 20 seconds will be considered blinking or flashing and not allowed. F. No light source which exceeds 20 watts shall be directly exposed to any public street or adjacent property. G. No illumination source of fluorescent light shall exceed 425 milliamps or be spaced closer than eight inches on center. H. No commercial sign shall be illuminated after 11:00 p.m. unless the commercial enterprise is open for business and then may remain on only as long as the enterprise is open. I. No window signs above the first floor shall be illuminated. J. Sign height shall be determined as follows: 1. For attached signs, sign height is the vertical distance from the highest point on the sign to the average finished grade. 2. For freestanding signs, sign height is the vertical distance from the highest point of the sign area or its support to the average elevation of undisturbed se4the finished grade at the base of the supports. K. Portable signs may not be used as permanent signage; only fixed signs are permitted. L. The following matrix summarizes the types of signs permitted in each neighborhood/district within the city: Sign Type Downtown' SR-99' Westgate/SR-1043 Neighborhood Commercial (BN BP and FVMU Zones) Business Uses in RM Zones Wall -mounted P P P P P Monument C P P C C Pole N P N N N Projecting P P P P P Internal Illumination C P P C N Reader Boards C C C C C Individual Letters P P P P P Boxed Cabinet N P C C N Building ID P P P P p 5;A1q(a,.0i,h PARF,JS Pedestrian P N N N N Wall Graphics C C C C C ' Downtown includes all properties within the Downtown Activity Center defined in the Comprehensive Plan. SR-99 includes all properties within the Medical -Highway 99 Activity Center and the Highway 99 Corridor defined in the Comprehensive Plan. 3 Westgate/SR-104 includes all properties within the Westgate Corridor, the Edmonds Way Corridor, and within the Westgate Community Commercial area, as defined in the Comprehensive Plan. Sign Code Revisions - Option 3 (draft) Packet Pg. 60 6.A.d Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 10/18 Note: In the above table, P = Permitted; N = Not permitted; C = Conditionally permitted through design review if consistent with the standards itemized in ECDC 20.60.020(M). M. The following standards clarify how some signs identified as "conditionally permitted" must be installed to be permitted in the city of Edmonds. 1. Monument signs over six feet in height must be reviewed to ensure that the materials, colors, design and proportions proposed are consistent with those used throughout the site. 2. Internally illuminated signs in the downtown area and neighborhood commercial areas may only light the letters or logos/symbols. 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. 6. Reader board messages are limited to alphanumeric messages only. 7. Reader boards are only permitted for public uses or places of public assembly. Public uses and places of assembly include, but are not limited to, schools and churches as well as local and regional public facilities. 8. The background color of a boxed cabinet sign face must be coordinated with and compliment the colors used on the building. 9. The background color of a boxed cabinet sign face must be opaque and not allow any internal illumination to shine through. [Ord. 3631 § 2, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.025 Total maximum permanent sign area. A. Business and Commercial Zone Districts (BN, ABC, BD, WMU, CW and CG). 1. The maximum total permanent sign area for allowed or permitted uses in the BN, BC, BD and CW zones shall be one square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of wall containing the main public entrance to the primary building or structure located upon a separate legal lot. 2. The maximum total permanent sign area for allowed or permitted uses in the CG zone shall be one square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage along a public street and/or along a side of the building containing the primary public entrance to a maximum of 200 square feet. The allowable sign area shall be computed separately for each qualifying building frontage, and only the sign area derived from that frontage may be oriented along that frontage. Sign areas for wall -mounted signs may not be accumulated to yield a total allowable sign area greater than that permitted upon such frontage, except that businesses choosing not to erect a freestanding sign may use up to 50 percent of their allowable freestanding sign area for additional attached sign area. Use of the additional area shall be subject to the review of the architectural design board. 3. The maximum total permanent sign area may be divided between wall, projecting, and freestanding signs, in accordance with regulations and maximum sign area and height for each type of sign, as provided in ECDC 20.60.030 through 20.60.050. Projecting signs (including blade signs) of four square feet or less and Window window signs meeting the requirements of ECDC 20.60.035 do not count against the total permanent sign area permitted. 4. The maximum number of permitted permanent signs is three per site, or three per physically enclosed business space on commercial sites with multiple business tenants. A site with more than one street frontage Sign Code Revisions - Option 3 (draft) Packet Pg. 61 6.A.d Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 11/18 is allowed a maximum of five (5) signs. Pro[ecting (including blade) signs of four square feet or less and Wandew-window signs meeting the requirements of ECDC 20.60.035 do not count against the total number of permitted permanent signs. Multi -tenant sites are allowed one additional group sign per street frontage identifying the individual subtenants at the site. The total sign area of all signs permitted on site must also comply with the maximum total permanent sign area specified in this chapter. 5. Where permitted, pedestrian signs do count against the permanent sign area and the number of signs permitted. B. Residential Zone Districts (RS, RM). 1. The maximum allowable signage area for individual residential lots shall be four square feet per street frontage, except as provided in subsection (13)(2) of this section. 2. The maximum allowable signage area for formal residential subdivisions, planned residential developments (PRD), or multifamily structures containing at least 10 dwelling units shall be 10 square feet per main street entrance into the subdivision or PRD. Only one sign may be provided at each main entrance. 3. The maximum total permanent sign area may be divided between wall and freestanding signs, in accordance with regulations and maximum sign area and height for each type of sign, as provided in ECDC 20.60.030 through 20.60.050. Window signs meeting the requirements of ECDC 20.60.035 do not count against the total permanent sign area permitted. 4. Signage in excess of that provided in subsections (13)(1) and (2) of this section for lawful nonconforming or conditional nonresidential uses in residential zones may be approved through the issuance of a sign permit pursuant to ECDC 20.60.010, subject to the maximum area and height limitations established for signs in the BN zone. 5. The maximum number of permitted permanent signs is one, except that multifamily sites with more than one vehicular entrance may have one permanent sign per entrance. The total sign area of all signs (excluding incidental signs) permitted on -site must also comply with the maximum total permanent sign area specified in this chapter. [Ord. 3805 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3628 § 9, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.030 Wall signs — Maximum area and height. A. The maximum area of any wall sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Area of Sign RS, RM 4 square feet BN, BP BC, BD, CW, CG, WMU, FVMU 1 square foot per lineal foot of attached wall B. The maximum height of any attached sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Height of Sign RS, RM 6 feet BN, BP BC, BD, CW, CGL 14 feet or the height of the face of the WMU, FVMU building on which the sign is located, consistent with ECDC 20.60.020(A) [Ord. 3628 § 10, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. Sign Code Revisions - Option 3 (draft) Packet Pg. 62 6.A.d Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 12/18 20.60.035 Window signs - Maximum area. The maximum area of any window sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Area of Sign RS, RM 4 square feet BN, BPBC, BD, CW, CG, WMU,FVMU 1 square foot per each lineal foot of window frontage [Ord. 3628 § 11, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 20031. 20.60.040 Projecting signs - Maximum area and height restrictions. A. The maximum area of any projecting sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Area of Sign RS, RM Not permitted BN, BP BC, BD, CW. WMU, FVMU 16 square feet CG 32 square feet B. The maximum height of any projecting sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Height of Sign RS, RM Not permitted BN, BPBC, BD, CW, CGS WMU, FVMU 34 fecEHeight of the wall to which the sign is attached C. The bettem of the sign area of projecting signs shall be at least eight feet in height and at least 1-1- feet in height if at projects ever a vehicle traveled right of- a-y The sign area of a marquee sign may not exceed two feet in vertical dimension. [Ord. 3628 § 12, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.045 Freestanding signs - Regulations. A. Regulation. Permanent freestanding signs are discouraged. Freestanding signs shall be approved only where the applicant demonstrates by substantial evidence that there are no reasonable and feasible alternative signage methods to provide for adequate identification and/or advertisement. B. Maximum Area. The maximum area of a freestanding sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Area of Sign RS, RM 10 square feet (subdivision, PRD, multifamily) 4 square feet (individual residence sign) BN 313 24 square feet (single) 48 square feet (group) BC, BD, WMU, 32 square feet (single) FVMU 48 square feet (group) CW 32 square feet (single) 48 square feet (group) CG Sign area shall be governed by subsection (C) of this section Sign Code Revisions - Option 3 (draft) Packet Pg. 63 6.A.d Edmonds Page 13/18 Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE C. Allowable Sign Area for Freestanding Signs — CG Zone. The total allowable sign area for freestanding signs on general commercial sites shall be 56 square feet or one-half square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of street frontage, whichever is greater, up to a maximum of 160 square feet of freestanding sign area. Multiple business or tenant sites shall further be allowed an additional 24 square feet of freestanding sign area for each commercial tenant or occupant in excess of one up to a maximum sign area of 160 square feet. Corner lots choosing to accumulate sign area under the provisions of subsection E of this section shall be limited to 160 square feet. D. Maximum Height. The maximum sign height of freestanding signs shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Height of Sign R5, RM 6 feet BN, BP BC, BD, CW, WMU, FVMU 14 feet CG 25 feet E. Location. Freestanding signs shall be located as close as possible to the center of the street frontage on which they are located. Except for pole -mounted community event banners, freestanding signs may not be located on public property. Sites on a corner of two public streets may have one sign on the corner instead of a sign for each frontage. Monument signs not more than six feet in height may be located in a zoning setback, but not less than five (5) feet from a property line. F. Number. In all zones, each lot or building site shall be permitted no more than one freestanding sign, except in the business and commercial zones where a lot or site has frontage on two arterial streets, in which case there may be permitted one sign per street frontage subject to the restrictions on area contained within this chapter. G. Landscaping. 1. Each freestanding sign shall have a landscaped area twice the size of the sign area at the base of the sign The landscaping and sign base shall be protected from vehicles by substantial curbing. 2. The applicant shall provide a landscape performance bond in the amount of 125 percent of the estimated costs of the landscaping, or $1,000, whichever is more. The bond shall be processed in accordance with Chapter 17.10 ECDC. [Ord. 3631 § 3, 2007; Ord. 3628 § 13, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.050 Wall graphic and identification structures. There are no area restrictions on wall graphics or identification structures. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 20031. 20.60.055 Pedestrian Signs. Pedestrian signs are only permitted on private property and in the adjacent right-of-way in the BC, BD, CW, and CG zones located within the Downtown Waterfront Activity Center, as defined in the Comprehensive Plan. Pedestrian signs are only permitted if they meet the following requirements. 1. Pedestrian signs may be permitted to be located either (1) between the business storefront and the public right-of-way, or (2) on the sidewalk in front of the business storefront if the pedestrian sign meets the following standards. a. Only one pedestrian sign is permitted per ground floor storefront; b. Businesses may make arrangements to rotate their pedestrian signs provided they meet the one sign -per -storefront standard: Sign Code Revisions - Option 3 (draft) Packet Pg. 64 6.A.d Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 14/18 c. The sign shall be located within 10 feet of the building entry, unless it is placed in a location that better preserves public pedestrian and vehicular access: d. A business located on a corner property shall have no more than one pedestrian sign, regardless of the number of streets the business fronts on; e. If located on or near a sidewalk, building entry or pedestrian way, the sign shall be located to provide a minimum of four feet of clearance for pedestrians to pass. The preferred locations are within two feet of the building face or within two feet of the curb if that location does not block access to parked vehicles; f. Pedestrian signs cannot be left outside during hours that the business is closed to the public. g. Signs located in the right-of-way require a street use permit from the City; h. Pedestrian signs are limited to six (6) square feet in area and 3-1/2 feet in height for A -frame or sandwich board signs, or six (6) square feet in area and 4-1/2 feet in height for stanchion, easel or other types of pedestrian signs. 20.60.060 Campaign signs. A. On -premises campaign signs are permitted as a form of temporary signage in all zones, subject to the maximum sign size limitations set forth in ECDC 20.60.080. B. Off -premises campaign signs are permitted as a form of temporary signage in the public right-of-way; provided, that the following requirements are met: 1. All campaign signs shall be posted in accordance with the regulations set forth in ECDC 20.60.080(B). 2. All off -premises campaign signs shall be removed within 10 days after the primary, general, or special election to which they pertain. 3. Off -premises campaign signs shall be posted and displayed no earlier than upon declaration of candidacy in accordance with Chapter 29.15 RCW, or other formal registration or certification of the candidate, party, initiative, referendum or other ballot issue for an upcoming election, or 60 days prior to the election, whichever time period is greater. C. There is no maximum number of off -premises campaign signs that may be posted. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.065 Real estate signs. A. On -premises real estate signs are permitted as a form of temporary signage in residential and commercial zones, subject to the maximum signage area and sign number limitations set forth in ECDC 20.60.080. B. Off -premises real estate signs are permitted as a form of temporary signage, subject to the following requirements: 1. Two and only two types of off -premises real estate signs shall be permitted: a. An off -premises real estate directional sign is a sign displaying a directional arrow and either a company or logo, or an indication that the property is for sale by its owner, and installed for the purpose of directing the public to the property. b. An off -premises open house sign is a form of temporary off -premises sign indicating the property is currently open for viewing. Sign Code Revisions - Option 3 (draft) Packet Pg. 65 6.A.d Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 15/18 2. All off -premises real estate signs shall be posted in accordance with the regulations set forth in ECDC 20.60.080(B). 3. The maximum number of off -premises real estate signs allowed per property shall only be the number reasonably necessary to direct people to the premises. An agent or owner shall be permitted no more than one off -premises real estate directional sign per intersection and five in total. No more than one off -premises open house sign shall be displayed per intersection and no more than five in total. a. Each off -premises real estate directional sign shall bear a legible tag located on the sign or supporting post indicating the date of posting and the address of the property to which it pertains. b. Off -premises real estate open house signs shall only be posted during daylight hours when the real estate agent or owner is in attendance at the property for sale or rent, and shall be removed immediately upon the termination of an "open house" or other similar property display event. 4. No off -premises real estate signs shall be fastened to any traffic control device, public structure, fence, rock, tree or shrub. C. All on -premises and all off -premises real estate directional signs shall be removed within seven days after the closing of the sale or lease of real property to which the sign pertains. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.070 Construction signs. Construction signs shall, irrespective of their duration, conform to the general regulations for permanent signs specified under ECDC 20.60.020. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the maximum area of a construction sign in any zone shall be 32 square feet. No sign permit is required for the posting of construction signs; provided, that all construction signs shall be removed from the premises within 10 days of the cessation of the excavation, construction, demolition, rehabilitation, structural alteration or related work on site. Zone Maximum Area of Signage (per Street Frontage) RS 16 square feet, or 32 square feet if one sign is displayed for a project consisting of building permits issued for four lots or more. Only one sign may be displayed per project. All other 32 square feet zones The preceding square footages shall be in addition to any other temporary signage permitted by ECDC 20.60.080 [Ord. 3514 § 3, 2004]. 20.60.080 Temporary signs. A. On -Premises Temporary Signs. On -premises temporary signs are permitted in residential and commercial zones, in addition to any allowed or permitted permanent signage, subject to the following restrictions and standards: 1. Residential Zones (RS, RM). a. Only portable, freestanding or attached signs may be used as temporary signage. b. Commercial on -premises temporary signage is not permitted, except for real estate signs as defined by ECDC 20.60.065. c. Maximum number is one attached or freestanding sign. 2. Commercial Zones (BN, ABC, BD, WMU, FVMU, CW, CG). Sign Code Revisions - Option 3 (draft) Packet Pg. 66 6.A.d Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 16/18 a. Only PeFtab'^ freestanding eF attached signs may be used for temporary signage; "Attached" signs may be affixed to any existing building or sign structure that is permitted as a permanent structure on the property. New temporary structures whose sole purpose is to display the temporary sign are not otherwise permitted. b. Maximum duration of display is 60 days in any calendar year for the cumulative posting of all temporary commercial signage upon each commercial location or premises. A permit is required, specifying the duration and location of display. c. Maximum number of temporary signs is one freestanding sign per property street frontage, and one attached sign per building. 3. The total maximum area of on -premises temporary signage shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Area of Temporary Sign RS, RM 6 square feet BN, BPBC, BD, CW, WMU, FVMU 20 square feet CG 30 square feet 4. The total maximum area for each allowed on -premises temporary sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Area of Temporary Sign RS, RM 6 square feet (freestanding and attached) BN, BP BC, BD, 6 , e feet (fFe standing) CW, WMU, 20 square feet (attached) FVMU CG 6 squaFe feet (fFe st.....1ing) 30 square feet (attached) 5. The maximum height of any allowed on -premises temporary sign shall be as follows: Zone Maximum Height of Sign RS, RM 6 feet (freestanding and attached) BN, BP BC, BD, CW, CG, WMU, FVMU 3 feet (fFe ., tanding4 14 feet (attached) 6. In no case shall temporary signage be posted, located, or displayed in violation of the regulations for permanent signs set forth in ECDC 20.60.020 through 20.60.050. B. Off -Premises Temporary Signage. Off -premises temporary signs are allowed in residential and commercial zones, in accordance with the restrictions and standards set forth below: 1. Commercial off -premises temporary signage is prohibited, except for real estate signs as permitted by ECDC 20.60.065; provided, that such off -premises real estate signs shall be posted, displayed, and removed as provided for in that section, in addition to the provisions of subsections (13)(5) through (9) of this section. Sign Code Revisions - Option 3 (draft) Packet Pg. 67 6.A.d Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE Page 17/18 2. Noncommercial off -premises signs are permitted in the public right-of-way; provided, that the posting and display of off -premises signs in the public right-of-way shall require a street use permit where required pursuant to Chapter 18.70 ECDC. 3. Maximum duration of display for all temporary off -premises signs is a cumulative of 60 days in any calendar year, except as otherwise provided in ECDC 20.60.060 for campaign signs. Display may be continuous or intermittent, except as otherwise provided in this section. 4. Except for campaign signs as provided in ECDC 20.60.060, all off -premises noncommercial signs relating to a specific meeting, event, or occurrence shall be removed within 48 hours following the conclusion of the meeting, event, or occurrence to which they relate. 5. Only portable freestanding signs may be used as temporary off -premises signage; provided, that the following types of portable freestanding signs are prohibited from use as an off -premises sign: a. Signs with a vehicular chassis or support with or without wheels; b. Posters and banners; c. Signs mounted upon vehicles; d. Searchlights; e. Inflatables. 6. Maximum number of allowed off -premises signs to be displayed simultaneously shall be one sign per sign poster except as provided in ECDC 20.60.060 for campaign signs and in ECDC 20.60.065 for real estate signs. 7. Maximum allowable sign area for all temporary off -premises freestanding signs is six square feet. 8. Maximum allowable sign height for all permitted off -premises signs is three feet. 9. All off -premises temporary signage shall be posted and displayed in accordance with the following restrictions: a. Off -premises signs may not be placed in any portion of the public right-of-way typically used by motor vehicles in a lawful manner. b. Off -premises signs shall be placed so as not to impede pedestrian, bicycle, or handicapped travel or access. c. Off -premises signs shall not be posted in a manner or location which impairs traffic safety by unreasonably blocking line of sight at intersections. d. Off -premises signs shall be constructed of suitable material and design to adequately withstand the reasonably expected normal or average weather conditions during the intended display period of the sign. e. Off -premises signs shall be regularly inspected to ensure that they have not been damaged or destroyed by natural forces or vandalism. Damaged and destroyed signs shall be immediately removed or repaired so as to avoid threats to public health and safety or the accumulation of unclaimed refuse upon the public rights -of -way. f. Off -premises signs shall not be posted upon public property other than the public right-of-way, and shall further not be posted within or upon planter boxes and flower beds within the publicly maintained landscaped portions of the public right-of-way. [Ord. 3628 § 14, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. Sign Code Revisions - Option 3 (draft) Packet Pg. 68 6.A.d Edmonds Chapter 20.60 SIGN CODE 20.60.090 Prohibited signs. A. General. All signs not expressly permitted by this chapter are prohibited. Page 18/18 B. Hazards. Signs which the director of public works determines to be a hazard to vehicle or water traffic because they resemble or obscure a traffic control device, or because they obscure visibility needed for safe traffic passage, are prohibited. These signs shall be removed if they already exist. C. Confiscation of Prohibited Signs in Public Rights -of -Way. All signs which are located within a public right-of-way and that have been improperly posted or displayed are hereby declared to be a public nuisance and shall be subject to immediate removal and confiscation. D. Any signs confiscated by the city shall be held for 10 working days after which such signs may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of. The owner of any confiscated signs may recover the same upon payment of a $25.00 fee to cover the cost of confiscation and storage. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.095 Exempt signs. The following types of signs are exempted from regulations of this chapter, except that the dimensional and placement standards shall apply unless variance is required by other provisions of local, state or federal law: A. Governmental signs. B. Signs required by provision of local, state, or federal law. C. Official public notices required by provision of local, state, or federal law. D. Signs not visible from a public location. E. Seasonal and holiday displays not incorporating the use of written copy or graphics to convey a message. F. Gravestones. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. 20.60.100 Administration. A. General. The community development director is responsible for administering and enforcing the provisions of this chapter. He or she shall adopt application requirements for sign permits. Fees shall be as stated in Chapter 15.00 ECDC. B. Installation Permits. Many signs require installation permits under Chapter 19.45 ECDC and may require plan checking fees as well. C. Notice of Violation. Whenever the planning director becomes aware of a violation of the provisions of this chapter, the planning director shall cause a notice to be sent to the alleged violator informing him or her of the violation, the applicable code section, and a time within which to remedy the violation. The notice shall also advise of the penalties for continued violation of the code as specified in this chapter. If the violation has not been corrected within the time limit specified, the planning director shall refer the matter to the city attorney's office for institution of appropriate legal action. D. Penalty. Any person violating any provision of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of $25.00 for each day of continued violation. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003]. Sign Code Revisions - Option 3 (draft) Packet Pg. 69 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Laura Zeck <laura@zincartinteriors.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2016 9:43 AM To: Cunningham, Diane; Hope, Shane; Nelson, Michael Subject: Re: Public Hearing on Signs Wed. May 25 Hi - I am a business owner and would love to attend this meeting, however I have a conflict as my 5th grader is performing in her school orchestra that night at the same time. Please feel free to pass the information below on at the hearing. As the owner of Zinc Art + Interiors at the corner of 3rd and Main in Edmonds, WA. I would like to state that use of A -Boards has been essential to my business, it's visibility and it's viability. As many of you know the circle/fountain is the hub of Edmonds. This is reinforced by the location of the Saturday Market, Chamber Events, and traffic patterns. ZINC has now been open for 28 months and it is still a daily struggle to get the general population and visitors to understand that Edmonds does exist beyond the circle, and A -Boards have played a huge role. I can actually look at days where we have neglected to put out our A -Board and see a dramatic difference in that days sales. At the time that we leased our space, sign code would not allow for a sign that actually made sense for the length of our street front. We are now stuck with a sign that is incredibly small above our front door. It is low to the ground and at times completely disappears behind vehicles parked in front of the building. I have asked the parking division to either make the space in front of the building a 15 minute zone or to clearly mark the space as the 3 hour parking that space that they say it is because on many days the space is occupied by one car for the entire duration of our business hours 10-7pm. I have mentioned this to many police as they pick up their uniforms next door at Corry's Dry Cleaning, but their response is that the space is not marked clearly and therefore they can not ticket the vehicle parked there all day. Many days these vehicles are very large and tall and completely block our building. Without the use of an A -Board on the corner of 3rd and Main, many people would not even see we exist. As a tax paying business of Edmonds, I feel it is essential that you take these frustrations and issues with the sign code into account. One citizen with complaints does not make up for the amount of revenue that our business brings to the city, let alone the culture, community and service we provide on a daily basis. In addition I have attached the current street view of our building that is available on Google. As you can see our business doesn't "exist", and the pole in front of our building has no sign indicating parking regulations. ZINC needs all the help it can get as a new business struggling to become part of the community Please help us by improving the sign code and making it friendlier for businesses within the business district where signage is and should be visible and helpful. Thanks so much for your time! Please contact me if you have any questions at all. Best! Laura On May 11, 2016, at 8:37 AM, Cunningham, Diane<Diane.Cunningham@edmondswa.gov> wrote: Packet Pg. 70 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Hope, Shane Sent: Monday, May 09, 2016 8:05 AM To: Cunningham, Diane Cc: Chave, Rob Subject: FW: Edmonds sign code FYR From: Monillas, Adrienne Sent: Sunday, May 08, 2016 10:37 PM To: Hope, Shane Subject: Fwd: Edmonds sign code FYI Adrienne Fraley-Monillas Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Natalie Shippen <natalieshippen@comcast.net> Date: May 5, 2016 at 9:13:47 PM PDT To: <council&dmonds_wa.gov> Cc: <diane.cunnin hama dmondswa.com> Subject: Edmonds sign code Council Members: What public purpose is served by allowing a 4-foot high advertising structure i.e. a mini - billboard, in front of every business in the Bowl? Or, anywhere in Edmonds since the Westgate Plan suggests city-wide walkability is now a city goal? Instead of posting daily message changes ON that billboard structure, why not provide a decorative box near the business entrance and place daily new advertising IN it? The Downtown Business Alliance could design it, have it produced and sell it to those who want a location for periodic advertising material. The Box might be introduced with a campaign to Visit Edmonds and Check the Box. Adding the Box would allow business three (3) permanent means of reaching the public: A wall sign, a blade sign and the Box, plus one short-term temporary sign could be added for a business opening event and/or a special event organized by the Downtown Business Alliance. Many businesses already use a permanent, red, small, non -flashing "OPEN" sign. Isn"t that enough signage? I noted in the April 26, 2016 minutes that an instant poll at a public workshop re Hwy. 99 asked residents what their top priority would be if just one thing could be done for the corridor. Their answer was "public space improvements and beautification-42%". Edmonds residents, regardless of their home's location, know they live in a town that has a reputation for attractiveness and they want their area to share that reputation. No one has ever argued that big signs on public sidewalks are a public space improvement or that they contribute to the beautification of Edmonds. Sandwich boards, stanchions and other Packet Pg. 71 6.A.e From: Brent Malgarin [mailto:elegantaems@amx.com] Sent: Friday, May 06, 2016 7:30 AM To: Hope, Shane Subject: sign code Dear Shane, I have been reading the proposal for changes to the sign code. I find it rather amazing that the City acts, after one person complains about "A -boards", yet the BID wants to add significant sign clutter by putting ED! badges all over town. If a person does not know they are shopping in Downtown Edmonds, then they should not be out walking around. Alley signage--- what a joke. Seattle has it because there are businesses located in those locations with no other point of entry or egress. Pathetic. I am filing a complaint about pole and Ed! sign pollution in Edmonds. I have spent 17 years selling in resort towns, and this City does not have the slightest idea what it is doing. Although-- the corrupt BID Directors figured out how to personally benefit from their positions.... Only goes to show the integrity of the people--- who want other peoples money. Brent Malgarin. Packet Pg. 72 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Hope, Shane Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2016 9:46 AM To: Cunningham, Diane Cc: Chave, Rob Subject: FW: sign code update Attachments: color_logo_pantone_REV2.pdf From: Pam Stuller[mailto:parm_@walnutstreetcoffee.com] Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2015 1:12 PM To: Cunningham, Diane Cc: Hope, Shane Subject: sign code update Hi Diane, As requested, here is my feedback for consideration during your sign code update process. My building is uniquely squat and sits slightly into the public right of way. When going through the permitting process to create my sign, current code would not allow my sign to be above my roof line - regardless of the height of my building. With the required minimum height from the sidewalk for pedestrians and the maximum height allowed by my roof line, I ended up with about 2' of workable height to create my blade sign. I ended up modifying my logo so my sign would have enough visual impact from up the street. I've attached an image of my sign, my building and my logo - so you can see the circle version I would ultimately like to replace my current sign with. I am not encouraging allowing enormous signs that are out of scale with their building/neighbors, but if there is a way to accommodate some variances in the sign code for unique site situations - allowing signs to go a certain amount above a roof line or exceed the size restrictions in some cases - I'd support it. Please let me know if you have quesitons or if I can provide any additional info. N L a J r C a� E E 0 U m 0 U c a� to c m E t v a r r Q Packet Pg. 73 6.A.e 611 -green -big circle 7459 - blue - inner circle 1535 - brown - cup handle, cup, and cup rim 497 - dark brown -STREET and oval area attached to S 7401 - tan -WALNUT and part of S and inner cup 716 - orange - OFFEE white - foundation base coat Packet Pg. 74 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Hope, Shane Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2016 9:49 AM To: Cunningham, Diane Cc: Chave, Rob Subject: FW: Signage From: Clayton Moss [mailto:cmoss@formaseattle.com] Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2016 4:23 PM To: Hope, Shane Subject: Signage Hello, Well, over the past month I believe we have manage to gather enough feedback from people regarding the different sign types that we discussed at our last meeting to feel confident that we are moving in the right direction. I was just wondering if looking at it from your perspective, is there is any kind of timeline that I should be aware of? I would like to get some schematics over to you that illustrates our proposed recommendations. Clayton Moss Designer 206.920.5912 FORMA 114 4th Ave N. Edmonds, WA 98020 Packet Pg. 75 6.A.e From: D Talmadge [justme56@me.com] Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2016 9:53 AM To: Council Subject: Edmonds City Council/ panning Board Council/ Planning Board Members, Firstly, please note there is no email address listed on the City website to direct emails to the planning board. About the sign code, it is mystifying to me that there is outdoor seating allowed in the downtown area so that the restaurants can monopolized a portion of the public walkways particularly when the sidewalks are so narrow to begin with. It is difficult to get around the tables and chairs if there is more than one person trying to pass by ( with the signs and posts) but for persons who have mobility issues it is nearly impossible. I have wondered often if it is ADA compliant, and I can't see how it would be. When it is busy down there, just strolling on the street is not a pleasant experience at all Those of us who can walk easily are merely inconvenienced with all the signs and sidewalks taken up by outdoor seating and abundant signage. But for anyone with any difficult at all, it is truly daunting and I don't believe it should be. Most of those sidewalks are simply too narrow to accommodate outdoor seating, sandwich board signs and much foot traffic at all. In your considerations of sign boards, please take into account those folks who have mobility issues first and foremost. Those are public sidewalks not the property of the restaurants who want to expand their space and businesses who put signs in the middle of them. And the signs all over further clutter what should be a public sidewalk for all to use. Thank you. Packet Pg. 76 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: D Talmadge <justme56@me.com> Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2016 10:15 AM To: Planning Subject: Signs, sidewalks and ADA Planning Board members, About the sign code, it is mystifying to me that there is outdoor seating allowed in the downtown area so that the restaurants can monopolized a portion of the public walkways particularly when the sidewalks are so narrow to begin with, particularly with the sandwich boards strewn about. It is difficult to get around the tables and chairs if there is more than one person trying to pass by ( with the signs and posts) but for persons who have mobility issues it is nearly impossible. I have wondered often if it is ADA compliant, and I can't see how it would be. When it is busy down there, just strolling on the street is not a pleasant experience at all Those of us who can walk easily are merely inconvenienced with all the signs and sidewalks taken up by outdoor seating and abundant signage. But for anyone with any difficult at all, it is truly daunting and I don't believe it should be. Most of those sidewalks are simply too narrow to accommodate outdoor seating, sandwich board signs and much foot traffic at all. In your considerations of sign boards, please take into account those folks who have mobility issues first and foremost. Those are public sidewalks not the property of the restaurants who want to expand their space and businesses who put signs in the middle of them. And the signs all over further clutter what should be a public sidewalk for all to use. Thank you. Diane Talmadge Sent from Cloud 9 Packet Pg. 77 6.A.e Below Councilmember Buckshnis's message is one from Diane Talmadge. -----Original Message ----- From: Buckshnis, Diane Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2016 10:07 AM To: D Talmadge Cc: Hope, Shane Subject: RE: Edmonds City Council/ panning Board Good Morning Diane, Here is the planning boards' email and you can watch what various Council Members said in the Council Meeting last week and Ms. Fraley Monillas also brought up the ADA issue as well as the street dining. The outdoor dining was a HUGE council discussion issue four or five years back and I can't recall it all but it was only for the spring/summer months, I think. You can email Shane Hope and ask. Personally, I think we should try a 30 day temp ban and see if business are affected. It would be similar to going on a specific diet - you don't know if you like it or not because you have never tried it! Why not try it to see if business really need those signs. I noticed that I mentioned Zinc and that I see the bright orange and who needs that a -frame and they didn't have it out yesterday (which I am sure they don't watch City Council) with the orange balloons. But, it looked so nice on that corner. Snap Fitness is another sign always out .... you either work out or you don't and folks either get it or they don't - so why clutter? So, much for my ranting. planning@edmondswa.gov is the address that will get to everyone. Have a great day, Diane Diane Buckshnis City Council Position #4 206-228-3462 From: D Talmadge [justme56@me.com] Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2016 9:53 AM To: Council Subject: Edmonds City Council/ panning Board Council/ Planning Board Members, Firstly, please note there is no email address listed on the City website to direct emails to the planning board. About the sign code, it is mystifying to me that there is outdoor seating allowed in the downtown area so that the restaurants can monopolized a portion of the public walkways Packet Pg. 78 6.A.e Date: April 27, 2016 From: Ashley Systsma (for Rick Steves who is currently out of the Country) Ashley@ricksteves.com Even though my company puts one out, I'm opposed to sandwich boards in Edmonds. I'd be happy to see our town rid of these completely, including my own. -Rick Steves Packet Pg. 79 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Natalie Shippen <natalieshippen@comcast.net> Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2016 3:52 PM To: Cunningham, Diane Cc: Council Subject: Edmonds sign code Planning Board Members: As I listen to the Planning Board and read its minutes, I get the strong impression that the Planning Board accepts temporary commercial on Edmonds streets as needed, desirable and even inevitable. The only questions Board members discuss is how many and where. I think its unfortunate that a small, but well -organized downtown group, feels it must soil its own nest to make a living but I don't believe that others should have to pay to solve their problem. Those others are the 40,000 people who share that nest. They are called residents and THEIR home is a flourishing, attractive residential community. Those residents have spent thousands of dollars in over 50 years to make residential and commercial Edmonds look the way it does today. Their efforts deserve more consideration than they are now receiving from the Planning Board. Temporary commercial signs are a blight. About four years ago a consultant, Roger Brooks, was retained to explore ways make edmonds more inviting. He had a long list; the theme of one of the items was "First Impressions Are Lasting". Applying that old adage, he suggested that the entering "Edmonds" sign NOT be placed at Westgate but further along where SR104 enters the Bowl.lt's easy to see why. Entering Westgate one is met with a flashing car -wash sign on the right and, on the left, a collection of drab, low commercial buildings with a row of sandwich board signs, strung along SR 104, identifying each business. (The car wash sign no longer flashes but the board signs are still there). It is the perfect poor first impression. Edmonds residents don't deserve more blight and more poor impressions on Main and on Fifth streets. Temporary commercial signs are a stigma. They send a far more significant message than the actual words on the sign. They convey a state of mind, they cry economic distress, even panic; they cry cheap.None of these attitudes reflect the reality of a prosperous, attractive RESIDENTIAL community. Locating temporary commercial signs (sandwich boa rds,stanchions, banners etc) in the public right-of-way creates the picture of a fine home with a seedy front yard. Does the Planning Board believe that is the image residents want their sign code to produce? Natalie Shippen L J c as E E 0 U as 0 U c in c m E U a r r Q Packet Pg. 80 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Natalie Shippen <natalieshippen@comcast.net> Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2016 7:47 PM To: Cunningham, Diane Cc: Council Subject: Edmonds sign code Planning Board Members: I read the minutes of your last meeting with interest.Mr. Clugston says, "the proliferation of A -frame signs in the downtown is a problem." and, later, temporary signage in the downtown has been identified as an issue and the GOAL of the current effort is to fix the problems.." It's not the message on the temporary A -frame signs that is the PROBLEM. It's the number of those signs on the street. Changing the message doesn't solve the PROLIFERATION problem. It's not the style of the A -frames that is the PROBLEM it's the number of those signs on the street. Substituting another type of temporary sign doesn't solve the PROLIFERATION problem. Currently, those "temporary" signs are, in fact, permanent because they have been out on the street all day, all week, all year for several years. The time limit on temporary signs is 60 cumulative days annually. No owner complies with that time limit and it can't be enforced using a "Request for Code Enforcement Action" because no City record is kept of when the sign was put on the street. Requiring a permit for temporary signs is overkill; requiring notification and the expiration date on the sign itself would partially solve the time limit problem. Changing the word "cumulative" to "consecutive" would complete the solution to the time limit problem. Other cities do not use the word "cumulative" presumably because it's too difficult to track.They use the word "consecutive" which produces a specific date that can be easily checked Other city codes also use number of days to measure the time limit. Shifting A -frame or sandwich board signs from the "temporary" category to a "right of way" category (see "note" on back page) and then allowing them on the street all the time except for non -business hours (at night) isn't a time limit:i it's an absurdity. It doesn't solve the proliferation problem and it doesn't solve the potential for pedestrian/sign conflict. Enforcing the existing code time limit might reduce the number of temporary signs on the street at one time, but whether it would appreciably reduce proliferation hasn't been examined. Natalie Shippen a� a� J C W E E 0 U d 0 U c cn c m E t r r Q Packet Pg. 81 I-r c- �f 0 U- I a • a y r IL 0 N N r+ J r 0 a , U 0 AD A c �— a- Packet Pg. 82 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Natalie Shippen <natalieshippen@comcast.net> Sent: Monday, March 21, 2016 5:27 PM To: Cunningham, Diane Cc: Council Subject: sign code revisions Planning Board Member: FACTS: 1. "TEMPORARY" signs (Edmonds sign code) a) definition - "allowed portable signs intended for short-term display,not to exceed 60 calendar days (cumulative) in any calendar year" ; Portable sign - "...any sign that is capable of being moved or removed ... that is typically intended for temporary display.: Portable signs include but are not limited to: 1. signs designed and constructed with a chassis or support with or without wheels (stanchion?), 2. "menu" and SANDWICH BOARD" signs, 3. A and T frame signs, 4. wood, metal or plastics "stake" or "yard" signs, 5. pos tees ters or banners affixed to windows, railings, overhangs, trees etc., 6. searchlights, inflatables etc. b)PROBLEM - No record is kept of when any of the above signs are posted; that allows "temporary" signs to be, in fact, permanent. solution - Rewrite Code to limit temporary commercial signs to "60 CONSECUTIVE days, one-time only" (business opening): business owner must notify Planning Dept. when a temporary sign is placed anywhere so there is a date from which to calculate the time limit on signs, 2. "PREMISES - 'Premises "is the actual physical area of the lot upon which a sign is posted or displayed, except a within the boundaries of the BC or BD zone in the downtown activity center as defined in the C.P where Q It shall include any portion of the sidewalk which fronts upon the lot. PROBLEM - Changes what would normally be an off -premise sign (>usually not allowed) into an on -premise 0 sign. Results, for example,in Old Milltown each business in that complex is allowed one sign on 5th AND one sign on Dayton OR one sign at the corner of 5th and Dayton. That's a lot of signs adjacent to a privately- J funded, attractive, land-scaped plaza. Here Edmonds sign policy is counter -productive to the desire of a private owner to make Edmond a more attractive town. E of solution - remove "premiises" from the "definition"section.;other codes don't bother to define it because v it has a common meaning. 0 U 3. ADMINISTRATION —"The Community Development director is responsible for administering and enforcing a, the provisions of this chapter. He or she shall adopt application requirements for sign permits. c as E U a r r COMMENTS: a I have filed about 20 ""Requests For Enforcement" in the last two+ years in the Bowl, at Westgate and in between on SR104. In the course of following those requests I found that the Edmonds sign code is special interest legislation. In neither wording nor enforcement does the Code emphasize the importance of Packet Pg. 83 6.A.e protecting Edmonds reputation as an attractive, up -scale residential community. Rather, it offers a crutch to those marginal businesses that claim they need cheap advertising signs in the public right-of-way in order to survive. The Planning Dept. recommendations regarding "temporary"" signs don't improve the Code; they make it worse.The temporary sandwich board sign which now litter the Bowl are illegal under two separate chapters of the Code;they don't have street permits ($115)as required by (18.70), and they exceed the time limit on "temporary" signs (20.60). The Planning Dept. recommendations would simply make those signs permanently c legal by requiring a permit but eliminating the time limit. r_ Permanent signs have a valid purpose. They identify and locate a town business. "Temporary signs do not. If . CO a walker is close enough to a "temporary" sign to read it, the walker is also close enough to the business to read its permanent sign. As identification temporary signs are redundant Iitter.They are really just advertising E signs in the public right-of-way and should be prohibited except for one commercial event, and closely E w monitored, time -limited public events. The following are my suggestions for sign code changes: 1. EMPHASIZE that the Edmonds Sign Code exists to protect the quality of the community a la Carmel. 2,Commercial "temporary" signs are prohibited except for a 60 consecutive day, one-time only business - opening event (some towns allow a limited number of 4-day special events). 3. "Premises" - remove that word from the "definition" section. 4.Permit the use of a temporary sign while a permanent sign is being reviewed by the ADB, and then mounted. 5, Permit permanent directional signs subject to ADB approval. 6. Prohibit pole signs every where; use monument signs instead 7. Have ADB approve permanent signs, and ask it to review the proposed recommendations re calculation, classification and wall -mounted signs. 8. No one shall put any sign in the public right-of-way without first notifying the Planning Dept. Natalie Shippen Packet Pg. 84 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Natalie Shippen <natalieshippen@comcast.net> Sent: Friday, February 19, 2016 1:55 PM To: Council Cc: Cunningham, Diane Subject: Revision of Edmonds sign code Council Members: Currently, there are no "temporary' signs in Edmonds; they are all "permanent" because sign regulation isn't enforced except by citizen complaint. However, because the Planning Dept. keeps no record of when temporary signs are erected, the time limit can't be calculated and enforced upon citizen Request. In Edmonds the major and most controversial signs, "temporary ones" aren't regulated by time limits or in any other way. REMEDY: Make it clear in the code that "temporary" means temporary by enacting the following ordinance: "Time limit for temporary signs —a new business may install a temporary sign on a one-time basis only. No business shall be allowed to display this type of sign more than once. All temporary signs are to be removed no later than 60 consecutive days from the date of notification to" the Planning Dept.(The words within quotation marks are from another municipal code.)REMEDY:Require that a business owner shall notify the Planning Dept. of the day on which a sign will be placed on a roof, wall, or public right-of-way and the date it will be removed. Require that the Planning Dept. keep a record of the above information. REMEDY —Under the ADMINISTRATION section of the sign code, include a statement that the sign code is enforced only upon citizen request. It's deceptive to let Edmonds residents think that their executive branch enforces the laws enacted by their legislative branch, an age-old assumption. In the "definition" section of the Edmonds sign code, there appears a definition of the word "premises" which is unlike that found in any other municipality. The definition says,"premises is the actual physical area of the lot upon which a sign is posted or displayed EXCEPT within the boundaries of the BC or BD zone in the downtown activity area ... where "premises" shall include any portion of the public sidewalk which fronts upon the lot." What does this exception allow? There was an Old Milltown business that was located on Dayton St. about one-half block East of Fifth St. It had a sign at the Fifth/Dayton intersection which I appealed as an off -premise sign. The City's reply was, "The City's position is that the signs in question (I had appealed sign at Third and Main) are not off -premise, but on - premise DUE to the DEFINITION of "PREMISES (my emphasis), and that their premises extend to the lot of the business, not just the business sidewalk frontage."I was told there are other "lots" in downtown Edmonds where the "premises" definition would apply. I lost the appeal but I learned that every business on the Old Milltown lot is allowed one sign on 5th and one sign on Dayton OR one sign at the corner of Fifth and Dayton. Is that number of signs the desired result of a sign code that seeks to control "visual clutter" in Edmonds, a goal listed four times in the PURPOSE section? REMEDY: Strike all the words that follow EXCEPT in the code definition of "premises". Finally, I suggest that all PERMANENT signs be reviewed and approved by the ADB. The ADB is a quality - control Board, and most of its members are selected for their training in assessing quality; signs and their location quality-sensative issues N as Y as J c as E 0 U m 0 U c a� in c as E U a r r Q Packet Pg. 85 6.A.e A few years ago two large permanent signs appeared too high on two facades of Old Milltown. I appealed them and they were removed. The question is, "How did those signs get by Staff? Did they approve them and then not check their final location because they were too busy? I think the ADB has more members and more time to ensure that the conditions of its approval are obeyed. Natalie Shippen Packet Pg. 86 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Natalie Shippen <natalieshippen@comcast.net> Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2016 11:30 AM To: Council Cc: Cunningham, Diane Subject: Edmonds sign code revision Council Members: As of today, I haven't seen a copy of the sign code changes that will be presented to the Council at its Feb. 23, 2016 work meeting. Based upon a Planning Dept. presentation at an earlier public meeting in December, I expect that only two code revisions will be proposed: 1. minor changes to "permanent" sign regulations and, 2. significant changes to the regulation of "sandwich board" signs which are usually classed as "temporary" signs. In this e-mail letter I will describe the current confusion that exists in the regulation of signs; later I will suggest code remedies. Sign code regulations appear in two separate ECDC chapters: 1. Chapt. 20.60 administered by the Planning Dept.; and 2. Chapt. 18.70 Street Use and Encroachment Permits administered by the Engineering Dept. Chapt.18.70 defines sandwich board sign as "temporary objects" which require a street permit. A permit costs $115.; the duration of the permit isn't defined. On 9-2-15 1 appealed three sandwich board signs citing failure to obtain a street permit as the reason for a Request for Code enforcement action. Phil Williams determined that the three businesses I cited did not have street permits; however, no enforcement action was taken because Code revision is in progress. Meantime, all the sandwich board signs that litter the commercial streets of the Bowl (the ONLY location where they're allowed) are illegal, have been for years, and the City of Edmonds is owed thousands of dollars. (Incidentally, in the last couple of years I have appealed signs under Chapt. 20.60. When my requests were upheld, the signs were removed.There was no mention of a code revision in progress.) believe code enforcement is, partly,an issue that is separate from the language of the code itself, but one that should also be addressed.) While the language of Chapt. 18.70 is clear,Chapt. 20.60 is confusing. It defines sandwich boards as "temporary" in one section, and as "permanent" in another. Under the "definitions" section of 20.60, a "temporary" sign is "an allowed portable sign intended for short-term display, not to exceed 60 calendar in any calendar year." ( That's a lax time limit; other municipal codes have a fixed number of CONSECUTIVE days for one-year only. Further along in the code there is a section (20,60.020) titled "General Regulations for PERMANENT signs." In that section there is a chart which "summarizes the types of signs permitted in each neighborhood/district within the City. On that chart sandwich boards are listed as permitted only in Downtownl. I consider sandwich boards a temporary sign. In mid-2014 I filed a Request for Code Enforcement against three temporary signs including two sandwich boards. The reply was, "The City advises businesses of the 60- day limit, but does not monitor the site or count the days a sign is out. The City could not proceed with enforcement without City verified information and could not progress to a hearing or legal proceeding with third party information." I asked whether the City required that businesses notify the Planning Dept. of the date a sign was placed in the public right-of-way or elsewhere. the answer was "No". It is impossible to N L a J c as E E 0 U as 0 U c in c as E U r Q Packet Pg. 87 6.A.e calculate the 60-day limit without that knowledge, and very difficult to do even if known, because the 60 days are cumulative rather than consecutive. That method of counting days is peculiar to Edmonds. (To be continued) Natalie Shippen Packet Pg. 88 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Natalie Shippen <natalieshippen@comcast.net> Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2015 4:47 PM To: Cunningham, Diane Cc: Monillas, Adrienne; Hope, Shane Subject: Shippen Requests for Enforcement To the Planning Board Chairman: Will the Planning Board Chairman (Neil Tibbot) please request that the Planning Department include copies (or a list) of my Requests for Enforcement in the Sign Code reform packet, and the enforcement decision(s) that was made for each? Early on, Shane Hope invited me to submit a list to her of any suggested code changes I might have. I couldn't do that as I was learning with each appeal how the code did or didn't address my Requests. Like the Planning Department I didn't keep records; I assume it does now. I believe my Requests demonstrate how the sign code operates. I recall only twelve Requests for Enforcement which involved 26 signs. As you will see, some of my Requests were approved and some were denied. Natalie Shippen Packet Pg. 89 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: English, Robert Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2015 5:27 PM To: 'Natalie Shippen' Cc: Spellman, Jana; Cunningham, Diane; Hope, Shane; Williams, Phil Subject: RE: Code enforcement under 18.20 - sandwich board signs Ms. Shippen —Sections 20.60 and 18.70 of the current City code are not consistent with regard to temporary signs (including A -frames). For this reason, the City will not pursue code enforcement action. The City's Planning Division will be updating the sign code this fall to address this issue. The process will include public meetings at the Planning Board and City Council. -----Original Message ----- From: Natalie Shippen[ma ilto:natalieshippen@comcast.net] Sent: Monday, September 21, 2015 2:25 PM To: English, Robert Cc: Spellman, Jana; Cunningham, Diane; Hope, Shane Subject: Code enforcement under 18.20 - sandwich board signs Mr. English. On September 3, 2015 1 submitted three (3) Requests for Enforcement to the Planning Department. I cited Code Chapter 18.70.000.B.1.2.3. which requires a street use permit to place any temporary object in a "public space or City right-of-way..." I said that three sandwich board signs,two on Fifth and one on Main, did not have street use permits. The Planning Dept. flipped my Enforcement Requests to you, the City Engineer and you appear to have flipped them right back to the Planning Dept. I want answers to the following questions. Do the three sandwich board signs that I cited have street use permits? Do any of the sandwich board signs that litter Main St. and Fifth Ave. have street use permits? Chapter 18.70 is clear. "No person SHALL use or encroach upon any public place without obtaining a permit from the development services director or City engineer." It then defines "use", "temporary in nature", and "temporary object" which specifically mentions "sandwich boards." Please explain why the Administration hasn't enforced 18.70.000 b.1.2.3. ? And why Requests for Enforcement don't result in code enforcement? Natalie Shippen Packet Pg. 90 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Natalie Shippen <natalieshippen@comcast.net> Sent: Monday, September 21, 2015 2:25 PM To: English, Robert Cc: Spellman, Jana; Cunningham, Diane; Hope, Shane Subject: Code enforcement under 18.20 - sandwich board signs Mr. English. On September 3, 2015 1 submitted three (3) Requests for Enforcement to the Planning Department. I cited Code Chapter 18.70.000.B.1.2.3. which requires a street use permit to place any temporary object in a "public space or City right-of-way..." I said that three sandwich board signs,two on Fifth and one on Main, did not have street use permits. The Planning Dept. flipped my Enforcement Requests to you, the City Engineer and you appear to have flipped them right back to the Planning Dept. I want answers to the following questions. Do the three sandwich board signs that I cited have street use permits? Do any of the sandwich board signs that litter Main St. and Fifth Ave. have street use permits? Chapter 18.70 is clear. "No person SHALL use or encroach upon any public place without obtaining a permit from the development services director or City engineer." It then defines "use", "temporary in nature", and "temporary object" which specifically mentions "sandwich boards." Please explain why the Administration hasn't enforced 18.70.000 b.1.2.3. ? And why Requests for Enforcement don't result in code enforcement? Natalie Shippen Packet Pg. 91 6.A.e To: Shane Hope From Ed! Advisory Board: Signage Committee Clayton Moss, Pam Stuller, Jordana Turner, Robert Boehlke RE: Recommendations for Sign Code Revisions Date: September 18, 2015 Recommendations: Amend the code to allow the applicant or the planning manager to refer design review applications to the Architectural Design Board (ADB) in the following unique situations: 1. When the applicants specific building set back (from the public street) is significantly greater than the adjacent buildings or when there are other special physical circumstances or physical conditions, such as topography, sign structures or other physical features on adjacent properties or public right-of-way obstacles that substantial restrict the effectiveness of the proposed sign in question. These special circumstances are peculiar to the particular business or enterprise to which the applicant desires to draw attention to and do not apply generally to other businesses in the area. 2. When there are special physical circumstances or physical conditions of the applicants specific building such as architectural features or details that substantially restrict the placement and effectiveness of the proposed sign in question or which make it impossible to both integrate the sign with the architectural design of the building and at the same time adhere to various code restrictions with regards to sign type, area or height. 3. When certain exceptional design features are included in a proposed sign design which enhances the appearance & quality of the sign but by doing so would exceed code constraints. Examples would be monument sign designs which are designed to be in harmony with the landscape design and/or integrate with the design and scale of a particular building or multi -building complex. 4. When a retail center or multi -tenant building or complex submits a comprehensive master sign program. Section References Definitions of Signs— request for clarification/revision. 1. "Internally illuminated sign" —Add "Halo Lit" 2. "Marquee": add description/definiation 3. "Outline cabinet sign" — Can also be non -illuminated 4. "Portable Sign" — add stanchion sign type to this group. Encourage artistry. 1. Identify who is responsible for the sign — require sticker "license tab". Add Registration requirement, street use, provide application form, submittal requirement check -list. Establish areas for legal portable signs in downtown. Allow for a little bit of character, for instance restaurants to show their happy hour specials, but protect quaint downtown streetscape so that it does not Packet Pg. 92 6.A.e become littered with portable signs. Consider public wayfinding group signs at critical decision points to direct people to businesses off the beaten path, (Main street & 5th Ave). Restrict placement so portable signs are within two of the building. 5. Projecting Sign — is perpendicular to the building fagade, usually double face. Maximum projection from building surface is 4 ft. (Note maximum depth of wall sign is 12") 6. "Sign Area" supporting brackets which are required by engineering and are designed to be integral to the sign & building design will not be included in the calculation of the sign area. 7. "Wall Graphic" - clarify differences between wall graphic and murals. 8. Wall Sign - revise to read affixed to building: wall, surface, or structure — is single faced. Maximum depth of sign is 12" — not to extend further than 12" from surface. 9. Freestanding signs- raise height limit to 5' and sq. ft area of graphic area — do not include base in sq. ft area calculation- especially for monuments 10. Internally illuminated signs may only light letters "and graphic marks or logos" 20.60.025 1. Add zoning map showing commercial areas. 2. Facades at entry do not always lend themselves to signage. Allow signage on facades and or have ADB review the situation. Small Micro -frontage businesses like Daphne's should be allowed the 20'sq. ft area. 20.60.050 This section states there are no restrictions on wall graphics which contradicts the previously stated restrictions. 20.60.070 "Construction Signs" increase area from 32 to 40 sq ft of graphic area. Encourage visual imagery of the project. Staff Review of Murals & Artwork;- designs have been approved by staff that are not in harmony with architecture an neighborhood. Need to include a public notice, so adjacent building owners have opportunity for input. Case in point Edmonds Historical Museum was not informed. Include ADB in review process. New Sign Types to consider: A. Light Standard Graphics — banners B. Portable Sign: "Stanchions" encourage stanchions vs A -Boards, allow ht to 5'. C. Wayfinding/Directionals- purpose to reduce quantity of portable signs C. Alley Gateway: refer to Post Alley Seattle, Bellen Alley in SF. Packet Pg. 93 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Natalie Shippen <natalieshippen@comcast.net> Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2015 4:08 PM To: English, Robert Cc: Cunningham, Diane; Spellman, Jana Subject: Code appeal Mr. English, I understand the Planning Dept. has referred my "inquiry" to you. I asked that three sandwich board signs (Waterfront Coffee; State Farm Mutual; Cafe de Louvre) be removed because they didn't have a street use permit as required by ord. 18.70.000. Was that assertion correct? I also asked where I could get a blank copy of a street use permit and an encroachment permit. And how much each of those would cost (to clarify - not the cost to me for the blank permit forms, but to the owners of the sandwich board signs). How much does each permit type cost an applicant? Natalie Shippen Packet Pg. 94 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Pam Stuller <pam@edmondsdowntown.org> Sent: Wednesday, September 02, 2015 10:23 AM To: Cunningham, Diane Cc: Robert Boehlke Subject: Housewares sign input Robert from Housewares was mentioning that the current sign code did not allow for his sign to be lit. He couldn't remember the code limitations exactly, but as his sign was above 14' it's in the dark once the -sun goes down. Pam Stuller Edmonds Downtown Alliance 206-914-1753 Packet Pg. 95 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Hope, Shane Sent: Friday, August 14, 2015 1:01 PM To: Cunningham, Diane Subject: Sign Code Comments Pls add this to your record of sign code comments: I just got off the phone with the owner of Elegant Gyms (on 5th Ave.). He wanted to comment that A -board signs are okay, that they are needed and useful. The only thing is they should be located close to the building, not in other parts of the sidewalk. Shane Hope, AICP Development Services Director City of Edmonds 425.771.0220 x-1216 shone. hope@edmondswo. gov Packet Pg. 96 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Pam Stuller < Pam @walnutstreetcoffee.com> Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2015 1:12 PM To: Cunningham, Diane Cc: Hope, Shane Subject: sign code update Attachments: color_logo_pantone_REV2.pdf Hi Diane, As requested, here is my feedback for consideration during your sign code update process. My building is uniquely squat and sits slightly into the public right of way. When going through the permitting process to create my sign, current code would not allow my sign to be above my roof line - regardless of the height of my building. With the required minimum height from the sidewalk for pedestrians and the maximum height allowed by my roof line, I ended up with about 2' of workable height to create my blade sign. I ended up modifying my logo so my sign would have enough visual impact from up the street. I've attached an image of my sign, my building and my logo - so you can see the circle version I would ultimately like to replace my current sign with. I am not encouraging allowing enormous signs that are out of scale with their building/neighbors, but if there is a way to accommodate some variances in the sign code for unique site situations - allowing signs to go a certain amount above a roof line or exceed the size restrictions in some cases - I'd support it. Please let me know if you have quesitons or if I can provide any additional info: Packet Pg. 97 6.A.e IJ 611 -green -big circle 7459 - blue - inner circle 1535 - brown - cup handle, cup, and cup rim 497 - dark brown -STREET and oval area attached to S 7401 - tan -WALNUT and part of S and inner cup 716 - orange - OFFEE white - foundation base coat Packet Pg. 98 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Natalie Shippen <natalieshippen@comcast.net> Sent: Friday, July 31, 2015 11:35 AM To: Spellman, Jana Cc: Cunningham, Diane; Hope, Shane Subject: Edmonds Sign Code revision Council Members: REAL ESTATE There shall be no exceptions from the Code for real estate signs. Real estate signs shall be used only to direct buyers to SPECIFIC properties for sale, rent or lease. Directional signs are permitted as regulated by the current code. Real estate offices may not use temporary signs to advertise their office location (see flocks of little signs at intersections), or to identify their office location with sidewalk signs. The City of Edmonds invites residents to contribute to the maintenance of their corner parks and hanging baskets by making an annual donation. What is the residents incentive to do so when downtown businesses are allowed to plunk their tacky signs on the adjacent public sidewalks? Down town business argues that their business will suffer without signs. How do they prove that? Open their books to justify their signs? Not likely. Should businesses that don't need signs to prosper still be allowed to place junk in the public right -of ways because then they will make still more money? I remind the Council of a long-standing principle of organized business i.e. if you've got a problem, government is not the solution.. Nowhere is that principle more applicable than in your current discussion of the Edmonds Sign Code. Sign codes are about maintaining the quality of a municipality, not private profitability. Natalie Shippen Packet Pg. 99 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Natalie Shippen <natalieshippen@comcast.net> Sent: Monday, July 27, 2015 11:21 AM To: Spellman, Jana Cc: Cunningham, Diane; Hope, Shane Subject: Edmonds sign code Council Members: Signs are junk; signs create visual blight on Edmonds landscaped streets. They diminish the results of long-time efforts to improve the appearance of an ugly gritty mill town. The only valid commercial sign is the permanent facade sign that identifies the business below it. New rules should state that each business is allowed one facade sign to identify the business; two, if on a corner a la Star Bucks at the corner of Fifth and Main.A multi -business building may add one landscaped monument -style group sign e.g. the 210 building on Fifth. An area of stores may do the same e.g. the Westgate QFC sign at the corner of Ninth and 104. Commercial pole signs are not permitted. Landscaped monument signs are permitted are permitted. Roof mounted signs are prohibited. Administration —All permanent signs shall be approved by the ADB. If, as alleged, by the Administration, the Planning Dept. doesn't have time to enforce the Code, its responsibility for evaluating new signs should be removed to save time. The ADB is better positioned to judge quality, and maintaining quality is the goal of a good sign code.I think some Edmonds permanent signs have deteriorated. Natalie Shippen 1 Packet Pg. 100 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Natalie Shippen <natalieshippen@comcast.net> Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2015 3:02 PM To: Spellman, Jana Cc: Cunningham, Diane; Hope, Shane Subject: Edmonds sign code Council Members: TEMPORARY signs — In Edmonds "temporary" signs are permanent because the 60 "cumulative" days limitation isn't enforced, indeed, can't be enforced. Businesses aren't required to notify the City when they stick signs on their building or on the sidewalk.The new code should say: a temporary sign is one displayed for a limited time. Commercial temporary signs shall not be allowed except for a one-time, 60 CONSECUTIVE days opening event. Three temporary signs are then allowed only one of which may be place on a public sidewalk. Other temporary signs (besides commercial) shall not be allowed in the public right of way. Temporary include, but are not limited to (in case I omitted to mention one of the pests): signs designed and constructed with a chassis or support with or without wheels; menu and sandwich board signs; "A" and "T" frame signs; wooden, metal or plastic "stake" or "yard"; signs; posters or banners affixed to windows, railings overhangs; trees,hedges, or other structures or vegetation; flags; pennants, banners; feather, ribbons and balloons. Banner signs (including real estate signs may not be placed on roofs or walls (e.g. west wall of the Chanterelle Building; roof of the business on the NW corner of Olympic View Dr. and 196th.). Banner signs may not substitute for permanent signs. Administration: Businesses must inform the Planning Dept. where and when they plan to place temporary signs and the date they will remove them (within 60 CONSECUTIVE days). This is not an onerous requirement as an opening event will occur only once. Natalie Shippen 1 Packet Pg. 101 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Natalie Shippen <natalieshippen@comcast.net> Sent: Friday, July 17, 2015 11:40 AM To: Spellman, Jana Cc: Hope, Shane; Cunningham, Diane Subject: Edmonds sign code Council Members: The public meeting on August 3, 2015 to discuss Edmonds sign code changes is a welcome beginning and one that, I hope, is concluded well before the holiday season. I will bring before the Council and Planning Board some of the problems that I have found and their suggested remedies. I' start with the Edmonds Code definition of "premises". I believe the Edmonds code should not include the public sidewalk as part of the definition of "Premises." Other cities don't include a definition of premises, but refer to it indirectly in their on- premise/Off premise definitions as the "property" on which a sign is/isn't to be located. I question the propriety, and possibly the legality of selectively giving use of the public right-of-way to adjacent, private land -owners. The current definition of "premises"also allows other junk to be placed on the public sidewalk e.g. the clothes rack in front of the Savvy Traveler and a small promotional red fire truck in front of Coldwell/Bain reality. These are in addition to their signs and banners. The result is the messiest corner in Edmonds adjacent to the most landscaped area in Edmonds (Fountain, Corner Parks, and Trees). Natalie Sh'ippen Packet Pg. 102 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Hope, Shane Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2015 10:01 AM To: 'Natalie Shippen' Cc: Cunningham, Diane Subject: Sign Code Meeting Mrs. Shippen, I know you have been long interested in potential amendments to the city's sign code. That is also on our work program for this year. You are invited to a public meeting about issues and options for our sign code on August 3, 6 pm, in the Council Chambers. I hope you can attend. We will be issuing a press release about this soon and encouraging both residents and businesses to provide their input. We are especially looking at the issue of A -frame signs downtown. After the meeting, we will work on draft amendments to the sign code, so that in the fall, the public can review the draft and provide input. Then the draft will be refined as needed and brought to the Planning Board for at least 2 public meetings (including a public hearing) and recommendation, followed by at least 2 public meetings (including a public hearing) and a decision of the City Council. A more detailed meeting schedule will be identified later. Feel free to share this information with others that you think will be interested. Thanks Note: Interested parties, whether or not they attend the August 3 meeting, are welcome to send comments about sign regulations to the City at: diane.cunningham@edmondswa.gov. Regards, Shane Hope Shane Hope, AICP Development Services Director City of Edmonds 425.771.0220 x-1216 shane.hope@edmondswa. gov_ Packet Pg. 103 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: randall@randalijhodges.com Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2015 12:20 PM To: Cunningham, Diane Subject: Opinion about signs, from Randall J Hodges Photography Gallery Hello To all concerning Signs I am unable to attend the August 3rd meeting but wanted to share my thoughts I own the Randall I Hodges Photography Gallery at 317 Main Street. I do use an A Frame sign and find it Very, Very Helpful and Valuable, especially to announce special features events or lesson in the gallery, like Art Walk My A Frame is not in anyone's way, and I keep it in great condition, and I invested a lot of money into it. I believe it is only fair to let us keep the A Frame Signs, in light of the many restaurant's who get to seat customers outside, taking up way more space than our little A Boards and causing much more congestion, and hazardous situations, which I have witnessed. I am no way saying that they should go away also, but if they get to utilize the side walk for extending there restaurant's seating, I should be able to take up 3 square feet to put out my sign I know the new restaurant The Salt and Iron, gets to use over 150 square feet of sidewalk space taking up over 1/2 of the passible sidewalk If the A board are no longer able to be put out, then the restaurants should also stay inside and not invade the sidewalks. Otherwise I would like to apply to put tables in front of my Gallery space also, then I could place my A Frame Sign on top of it, calling it a table tent .... I think that sounds very fair and reasonable. For me it is a question of what is fair, and if some of the businesses get to use the sidewalk as space, than so should the other merchants.... Many of us shop keepers need all the help we can get to get customers in the door, and the A Frame Signs help me greatly Thank you for your time and consideration of my comments on this important issue Have a great day! Randall Hodges Randall J Hodges Photography www.randalljhodges.com randali@randallihodcies.com cell 425-210-2506 Randall J Hodges Photography Fine Art Photography Gallery 317 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020 ph: 425-582-0803 "Take Only Pictures, Leave Only Footprints" "Walks Far" Packet Pg. 104 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Hope, Shane Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2015 9:42 AM To: Planning Work Group Cc: McConnell, Jeanie; Zulauf, JoAnne; Lambert, Jennifer; English, Robert; Building Work Group Subject: FW: City meeting on sign code options Just wanted you to know we are starting to get the word out about a public meeting (August 3, 6 pm; see below) to identify issues and options for our sign code —especially regarding A -frame type signs in the ROW downtown. I'd like at least a couple of city staff persons to be at the meeting with me. Let Rob C. or me know if you are interested. More details later. Shane From: Hope, Shane Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2015 8:55 AM To: 'andy@clinejewelers.com' Cc: Doherty, Patrick Subject: City meeting on sign code options Hello Mr. Kline, As you may know, the City has gotten various complaints about signage, esp. A -frame signs downtown in the public right of way. The City Council has asked my department to look into whether our city's sign code should be amended and, if so, how. We are sensitive to the signage needs of businesses, as well as community preferences. To kick off this effort, we are holding a public meeting August 3, 6 pm, in the Council Chambers (250 5th Ave. N.) and welcome both residents and business representatives. Please feel free to share this invitation with other DEMA members. The intent of the August 3 meeting is to identify sign issues and options. In the fall, the City expects to have a draft of any code changes for further review and input. The draft will then be refined and, as part of more public process, brought to the Planning Board for a recommendation and the City Council for a decision. The existing sign code is available on the City's webpage: http1Jwww.edmondswa.gaY/rules-and- regulations.html. Then click "Community Development Code (ECDC)", then "Title 20", then "20.60 Sign Code" Interested parties, whether or not they attend the meeting, are welcome to send comments about sign regulations to the City at: diane.cunningham@edmondswa.gov. Note: We have shared this information with the ED! board, as well. Thanks for your interest, Shane Hope, AICP Development Services Director City of Edmonds 425.771.0220 x-1216 shone. ha a edmondswo. av Packet Pg. 105 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Kurt Mattingly <kurt@dragonfire.gallery> Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2015 12:33 PM To: Cunningham, Diane Subject: Dragonfire Art Gallery sign regulations to the City Statment To whom it may concern: Sadly I will not be able to attend the meeting discussing the "A" boards, but wanted to express my opinion. I thinks it crucial, especial for small businesses not located right on 5tn or main to be able to display "A" boards. A huge of my not so great traffic is due to our board placement on 51h It would most definitely put us in a scary position of survival, and eventually out of business. My boards are placed in areas that do not cause a safety concern for anyone. PLEASE, I beg of you: DO NOT PASS a regulation stating NO "A" board usage in town. Kindest regards, Kurt Mattingly Kurt Mattingly GALLERY DIRECTOR 425-275-7670 10 facebook.com/DragonfireEdmonds Packet Pg. 106 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: Namascandystore@aol.com Sent: Monday, July 13, 2015 9:17 PM To: Cunningham, Diane Subject: the A Board and sign issues Hello: I own Nama's Candy Store and am a 20+ year resident of Edmonds. I have been involved in many aspects of Edmonds retail including President of DEMA and member of the Chamber Board of Directors. I agree with those that think there needs to be more control over signs and A Boards in Edmonds. I do admit to being guilty of signage indiscretion at times and have some suggestions that I believe would solve most of the issues and still be fair to all concerned. A Boards: One A Board per business location, no more than 3' tall and 21/2 ' wide. All A Boards must be within 5 feet of the building housing the business and they must come in at closing. They cannot block any public walkway, curb or ramp. They cannot be placed on property planted by the city or parks dept. This would be a city wide code and include all business including Real estate. An open house sign would be placed within 5' of the home for sale. Event promotion boards would not be allowed. Signage: Two signs per Business, both attached to the business foot print not the building footprint. This pertains to buildings that house multiple business. Hwy 99 signs would be larger than downtown core signs. Windows are at the business owners discretion. These simple changes would put an end to the following: The Restaurant that puts a 5' sign in the handicap ramp at the fountain in front of Starbucks and never brings it in. The store that puts 4 A Boards up on 4 separate corners, 1 block apart, 7 days a week. He does not even own a corner business. The gift store west of the theater that puts an A Board in the corner garden on 5th at the fountain. The 3 businesses closer to 6th that bring signs down to both sides of 5th The Realtor who puts 4 A Boards at each corner of 5th at the fountain for open houses and broker events The store that has draped itself with banners and signs. The solome courses pedestrians must negotiate on may of our sidewalks all over town. The list goes on. The solutions must be all inclusive and fair to commerce. Pat McKee Packet Pg. 107 6.A.e From: David Harb [mailto:dh42674 mail.com] Sent: Friday, January 23, 2015 1:36 PM To: Spellman, Jana Subject: A Boards Council Members: When are you going to restrict A boards that take over the majority of the sidewalks making walking difficult. Our sidewalks are narrow and uneven and almost ever service provides and business owner feels that it's their right to put at least one sign out. Some business even have as many as three signs out. Please do something that would be community friendly and provides for safe walking in Edmonds. Besides it is doubtful that these signs generate any business. Regards, David Harb Packet Pg. 108 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: natalieshippen@comcast.net Sent: Friday, August 01, 2014 1:07 PM To: Cunningham, Diane Subject: Enforcement of Edmonds sign code re temoroary signs Planning Board Members: Mr. Clugston's reply to my question about owner notification to the City when signs are placed in the street is, "No, the code does not require that the business inform the City that they are going to put out a temporary sign." My question to the Planning Board is How can the 60-day cumulative period, each year requirement be enforced when the Planning Department has no record of the signs, and third -party (complainant) information isn't accepted at a hearing or legal proceeding? The Edmonds situation is aggravated because its Code requires more monitoring. Other towns forbid temporary signs with two exceptions. a ONE-TIME business opening period of various lengths (none as long as 60 days) and special events periods measured by a few days. My appeal is a good example of a problem that could be corrected quickly. Temporary signs are the worst visual offenders, and, for practical purposes, all temporary signs in Edmonds are permanent. I respectfully suggest that the Board adopt a piece -meal approach to correcting the sign code. One section of the code doesn't hinge upon another. Natalie Shippen Packet Pg. 109 6.A.e Cunningham, Diane From: natalieshippen@comcast.net Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2014 12:52 PM To: Cunningham, Diane Cc: Spellman, Jana Subject: Revision of the Edmonds sign code To the Edmonds Planning Board: Since only God knows when and how the City council will, procedurally, exercise its will, I hereby submit some of my sign code concerns to the Planning Board. I shoot my ideas into the air, they'll fall to earth I know not where (the City Council, perhaps? in this century, maybe). PURPOSE of the sign code: To maintain Edmonds reputation as an attractive residential community by protecting it from visual blight. I think the following changes should be made to the Edmonds sign code: TEMPORARY signs shall not be permitted anywhere at any time except: 1. to announce a new business opening - for a 60 CONSECUTIVE day period in the first year of operation only, the 60 day period to begin the day the business license is issued. 2. to promote a special event - for four days prior to the event and a one -day clean-up following the event. 3. Three of the following TYPES of TEMPORARY signs may be used for the opening and the special events: a) sandwich board b. feather (banner on a tall vertical pole) c)banners d)pennants e)small placards on a stick used at intersections There shall be no "indeterminable" lengths of time for "TEMPORARY" signs. There is a stigma attached to signs and their temporary use is a privilege granted to business for a strictly limited time PERMANENT signs that shall not be permitted anywhere: Pole signs; Blinking signs and movable scrawl signs GENERAL: 1. ALL signs require require a permit; the enforcement period begins on the day the permit is issued. 2. No off -premise signs are permitted 3. The word "premise" should be re -defined. The public right-of-way is NOT a part of the premise 4. All PERMANENT signs must be approved by the ADB. Example of bad sign include but is not limited to: the WALL banners on the Wells Fargo building on 5th; Chanterelle's-west wall'; SNAP Fitness; Claires Pantry -west wall; and the NW corner of 3rd/Dayton. The worst collection of signs are on the: SW corner of Fifth/Main; N. side of Main between 3rd and Forth, and the NE corner of Milltown. WESTGATE Natalie Shippen Packet Pg. 110 7.A Planning Board Agenda Item Meeting Date: 05/25/2016 Land Division Code Update Staff Lead: Shane Hope Department: Development Services Prepared By: Diane Cunningham Background/History Planning Board held an introduction to the Edmonds Subdivision Code on April 27, 2016. Staff Recommendation Consider information and be prepared to discuss. Narrative This subject was presented to the Planning Board at their meeting on April 27. A follow up from the presentation will be discussed. Packet Pg. 111 9.A Planning Board Agenda Item Meeting Date: 05/25/2016 Planning Board Extended Agenda Staff Lead: N/A Department: Planning Division Prepared By: Diane Cunningham Background/History N/A Staff Recommendation Review and consider information Narrative Extended agenda is attached Attachments: 05-25-2016 PB Extended Agenda Packet Pg. 112 9.A.a Items and Dates are subject to change k Alt Extended Agenda May 25, 2016 Meeting Item MAY 2016 May 25 1. Review and Discussion: Land Division Code Update 2. Public Hearing on Sign Code JUNE 2016 June 8 1. Review and Discussion: Land Division Code Update 2. Public Hearing on Rezone from Open Space (OS) to Single Family Residential (RS-8) to bring zoning for the site into agreement with Comprehensive Plan. Site is located at 21805 98t" Ave W. (File No. PLN20160019) June 22 1. Public Hearing on Land Division Code Update JULY 2016 July 13 1. July 27 1. Discussion on Civic Center Master Plan 4UGUST 2016 Aug. 10 1. No public hearings to be scheduled tonight due to Police Foundation Open House. Aug. 24 1. SEPTEMBER 2016 Sept. 14 1. Discussion on Civic Center Master Plan Sept. 28 1. OCTOBER 2016 Oct. 12 1. Oct. 26 1. a� a� Q a� c a� x w 0 m a� c c IL 0 0 N r c m a� Q a� a� r x w m a 0 0 N LO N LO O C N E z U 2 Q Packet Pg. 113 items ana I)ates are 9.A.a to change Pending 1. Community Development Code Re -Organization 2016 2. Neighborhood Center Plans and zoning implementation, including: ✓ Five Corners 3. Further Highway 99 Implementation, including: ✓ Potential for "urban center" or transit -oriented design/development strategies ✓ Parking standards 4. Exploration of incentive zoning and incentives for sustainable development Current Priorities 1. Neighborhood Center Plans & implementation. 2. Highway 99 Implementation. Recurring Topics 1. Annual Adult Entertainment Report (January -February as necessary) 2. Election of Officers (1" meeting in December) 3. Parks & Recreation Department Quarterly Report (January, April, July, October) 4. Quarterly report on wireless facilities code updates (as necessary) Packet Pg. 114