HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-09-2021 CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSIONCity Council S tudy Session F inance,
Technology and Economic Dev elopment
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August 9, 2021 - 5:30 P M
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B.R oll Call
I I I .A G E ND A I T E MS F O R C O UNC I L D I S C US S I O N
A.Waste Management Contract I mplementation (Thomas)(30 Minutes)
B.Ordinance No. 6828 (Tate)(15 Minutes)
A n O rdinance relating to the regulation of portable signs, and amending sections
18.29.060, 18.29.070, 18.56.030 of the A uburn City Code and various sections of the
D owntown Urban Center design standards
Page 1 of 26
I V.F I NA NC E , T E C HNO L O G Y A ND E C O NO MI C D E V E L O P ME NT D I S C US S I O N I T E MS
V.O T HE R D I S C US S I O N I T E MS
V I .NE W B US I NE S S
V I I .A D J O UR NME NT
Agendas and minutes are available to the public at the City Clerk's Office, on the City website
(http://www.auburnwa.gov), and via e-mail . Complete agenda packets are available for revi ew
at the City Clerk's Office.
Page 2 of 26
AGENDA BILL APPROVAL FORM
Agenda Subject:
Waste Management Contract Implementation (Thomas)(30
Minutes)
Date:
August 4, 2021
Department:
Finance
Attachments:
No Attachments Av ailable
Budget Impact:
Administrativ e Recommendation:
For discussion only.
Background for Motion:
Background Summary:
The City of Auburn’s solid waste contract with Waste Management and franchise agreement
with Republic Services both expire September 30, 2021. The City conducted a request for
proposal (RFP) process to competitively procure the next solid waste contract and Waste
Management was the highest scoring proponent. The City entered into a new contract with
Waste Management that will be effective October 1, 2021 and encompass the entire City.
This presentation is a summary of the implementation efforts that are underway in preparation
f or the contract switch over on October 1, 2021.
Rev iewed by Council Committees:
Councilmember:Baggett Staff:Thomas
Meeting Date:August 9, 2021 Item Numb er:
Page 3 of 26
AGENDA BILL APPROVAL FORM
Agenda Subject:
Ordinance No. 6828 (Tate)(15 Minutes)
Date:
August 2, 2021
Department:
Community Development
Attachments:
Ordinance No. 6828
Portable Sign S tandards Text Amendments
DUC Portable S ign Des ign Standards Text
Amendments
Portable Sign Code Update Pres entation
Budget Impact:
Current Budget: $0
Proposed Revision: $0
Revised Budget: $0
Administrativ e Recommendation:
For discussion only.
Background for Motion:
Background Summary:
Previously temporary signs, which also included portable signs, were allowed throughout the
City – including the Downtown Urban Center zoning district. However, the temporary sign
provision that allowed portable signs throughout the City sunsetted in 2016 and portable
signs are now prohibited everywhere except the DUC zone (and except f or real estate signs).
Prior to the sunsetting of the code, the City had a no fee sign permit for temporary signs. The
purpose of the no fee sign permit was to ensure a signs compliance with City code. After the
temporary sign provisions of that allowed portable signs throughout the City sunsetted, the no
f ee sign permit f or temporary signs ended as well. Portable signs, however, are still allowed
in the DUC zoning district because Chapter 18.29 ACC “DUC Downtown Urban Center”, still
contains provisions for portable signs. Since 2016 there has been a increase in noncompliant
portable signs. This includes being noncompliant in the number, placement, and size of
signs. The proposed text amendment is intended to clarify, improve, and reinf orce the
existing portable sign standards, provide new portable sign design standards, and address
some challenges with portable signs that have occurred over the years.
Rev iewed by Council Committees:
Councilmember:Stearns Staff:Tate
Meeting Date:August 9, 2021 Item Number:
Page 4 of 26
Page 5 of 26
--------------------------------
Ordinance No. 6828
July 27, 2021
Page 1 Rev. 2020
ORDINANCE NO. 6828
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
AUBURN, WASHINGTON, RELATING TO THE
REGULATION OF PORTABLE SIGNS, AND AMENDING
SECTIONS 18.29.060, 18.29.070, 18.56.030 OF THE AUBURN
CITY CODE AND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE
DOWNTOWN URBAN CENTER DESIGN STANDARDS
WHEREAS, temporary signs, including portable signs, are prohibited throughout the City
except for certain locations including the Downtown Urban Center (DUC); and
WHEREAS, portable signs are permitted in the DUC zoning district, subject to the
regulations contained in ACC 18.29.060(I)(4) and the DUC design standards; and
WHEREAS, Auburn has experienced challenges with portable signs and wishes to address
these challenges by clarifying, improving, and reinforcing the portable sign standards; and
WHEREAS, until such time City Council adopts a fee, portable signs will require a sign
permit for no fee; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 36.70A the proposed code language contained herein was
transmitted to the Washington State Department of Commerce, which performed an expedited
agency review. The state agency comment period expired on July 6, 2021 and the City did not
receive any agency comments; and
WHEREAS, the code amendments were reviewed according to the process established by
the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), a Determination of Non-Significance
(DNS) was issued on June 24, 2021, and the City observed a fourteen-day public comment period;
and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed amendments and considered
the effect of the changes on public and private property owners at its June 8, 2021 meeting; and
Page 6 of 26
--------------------------------
Ordinance No. 6828
July 27, 2021
Page 2 Rev. 2020
WHEREAS, on July 20, 2021 the Planning Commission held a public hearing, after
receiving no public comment letters regarding the proposed amendments, and afterwards
forwarded a recommendation for approval to the City Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN,
WASHINGTON, DO ORDAIN as follows:
Section 1. Amendment to City Code. Sections 18.29.060, 18.29.070, and 18.56.030
of the Auburn City Code are amended to read as shown in Exhibit A.
Section 2. Amendment to City Code. Section fivee of the Downtown Urban Center
Design Standards is amended to read as shown in Exhibit B.
Section 3. Implementation. The Mayor is authorized to implement those
administrative procedures necessary to carry out the directives of this legislation.
Section 4. Severability. The provisions of this ordinance are declared to be separate
and severable. The invalidity of any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section, or portion
of this ordinance, or the invalidity of the application of it to any person or circumstance, will not
affect the validity of the remainder of this ordinance, or the validity of its application to other
persons or circumstances.
Section 5. Effective date. This Ordinance will take effect and be in force five days
from and after its passage, approval, and publication as provided by law.
INTRODUCED: _______________
PASSED: ____________________
APPROVED: _________________
Page 7 of 26
--------------------------------
Ordinance No. 6828
July 27, 2021
Page 3 Rev. 2020
____________________________
NANCY BACKUS, MAYOR
ATTEST:
____________________________
Shawn Campbell, MMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
Kendra Comeau, City Attorney
Published: ____________________
Page 8 of 26
Portable Sign Code Text Amendment - City File No. ZOA20-0003 Page 1 of 4
Chapter 18.29
DUC DOWNTOWN URBAN CENTER DISTRICT
18.29.060 Development standards.
I. Signs. The design of all signs shall be in conformance with the design standards referenced in ACC
18.29.070. Allowable types, numbers and sizes of signs shall be as follows:
1. Freestanding: not allowed, except for monument signs as described within the “Downtown
Auburn Design Standards”; no more than one per street frontage; maximum size: 64 square feet,
calculated at a rate of one square foot of sign area per lineal foot of site frontage; minimum
entitlement shall be 32 square feet; maximum height: five feet.
2. Wall signs: maximum area of 150 square feet per building facade, calculated at a rate of one
square foot of sign area for every lineal foot of facade; minimum entitlement shall be 16 square
feet.
3. Suspended signs attached under a marquee or canopy: one double-faced sign, no greater than
three square feet per face allowed for each building entrance; minimum clearance above grade:
eight feet.
4. Portable Signs. One pPortable signs may be allowed for each business entrance, not to exceed
one portable sign per building frontagebusiness, subject to the following:
a. Signs Mmay be placed within the public right-of-way, within 12 feet of a business entrance,
subject to the guidelines provided by the director in consultation with the city engineer such
that sign placement does not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic, does not create a
sight hazard, and conforms to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Additional portable signage may be authorized in order to support downtown events that are
permitted or sanctioned by the City.
b. The sign shall be in accordance with the provisions of ACC 18.56.030(L).
bc. The sign area cMay not Cannot exceed 36 42 inches in height and , 320 inches in width,
and be limited to two faces.
d. Portable signs are not permitted to be affixed to City infrastructure located within the right-
of-way (e.g. street lights, fire hydrants, public art). This includes a prohibition of chaining or
otherwise securing portable signs to such infrastructure.
EXHIBIT 1
Ordinance No. 6828
July 27, 2021
Page 4
EXHIBIT A
Page 9 of 26
Portable Sign Code Text Amendment - City File No. ZOA20-0003 Page 2 of 4
d. Must be constructed of either wood or another sturdy material to ensure stability in the
wind.
e. May not move, spin, flash, or otherwise be animated.
ce. Signs mMay only be displayed during business hours and shall not be displayed when the
business is closed.
f. No landscaping may be covered, cut, damaged, or modified to accommodate a portable sign.
The City may require replacement of any damaged landscaping pursuant to Chapter 18.50 ACC.
g. All portable signs shall have the permit number affixed to the back of the sign.
18.29.070 Design standards.
Adopted by reference are the “Downtown Auburn Design Standards” and the “Auburn Junction Design
Standards,” a copy of which shall be maintained by the city clerk. These documents contain standards
for development of the built environment in the DUC zone. The director shall have the authority to
apply the standards to specific development proposals. These standards may be amended upon
approval by the community development director city council. (Ord. 6532 § 29, 2014; Ord. 6419 § 2,
2012; Ord. 6287 § 2, 2010; Ord. 6190 § 1, 2008; Ord. 6071 § 6 (Exh. A), 2007.)
Ordinance No. 6828
July 27, 2021
Page 5
Page 10 of 26
Portable Sign Code Text Amendment - City File No. ZOA20-0003 Page 3 of 4
Chapter 18.56
SIGNS
18.56.030 General provisions, all districts.
I. Prohibited Signs. From and after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter it shall be
unlawful for any person to erect or place within the city, except as otherwise authorized:
1. A swinging projecting sign;
2. Portable signs, except as permitted by ACC 18.56.025 (Real estate signs) and, 18.56.040(E) (C-2
Zoning District) , and ACC 18.29.060(I) (DUC);
3. Banners, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, rotating or blinking lights, strings of lights, or
similar devices, except as permitted by subsection B of this section (Temporary Signs);
4. Flashing signs, except as permitted in subsection D of this section (Sign Lighting Provisions);
5. Changing message center signs, except as allowed in the I, P-1, C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1 and M-2
zones;
6. Signs attached to, or placed on, a vehicle or trailer parked on private or public property that is
not associated with the business advertised on said sign(s). This provision is not to be construed as
prohibiting the identification of a firm or its principal products on a vehicle used in the normal
course of business. This does not include automobile for sale signs or signs attached to franchised
buses or taxis;
7. Private signs placed in or on a public right-of-way, except for as expressly permitted by this
chapter;
8. Any sign which constitutes a traffic hazard or detriment to traffic safety by reason of its size,
location, movement, coloring, or method of illumination, or by obstructing the vision of drivers, or
detracting from the visibility of any official traffic control device by diverting or tending to divert the
attention of drivers of moving vehicles from traffic movement on streets, roads, intersections, or
access facilities. No sign shall be erected so that it obstructs the vision of pedestrians by glare or
method of illumination or constitutes a hazard to traffic. No sign may use words, phrases, symbols
or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic;
9. Any sign or advertising structure or supporting structure that is torn, damaged, defaced or
destroyed;
Ordinance No. 6828
July 27, 2021
Page 6
Page 11 of 26
Portable Sign Code Text Amendment - City File No. ZOA20-0003 Page 4 of 4
10. Signs attached to poles installed by governmental agencies, utility poles, trees, rocks or other
natural features;
11. Signs attached to benches, garbage cans, or other street furniture located within the public
right-of-way;
12. Rotating signs;
13. Billboards;
14. Any sign which does not structurally or materially conform to the requirements of the city’s
adopted International Building Code.
Ordinance No. 6828
July 27, 2021
Page 7
Page 12 of 26
Downtown Urba n Center
City of Auburn Design Standards
ADOPTED 2/12/07;
AMENDED 4/14/08, 06/9/08, 06/16/09, 05/24/10,
2/21/17, 2/21/17;
REVISION EFFECTIVE 03/01/2017
City of Auburn Downtown Standards
Downtown Urban Center Zone
March 1, 2017
1
EXHIBIT B EXHIBIT B
Ordinance No. 6828
July 27, 2021
Page 8
Page 13 of 26
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Definitions/Architectural Terms
II. Guidelines Applicable to All Development
Site Design Parking Lots and Garages
--Screening and Landscaping
--Pedestrian Connections
--Width / Spacing of Driveways
Shielded Lighting
Screening Service Areas
Public Plazas
Building
Design Entrances
Ground Level Details
Base / Middle / Top
Upper Level Setbacks
Treating Blank Walls
Use of Neon
Parking Structures
Screening Rooftop Equipment
Energy Efficiency
Sign Design Integration with Architecture
Creativity
Landmark Signs
Ground Signs
III. Guidelines Applicable to Pedestrian Streets
Site Design Limitation on Driveways
Location of Parking
Location of Drive-Through Lanes
Building
Design Land Use Mix
Proximity to Sidewalk
Ground Level Transparency
Weather Protection
Sign Design Pedestrian Orientation
City of Auburn Downtown Standards
Downtown Urban Center Zone
March 1, 2017
2
Portable Signs
Ordinance No. 6828
July 27, 2021
Page 9
Page 14 of 26
facilities are not damaged by other activity on the roof.
C. The applicant shall install an outdoor speaker system and AM receiver, to receive the City’s Main
Street radio signal, on any new commercial structure within the Downtown Urban Center zone. The
property owner and/or building owner shall be responsible for the outdoor speaker system and any
repairs or maintenance.
D. Utility equipment such as power and gas meters shall be painted to match the structure.
E. Private utility cabinets (e.g. Comcast, PSE) shall be screened with landscaping where feasible.
1. LANDMARK SIGNS
Intent: preserve the unique character of the downtown
A. Retain existing historic signs (as determined by the City) that
feature the character of the area, wherever possible.
2. INTEGRATION WITH ARCHITECTURE
Intent: ensure that signage is a part of the overall design of a project and not additive or
an afterthought
A. The design plans for buildings and sites shall identify locations and
sizes for future signs. As tenants install signs, such signs shall be in
conformance with an overall sign program that allows for advertising
which fits with the architectural character, proportions, and details of
the development. The sign program shall indicate location, size, and
general design.
B. New signs shall not project above the roof, parapet or exterior wall
unless part of an integral architectural feature. Signs mounted on a
roof are not allowed.
City of Auburn Downtown Standards
Downtown Urban Center Zone
March 1, 2017
12Ordinance No. 6828
July 27, 2021
Page 10
Page 15 of 26
3. CREATIVITY
Intent: encourage interesting, creative and unique approaches to the design of signage
A. Signs should be highly graphic in form, expressive and
individualized. Signs should convey the product or service offered
by the business in a bold, graphic form
B. If a projecting sign is designed by a graphic design
professional and includes a non-verbal, three-dimensional symbol
that succinctly conveys the nature of the business and constitutes
a dominant proportion of the overall design, the sign may be
allowed to exceed the maximum area otherwise allowed by 50%.
4. GROUND SIGNS
Intent: ensure that signs are not principally
oriented to automobile traffic
A. All freestanding signs shall be ground (monument) signs no
higher than five (5) feet. Pole signs are prohibited.
B. The area around the base of any ground sign shall be
planted with shrubs and seasonal flowers.
C. Backlit signs are permitted if the sign meets all other
standards for signage in this document and Chapter 18.29.
D. Internally-lit signs are p permitted when located
adjacent and oriented to Auburn Way North/Auburn
Way South street frontages and only with electronic
message center signs in accordance with Auburn
City Code Chapter 18.56 Signs. If an internally lit
sign is utilized, the sign shall also conform to all
other applicable standards for changing message
center signs as described in this same chapter.
E. Boxed cabinet signs are prohibited in the Downtown
Urban Center zone.
F. Outlined cabinet signs are permitted only if the sign
meets all other standards for signage in this
document and Chapter 18.29.
City of Auburn Downtown Standards
Downtown Urban Center Zone
March 1, 2017
13Ordinance No. 6828
July 27, 2021
Page 11
Page 16 of 26
1. LAND USE
Intent: ensure a rich, uninterrupted mixture of
lively activities aimed at people on foot
A. Along Pedestrian I Streets, ground floor uses that
face the sidewalk shall be retail, restaurant or personal
service uses.
B. Along Pedestrian II Streets, ground floor office and
residential uses are also acceptable when facing the sidewalk.
2. PROXIMITY TO SIDEWALK
Intent: reinforce an active pedestrian experience
along Pedestrian Streets
A. Buildings along Pedestrian Streets shall be set immediately
at the back of the sidewalk, with the exception of providing open
space for public use such as plazas, courtyards and seating areas.
B. Water run-off from canopies/awnings should be controlled by
gutter or other means.
City of Auburn Downtown Standards
Downtown Urban Center Zone
March 1, 2017
15
5. PORTABLE SIGN DESIGN STANDARDS
Intent: to encourage finished appearance of portable signs
A. Portable signage in the Downtown Urban Center should contribute to the
downtown’s designation as a vibrant and pedestrian-oriented zone in the City. Signs
should be designed with the purpose of promoting nearby services and goods and
street activity, and contribute to a lively street aesthetic.
B. Signs must be professionally manufactured of durable materials. Sign copy shall
be framed, board-mounted, or plastic laminated for a finished appearance.
Chalkboard style A-frame signs and menu boards are permitted, provided text and
graphics are tasteful.
C. Signs should convey the product or service offered with a highly graphic,
expressive, and individualized design.
D. Sign may not include lighting, attachment, animations or move, spin, and/or flash.
Ordinance No. 6828
July 27, 2021
Page 12
Page 17 of 26
PLANNING SERVICES
PORTABLE SIGN CODE UPDATE
CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
AUGUST 9, 2021
ALEXANDRIA D. TEAGUE, AICP
AUBURN
VALUES
SERVICE
ENVIRONMENT
ECONOMY
CHARACTER
SUSTAINABILITY
WELLNESS
CELEBRATION
Department of Community Development
Planning Building Development Engineering Permit Center
Sustainability Community Services ●Code Enforcement 1Page 18 of 26
WHERE WILL THE PROPOSED CODE TAKE EFFECT?
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION
Zoning Code –Title 18
The downtown urban center zone is
intended to create a distinct and
strong identity for downtown Auburn by
establishing land use and design
standards for review of development
proposals within the core area of the
city of Auburn’s designated urban
center…
Page 19 of 26
WHY MAKE CHANGES?
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATIONPage 20 of 26
Page 21 of 26
PROPOSED CHANGES TO CHAPTER 18.29 ACC
EXISTING PORTABLE SIGN ZONING DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS TO BE MODIFIED:
(4). One Portable signs may be allowed for each business entrance, not to exceed one portable sign per building frontage, subject to the following:
(a).Signs may be placed within the public right-of-way, within 12 feet of a business entrance, subject to the guidelines provided by the director in consultation with the city engineer such that sign placement does not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic, does not create a sight hazard, and conforms to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additional portable signage may be authorized in order to support downtown events that are permitted or sanctioned by the City. Additional portable signage may be authorized in order to support downtown events that are permitted or sanctioned by the City.
(c).The sign area May not cannot exceed 36 42 inches in height and 30 32 inches in width and be limited to two faces.
(e). Signs may be displayed during business hours only and shall not be displayed when the business is closed.
(d).Must be constructed of either wood or another sturdy material to ensure stability in the wind.
(e).May not move, spin, flash, or otherwise be animated.
,
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATIONPage 22 of 26
PROPOSED CHANGES TO CHAPTER 18.29 ACC
CONTINUED
NEW PORTABLE SIGN ZONING DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS TO BE ADDED:
(b) The sign shall be in accordance with the provisions of ACC 18.56.030(L).
(d) Portable signs are not permitted to be affixed to City infrastructure located within the right-
of-way (e.g. street lights, fire hydrants, public art). This includes a prohibition of chaining or
otherwise securing portable signs to such infrastructure.
(f) No landscaping may be covered, cut, damaged, or modified to accommodate a portable sign.
The City may require replacement of any damaged landscaping pursuant to Chapter 18.50 ACC.
(g) All portable signs shall have the permit number affixed to the back of the sign.
,
Page 23 of 26
ACC 18.29.070
Adopted by reference are the “Downtown Auburn Design Standards” and the “Auburn Junction Design Standards,” a copy of which shall be maintained by the city clerk. These documents contain standards for development of the built environment in the DUC zone. The director shall have the authority to apply the standards to specific development proposals. These standards may be amended upon approval by the city council.community development director.
ACC 18.31.200(D)
Adopted by reference are the following architectural and site design documents, copies of which shall be maintained by the city clerk….The following specific architectural and design standards documents may be amended upon approval by the community development director.
1.Mixed-use and multiple-family development design standards.
2.Auburn Gateway architectural and site design standards.
3.Downtown urban center design standards.
4.Auburn Junction design standards.
PROPOSED CHANGES TO CHAPTER 18.29 ACC
CONTINUED
,
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATIONPage 24 of 26
Portable signage
Should contribute to the downtown’s designation as a vibrant and pedestrian-oriented zone in the City
Must promote nearby services and goods and street activity
Must contribute to a lively street aesthetic
Must be professionally manufactured of durable materials
Should convey the product or service offered with a highly graphic, expressive, and individualized design
May not include lighting, attachment, animations or move, spin, and/or flash
PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE DUC DESIGN STANDARDS
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATIONPage 25 of 26
QUESTIONS?
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION
Thank you!
Alexandria Teague, Planner II, Dept. of Community Development
Page 26 of 26