HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-01-2009 Special
* - ' *
CITY OF
PLANNING & COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
WASHINGTON
SEPTEMBER 1, 2009
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER - 6:15 PM, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
II. ACTION
A. Ordinance No. 6263 (Snyder/Andersen)
Summary: Amendments to ACC 18.56 (Signs) for temporary and portable signs.
II1. ADJOURNMENT
.
~
CITY OF,
` AGENDA BILL APPROVAL FORM
WASHINGTON
Agenda Subject: Ordinance No. 6263 - Amendments to ACC 18.56 Date: August 27, 2009
(Signs) for temporary and portable signs
Department: Attachments: Ordinance No. 6263 Budget Impact: N/A
Plannin , Buildin & Communit
Administrative Recommendation:
Planning Commission recommends approval of amendments to ACC 18.56 (Signs) as contained in
Ordinance No. 6263
Background Summary:
Chapter 18.56 (Signs) of the Auburn City Code (ACC) contains regulations and standards for the use of
different types of signage on private properties and publicly owned land within the municipal limits of the City
of Auburn. The Auburn City Council has previously passed ordinances establishing and amending ACC
18.56 (Signs) inclusive of Ordinance No. 4229 in 1987, Ordinance No. 4705 in 1994, Ordinance No. 5993 in
2006 and Ordinarrce No. 6166 in 2008. The Auburn Planning, Building and Community Department and the
Mayor's Office have received numerous requests from local businesses for increased regulatory allowances
for portable and temporary signs to help stimulate local business activities during the current significant
economic downturn.
Planning, Building and Community Department staff met with the City of Auburn Planning and Community
Development Committee on July 27, 2009 and the Planning Commission on August 4, 2009 to discuss
issues and ideas for possible amendments to Chapter 18.56 in response to these requests. Following these
meetings, City staff prepared draft amendments to ACC 18.56 (Signs) addressing potential additional
flexibility for portable signs, temporary signs (i.e. special event signs and banners) and off-site directional
signs.
The Planning Commission conducted a duly advertised public hearing on August 25, 2009 on proposed
amendments to ACC 18.56 (Signs). Following the close of the public hearing, the Commission deliberated
and on a positive unanimous motion recommended City Council adoption of the proposed amendments. As
part of its motion, the Committee recommended that the proposed amendments be valid for a one year
period from the effective date of the adopting ordinance with the opportunity for two additional six-month
effectiveness extensions. The Committee further recommended that prior City authorization be required for
the placement of temporary or portable or off-site directional signs in the public rights-of-way.
Following action by the Committee, Ordinance No. 6263 is scheduled for review by the Public Works and
Finance Committees and for possible City Council adoption on Tuesday, September 8, 2009.
Reviewed by Council & Committees: I Reviewed by Departments & Divisions:
❑ Arts Commission COUNCIL COMMITTEES:' ❑ Building ❑ M&O
❑ Airport ❑ Finance , ❑ Cemetery ❑ Mayor
❑ Hearing Examiner ❑ Municipal Serv. , ❑ Finance ❑ Parks
❑ Human Services ❑ Planning & CD ❑ Fire ~ Planning
❑ Park Board ❑Public Works ! Z Legal ❑ Police
0 Planning Comm. ❑ Other ❑ Public Works ❑ Human Resources
❑ Information Services
Action:
Committee Approval: ❑Yes ❑No
Council Approval: ❑Yes ❑No Call for Public Hearing
Referred to Until
Tabled Until
Councilmember: Norman Staff: Sn der/Andersen
Meetin Date: September 1, 2009 Item Number: II.A
AU$[,jRN * hr10R£ THAN YOU ltv1AGINED
ORDINANCE NO. 6 2 6 3
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON, AMENDING
CHAPTER 18.56 OF THE AUBURN CITY CODE
RELATING TO TEMPORARY SIGNS
WHEREAS, Auburn City Code Chapter 18.56 governs the placement of
signs in the City, including portable and temporary signs; and
WHEREAS, the City of Auburn has received numerous requests from
local businesses for increased regulatory allowances for the use of portable and
temporary signs to help stimulate local business activity; and
WHEREAS, on August 25, 2009, the City of Auburn Planning Commission
held a public hearing on the increased use of portable and temporary signs in the
City, and recommended to the City Council that such an increase be allowed;
and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission recommended a one year time
period for such increased use with the possibility of up to two extension of six
months, should economic conditions warrant; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that under the current economic
conditions, it is in the best interest of the City to allow local businesses to
increase their use of portable and temporary signs for a limited time period,
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN,
WASHINGTON, DO ORDAIN as follows:
Section 1. Amendment to Citv Code. That, from the effective
date of this Ordinance, through September 15, 2010 Section 18.56.010 of the
Auburn City Code be and the same hereby is amended to read as follows:
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 1 of 26
18.56.010 Intent.
The overall purpose of this chapter is to enhance and maintain the
aesthetic character, to promote the public health, safety and
general welfare, and to increase the effectiveness of visual
communication in the city. This chapter is also intended to avoid
visual clutter that may adversely impact traffic and pedestrian
safety, or be adverse to property values, business opportunities
and the city's appearance and to prevent and abate public
nuisances. The purpose of this chapter is implemented by
controlling the construction, location, use and maintenance of all
signs and sign structures. It is also the intent of this chapter to
afford noncommercial speech the same or greater protection
afforded commercial speech and to not regulate noncommercial
speech to a stricter standard than commercial speech. This chapter
is further intended to support local businesses in the Citv and the
~ Citv's overall economv bv providing additional and increased
opportunities for the use and siting of temporarv and portabie
signa_qe subject to conditions, includinq but not limited to time, size,
location and placement. (Ord. 5993 § 1, 2006; Ord. 4773 § 1, 1995;
Ord. 4229 § 2, 1987.)
Section 2. Amendment to Citv Code. That, effective September
16, 2010, Section 18.56.010 of the Auburn City Code be and the same hereby is
amended to read as follows:
18.56.010 Intent.
The overall purpose of this chapter is to enhance and maintain the
aesthetic character, to promote the public health, safety and
general welfare, and to increase the effectiveness of visual
communication in the city. This chapter is also intended to avoid
visual clutter that may adversely impact traffic and pedestrian
safety, or be adverse to property values, business opportunities
and the city's appearance and to prevent and abate public
nuisances. The purpose of this chapter is implemented by
controlling the construction, location, use and maintenance of all
signs and sign structures. It is also the intent of this chapter to
afford noncommercial speech the same or greater protection
afforded commercial speech and to not regulate noncommercial
~ speech to a stricter standard than commercial speech. .(OfCI. 5993 Deleted: This chapter is further ~
§ 1, 2006; Ord. 4773 § 1, 1995; Ot'd. 4229 § 2, 1987.) intended to support local businesses
in the City and the City's overall
economy by providing additional and
increased opportunities for the use
and siting of temporary and portable
signage subject to conditions,
including but not limited to time, size,
location and placement.
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 2 of 26
Section 3. Amendment to Citv Code. That, from the effective
date of this Ordinance, through September 15, 2010 Section 18.56.020 of the
Auburn City Code be and the same hereby is amended to read as follows:
18.56.020 Definitions.
The following definitions are specific to this chapter and are to be
used only for the implementation of this chapter:
A. "Animated sign" means any sign that flashes or simulates
motion with an electronic or manufactured source of supply or
contains wind-actuated motion (except for flags and banners). An
animated sign may also be a sign that meets the definition of
"changing message center" or "revolving sign."
B. "Banner" means a temporary sign constructed of fabric,
vinyl, or other durable material; which is not the primary
identification for the organization, event or product advertised; and
which is primarily promotional in nature.
C. "Billboard" means a large outdoor advertising sign containing
a message, commercial or otherwise, unrelated to the use or
activity on the property on which the sign is located and/or to any
use or activity in the immediate area (such as is the case with an
off-premises sign) and which is customarily leased for commercial
purposes. The approximate sizes of the billboard faces range from
12 to 14 feet in height and 24 to 48 feet in width.
D. "Changing message center" means an electronically
controlled message center that displays different copy changes on
the same lamp bank.
E. "Directional sign" means a sign which is located to guide or
direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic to parking entrances, exits, and
service areas, and may not exceed six square feet in area or 10
feet in height. For projects that have parking lots in excess of 500
spaces, the sign area may be 10 square feet and the sign height 15
feet. .
F. "Double-faced sign" means a sign with two faces.
G. "Electrical sign" means a sign or sign structure in which
electrical wiring, connections, and/or fixtures are used as part of the
sign proper.
H. "Facade" means the entire building front, or street wall face,
including grade to the top of the parapet or eaves, and the entire
width of the building elevation.
1. "Flashing sign" means an electrical sign or a portion thereof
which changes light intensity in a sudden transitory burst, or which
switches on and off in a constant pattern in which more than one-
third of the nonconstant light source is off at any one time.
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 3 of 26
J. "Freestanding sign" means a sign that meets the definition of
"ground sign" (also commonly referred to as a monument sign), or
"pole sign." Signs attached to fences or other structures that are not
defined as buildings will be considered freestanding signs.
K. "Frontage" means the measurement, in linear feet, of the
length of the property line for a single-tenant building or length of
leased building frontage for multitenant buildings or multibuilding
complexes.
L. "Grade" means the relative existing ground level in the
immediate vicinity of the sign.
M. "Ground sign" means a sign attached to the ground and
supported by the ground or a built-up landscaped area such that
the sign appears solid with the ground. The height of a ground sign
shall be measured from the surrounding grade. Also commonly
referred to as a monument sign.
N. "Identification sign" means a sign containing the name of the
business establishment, occupant of the building or tenant space
and/or address of the premises. O. "Incidental sign" means a sign that is generally informational
and of a noncommercial nature intended primarily for the
convenience of the public and having a maximum area of two
square feet. Incidental signs include, but are not limited to: signs
designating restrooms, hours of operation, entrances and exits to
buildings and parking lots, help wanted, public telephones, etc. Also
included are property control and warning signs such as "no
trespassing," "no dumping," etc., and plaques, tablets or
inscriptions which are an integral part of a building.
P. "Mansard roof' means a sloped roof or roof-like facade
architecturally able to be treated as a building wall.
Q. "Marquee" means a permanent structure attached to,
supported by, and projecting from a building and providing
protection from the weather elements. For the purpose of this
chapter, a freestanding, permanent roof-like structure providing
protection from the elements, such as a service station gas pump
canopy, will also be considered a marquee. The term "marquee"
also includes canopy.
R. "Marquee sign" means any sign which forms part of or is
integrated into a marquee and which does not extend horizontaliy
beyond the limits of such marquee. For the purpose of this chapter,
a marquee sign will be considered as a wall sign.
S. "Median sign" means a sign that is placed within the median
of a public street.
T. "Multiple-building complex" means a group of commercial or
industrial structures, developed as a group either simultaneously or
in phases, with more than one building per parcel.
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 4 of 26
U. "Multiple-tenant building" means a single structure housing
more than one retail business, office or commercial venture but not
including residential apartment buildings, which share the same lot,
access and/or parking facilities.
V. "On-premises sign" means a sign which carries
advertisements incidental to a lawful use of the premises on which
it is located, including signs indicating the business transacted at,
services rendered, goods sold or produced on the premises, name
of the person, firm or corporation occupying the premises.
W. "Off-premises sign" means any sign which advertises an
establishment, merchandise, service, goods, or entertainment
which is sold, produced, and manufactured, or furnished at a place
other than on the property on which said sign is located.
X. "Parapet" means a false front or wall extension above the
roofline.
Y. "Perimeter" means a square or rectangle required to enclose
the sign area.
Z. "Portable sign" means any sign made of any material,
including paper, cardboard, wood or metal, which is capable of
being moved easily and is not permanently affixed to the ground,
structure or building. This also includes sidewalk or sandwich board
signs, except those worn by a person.
AA. "Premises" means the real estate as a unit, which is involved
by the sign or signs mentioned in this chapter.
BB. "Projecting sign" means a sign which is attached to a
structure or building wall in such a manner that the leading edge
extends more than 16 inches beyond the surface of said structure
or wall but does not extend more than five feet beyond the property
line, extends no more than six inches above any roofline, and
meets all standards for ground clearance. Signs that meet the
definition of "marquee sign" or "suspended sign" will not be
considered a "projecting sign."
CC. "Real estate sign" means a portable sign erected by the
owner, or the owner's agent, advertising the real estate upon which .
the sign is located for rent, lease or sale.
DD. "Revolving sign" means any sign that rotates or turns in
motion by electrical or mechanical means in a circular pattern.
EE. "Roof sign" means a sign erected upon or above a roof or
parapet of a building or structure. Mansard roof signs shall be
considered as wall signs. Roof signs may not extend more than five
feet in height above the roof.
FF. "Sign" means any visual communication device, structure, or
fixture which is visible from any right-of-way intended to aid a land
use in promoting the sale or identification of a product, good or
service using graphics, symbols, or written copy. For the purpose of
this chapter, a sign shall not be considered to be building or
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 5 of 26
structural design. It shall be restricted solely to graphics, symbols,
or written copy that is meant to be used in the aforementioned way.
This definition shall include inflatable signs, balloons or other
similar devices.
GG. "Sign area" means:
1. The total area of a sign visible from any one viewpoint or
direction, excluding the sign support structure, architectural
embellishments, or framework that contains no written copy, and
includes only one side of a double-faced sign.
2. Individual letter signs using a wall as the background without
added decoration or change in wall color shall be calculated by
measuring the perimeter enclosing each letter. The combined total
area of each individual letter shall be considered the total area of
the sign.
3. Module signs consisting of more than one sign cabinet shall
be computed by adding together the total area of each module.
4. Perimeter of sign area shall be established by the smailest
rectangle enclosing the extreme limits of the letter module or
advertising message being measured.
HH. "Sign heighY" means the vertical distance measured from the
adjacent grade to the highest point of the sign.
il. "Sign structure" means any structure that supports or is
capable of supporting any sign as defined in this chapter. A sign
structure may be a single pole or may or may not be an integral
part of the building or structure.
JJ. "Single-tenant building" means a commercial building or
structure that contains one enterprise or occupant. Buildings within
a multibuilding complex may not be considered a single-tenant
building.
KK. "Special event signage" means temporary signs including
posters, flags, pennants, and inflatable materials; which are not the
primary identification for the organization, event or product
~ advertised; and which are primarily intended for ~Short-term Deiecea: very
promotional periods.
LL. "Suspended 'sign" means a sign that is attached to and
suspended from a marquee or canopy, and subject to right-of-way
and clearance regulations.
MM. "Temporary sign" means any sign or advertising display
constructed of wood, vinyl, cloth, canvas, light fabric, paper,
cardboard, or other light materials, with or without frames, intended
to be displayed for a limited time only. This definition shall include
inflatable signs.
NN. "Traffic hazard" means any sign which does not meet city
standards for clear zone or sight distance or which does not meet
the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 6 of 26
00. "Wall sign" means a sign attached or erected parallel to and
extending not more than 16 inches from the facade or face of any
building to which it is attached and supported through its entire
length, with the exposed face of the sign parallel to the plane of
said wall or facade. "Window signs" which do not meet the
definition of a"temporary sign" shall be considered as wall signs.
PP. "Window sign" means a sign located inside or affixed to
windows of a building, whether temporary or permanent, lighted or
unlighted, which may be viewed from the exterior of the building.
QQ. "Feather Banner or Siqn" means a fabric siqn with printed
advertisement on one or two faces that is either stationerv or
rotates and is attached on one side to a metal pole or stake that is
placed in the qround or attached to a secure obiect.
RR. "Off-premise directional siqn" means a siqn located on
private propertv or in the public riqht-of-wav as authorized that
directs or quides persons to an establishment, merchandise,
. service qoods, or entertainment which is sold, produced, and
manufactured, or furnished at a place other than on the property or
public riqht-of-way on which said siqn is located. (Ord. 6166 § 1,
2008; Ord. 5993 § 1, 2006; Ord. 4705 § 2, 1994; Ord. 4229 § 2,
1987.)
Section 4. Amendment to City Code. That, effective September
16, 2010 Section 18.56.020 of the Auburn City Code be and the same hereby is
amended to read as follows:
18.56.020 Definitions.
The following definitions are specific to this chapter and are to be
used only for the implementation of this chapter:
A. "Animated sign" means any sign that flashes or simulates
motion with an electronic or manufactured source of supply or
contains wind-actuated motion (except for flags and banners). An
animated sign may also be a sign that meets the definition of
"changing message center" or "revolving sign."
B. "Banner" means a temporary sign constructed of fabric,
vinyl, or other durable material; which is not the primary
identification for the organization, event or product advertised; and
which is primarily promotional in nature.
C. "Billboard" means a large outdoor advertising sign containing
a message, commercial or otherwise, unrelated to the use or
activity on the property on which the sign is located and/or to any
use or activity in the immediate area (such as is the case with an
off-premises sign) and which is customarily leased for commercial
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 7 of 26
purposes. The approximate sizes of the billboard faces range from
12 to 14 feet in height and 24 to 48 feet in width.
D. "Changing message center" means an electronically
controlled message center that displays different copy changes on
the same lamp bank.
E. "Directional sign" means a sign which is located to guide or
direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic to parking entrances, exits, and
service areas, and may not exceed six square feet in area or 10
feet in height. For projects that have parking lots in excess of 500
spaces, the sign area may be 10 square feet and the sign height 15
feet.
F. "Double-faced sign" means a sign with two faces.
G. "Electrical sign" means a sign or sign structure in which
electrical wiring, connections, and/or fixtures are used as part of the
sign proper.
H. "Facade" means the entire building front, or street wall face,
including grade to the top of the parapet or eaves, and the entire
width of the building elevation.
1. "Flashing sign" means an electrical sign or a portion thereof
which changes light intensity in a sudden transitory burst, or which
switches on and off in a constant pattern in which more than one-
third of the nonconstant light source is off at any one time.
J. "Freestanding sign" means a sign that meets the definition of
"ground sign" (also commonly referred to as a monument sign), or
"pole sign." Signs attached to fences or other structures that are not
defined as buildings will be considered freestanding signs.
K. "Frontage" means the measurement, in linear feet, of the
length of the property line for a single-tenant building or length of
leased building frontage for multitenant buildings or multibuilding
complexes.
L. "Grade" means the relative existing ground level in the
immediate vicinity of the sign.
M. "Ground sign" means a sign attached to the ground and
supported by the ground or a built-up landscaped area such that
the sign appears solid with the ground. The height of a ground sign
shall be measured from the surrounding grade. Also commonly
referred to as a monument sign.
N. "Identification sign" means a sign containing the name of the
business establishment, occupant of the building or tenant space
and/or address of the premises.
0. "Incidental sign" means a sign that is generally informational
and of a noncommercial nature intended primarily for the
convenience of the public and having a maximum area of two
square feet. Incidental signs include, but are not limited to: signs
designating restrooms, hours of operation, entrances and exits to
buildings and parking lots, help wanted, public telephones, etc. Also
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 8 of 26
included are property control and warning signs such as "no
trespassing," "no dumping," etc., and plaques, tablets or
inscriptions which are an integral part of a building.
P. "Mansard rooF' means a sloped roof or roof-like facade
architecturally able to be treated as a building wall.
Q. "Marquee" means a permanent structure attached to,
supported by, and projecting from a building and providing
protection from the weather elements. For the purpose of this
chapter, a freestanding, permanent roof-like structure providing
protection from the elements, such as a service station gas pump
canopy, will also be considered a marquee. The term "marquee"
also includes canopy.
R. "Marquee sign" means any sign which forms part of or is
integrated into a marquee and which does not extend horizontally
beyond the limits of such marquee. For the purpose of this chapter,
a marquee sign will be considered as a wall sign.
S. "Median sign" means a sign that is placed within the median
of a public street.
T. "Multiple-building complex" means a group of commercial or
industrial structures, developed as a group either simultaneously or
in phases, with more than one building per parcel.
U. "Multiple-tenant building" means a single structure housing
more than one retail business, office or commercial venture but not
including residential apartment buildings, which share the same lot,
access and/or parking facilities.
V. "On-premises sign" means a sign which carries
advertisements incidental to a lawful use of the premises on which
it is located, including signs indicating the business transacted at,
services rendered, goods sold or produced on the premises, name
of the person, firm or corporation occupying the premises.
W. "Off-premises sign" means any sign which advertises an
establishment, merchandise, service, goods, or entertainment
which is sold, produced, and manufactured, or furnished at a place
other than on the property on which said sign is located.
X. "ParapeY" means a false front or wall extension above the
roofline.
Y. "Perimeter" means a square or rectangle required to enclose
the sign area.
Z. "Portable sign" means any sign made of any material,
including paper, cardboard, wood or metal, which is capable of
being moved easily and is not permanently affixed to the ground,
structure or building. This also includes sidewalk or sandwich board
signs, except those worn by a person.
AA. "Premises" means the real estate as a unit, which is involved
by the sign or signs mentioned in this chapter.
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 9 of 26
BB. "Projecting sign" means a sign which is attached to a
structure or building wall in such a manner that the leading edge
extends more than 16 inches beyond the surface of said structure
or wall but does not extend more than five feet beyond the property
line, extends no more than six inches above any roofline, and
meets all standards for ground clearance. Signs that meet the
definition of "marquee sign" or "suspended sign" wiil not be
considered a "projecting sign."
CC. "Real estate sign" means a portable sign erected by the
owner, or the owner's agent, advertising the real estate upon which
the sign is located for rent, lease or sale.
DD. "Revolving sign" means any sign that rotates or turns in
motion by electrical or mechanical means in a circular pattern.
EE. "Roof sign" means a sign erected upon or above a roof or
parapet of a building or structure. Mansard roof signs shall be
considered as wall signs. Roof signs may not extend more than five
feet in height above the roof.
FF. "Sign" means any visual communication device, structure, or
fixture which is visible from any right-of-way intended to aid a land
use in promoting the sale or identification of a product, good or
service using graphics, symbols, or written copy. For the purpose of
this chapter, a sign shall not be considered to be building or
structural design. It shall be restricted solely to graphics, symbols,
or written copy that is meant to be used in the aforementioned way.
This definition shall include inflatable signs, balloons or other
similar devices.
GG. "Sign area" means:
1. The total area of a sign visible from any one viewpoint or
direction, excluding the sign support structure, architectural
embellishments, or framework that contains no written copy, and
includes only one side of a double-faced sign.
2. Individual letter signs using a wall as the background without
added decoration or change in wall color shall be calculated by
measuring the perimeter enclosing each letter. The combined total
area of each individual letter shall be considered the total area of the sign.
3. Module signs consisting of more than one sign cabinet shall
be computed by adding together the total area of each module.
4. Perimeter of sign area shall be established by the smallest
rectangle enclosing the extreme limits of the letter module or
advertising message being measured.
HH. "Sign height" means the vertical distance measured from the
adjacent grade to the highest point of the sign.
II. "Sign structure" means any structure that supports or is
capable of supporting any sign as defined in this chapter. A sign
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 10 of 26
structure may be a single pole or may or may not be an integrai
part of the building or structure.
JJ. "Single-tenant building" means a commercial building or
structure that contains one enterprise or occupant. Buildings within
a multibuilding complex may not be considered a single-tenant
building.
KK. "Special event signage" means temporary signs including
posters, flags, pennants, and inflatable materials; which are not the
primary identification for the organization, event or product
~ advertised; and which are primarily intended for verv short-term
promotional periods.
LL. "Suspended sign" means a sign that is attached to and
suspended from a marquee or canopy, and subject to right-of-way
and clearance regulations.
MM. "Temporary sign" means any sign or advertising display
constructed of wood, vinyl, cloth, canvas, light fabric, paper,
cardboard, or other light materials, with or without frames, intended
to be displayed for a limited time only. This definition shall include
inflatable signs.
NN. "Traffic hazard" means any sign which does not meet city
standards for clear zone or sight distance or which does not meet
the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
00. "Wall sign" means a sign attached or erected parallel to and
extending not more than 16 inches from the facade or face of any
building to which it is attached and supported through its entire
length, with the exposed face of the sign parallel to the plane of
said wall or facade. "Window signs" which do not meet the
definition of a"temporary sign" shall be considered as wall signs.
PP. "Window sign" means a sign located inside or affixed to
windows of a building, whether temporary or permanent, lighted or
unlighted, which may be viewed from the exterior of the building.
~ ~(Ord. 6166 § 1, 2008; Ord. 5993 § 1, 2006; Ord. 4705 § 2, 1994; Deleted: QQ. °Feather Banner or
~rd. 4229 ~ 2, ~ 987.~ Sign" means a fabric sign with printed
advertisement on one or two faces
that is either stationery or rotates and
Section 5. Amendment to Citv Code. That, from the effective is attached on one side to a metal
pole or stake that is placed in the
ground or attached to a secure object. '
date of this Ordinance, throu h Se tember 15, 2010 Section 18.56.030 of the RR. "Off-premise directional sign°
g p means a sign located on private
property or in the public right-of-way
Auburn City Code be and the same hereby is amended to read as follows: as autnoriZed mac aireccs or 9uides
persons to an establishment,
merchandise, service, goods, or
18.56.030 General provisions, 8II CJIStfICtS. entertainment which is sold,
produced, and manufactured, or
A. Community Signs. The planning, building and community furnished at a place other than on the
director may approve and permit to be erected entrance signs, at or property or public right-of-way on
which said sign is located.
near the city limits, on city public right-of-way or on privately owned
parcels with the owner's permission, on which may be listed
institutional names, service clubs or organizations or points of
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 11 of 26
interest or similar public information. Right-of-way use permits may
be required for signs located in the public right-of-way, except as
permitted bv ACC 18.56.030.6.1, ACC 18.56.030.B.2, ACC
18.56.030.1 or ACC 18.56.030.J.
B. Temporary Signs.
1. Until September 16, 2010 §pecial event signage may be - Deleted: s
allowed in the RO RO-H CN C-1 G2 C-3 DUC BP LF M-1 ~e~eted: sub~ectto
_ _
M-2, EP and the non-residential used properties in tll2 T@ffaC@ ~ Deleted: the foliowing
View District and the PUD-Lakeland Hills South subiect to
compliance with the followinq as applicable:
a. ~ - Deleted: Use of such signage is
- - - "
,The area of any single sign shall not exceed 30 square feet limited to 10 days per display, not to
, eXceed 10 daYs in any so-aay Period;
b. Special event siqns as authorized herein shall not have the
Deleted: b.
followinq:
i. Illumination of anv kind
ii. Strobinq or blinkinq or flashinq liqhts
iii. Electrical animation
iv. Changeable reader copv, electronic or manual
c. _ Special event signage shall not exceed the maximum heiqht
limitations of the underlvinq zoninq district.
d. Special event siqns mav have spinning elements attached to
them includinq but not limited to flaqs or pennants or balloons or
windsocks attached to them provided that they do not at any time
canstitute a traffic safetv or pedestrian safety hazard.
e. Balloons and windsock special event signage shall not be
authorized to be placed in the public riqhts-of-wav or on-site
landscape area or off-site on another private parcel of land that
does not contain the business or service beinq advertised,
f. Flaq and pennant special event signage may be authorized
subject to the issuance of a permit by the planninq, building and
communitv director expirinq before September 16, 2010 to be
placed in the public rights-of-way provided that placement in the
public riqhts-of-wav does not constitute a traffic safetv or pedestrian
safetv hazard and does not create non-conformance to the
American with Disabilities Act
g. Flaq and pennant special event signage may be authorized
to_ beplaced in on-site landscape area and off-site on another
private parcel of land that does not contain the business or service
beinq advertised, provided that placement in on-site landscape
areas does not impede siqht distance and that off-site placement
on another property has received prior property owner
authorization.
2. Until Sepfember 16, 2010banners may_be_allowed in tYlB Deleted:B
,
RO RO-H CN C-1 C-2 C-3 DUC BP LF M-1 M-2 EP and the
non-residential used properties in the Terrace View District and the
PUD-Lakeland Hills South, subject to the following:
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 12 of 26
a. No more than two such signs may be used per site at any
given time;
b. The area of an sin le banner used b a SIiIQIB bUSIII@SS Otl Deleted: Use of such signs is limited
`
a site shall not exceed 120 square feet; - - - to 90 consecutive days, and may not
exceed 90 days in any 120-day
c. For multi-tenant buildinqs and/or multi-business compiexes, , period;
each business shail be authorized to have a banner provided that Deleted: ¶
the size of each banner shall be limited to maximum of 32 square C.
feet.
d. Banners as authorized herein shall not have the followinq:
i. Illumination of anv kind
ii. Strobing or blinkinci or flashinq liqhts
iii. Electrical animation
iv. Chanqeable reader copV, electronic or manual
e. Banner siqnaqe shail not exceed the maximum heiqht
limitations of the underlvinq zoninq district.
f. Banners mav have spinninq elements attached to them
including but not limited to flaqs or pennants or balloons or
windsocks attached to them provided that thev do not at anv time
constitute a traffic safetv or pedestrian safetv hazard.
q. SubLect to the issuance of a permit bv the planninq, buildinq
and communitv director expiring before September 16, 2010,
banners mav be authorized to be piaced in the public riqhts-of-way,
provided that placement in the public riqhts-of-wav does not
constitute a traffic safetv or pedestrian safety hazard or does not
create non-conformance to the American with Disabilities Act.
h. Banners mav be authorized to be placed in on-site
landscape area and off-site on another private parcei of (and tha#
does not contain the business or service being advertised, provided
that placement in an-site landscape areas does nat impede sight
distance and that off-site placement on another property has
received prior property owner authorization.
.C._ _ Civic Events. Street banners may be permitted SUbJeCt t0 - Deleted: 3. Signs which are placed
- -
approval and installation in accordance with rules and procedures upon or within a window and which
are intended to be viewed from the
establ.ished by the city of Auburn public works department. ri9nt-or-WaY snall not eXceea eo
D. SI Il LI htin PCOVISIOIIS. percent of the window area;¶
9 9 g 4. Permits are not required, except
1. All lighting shall be arranged to reflect away from any that signs exceeding the allowable
residential zone. No person shall construct, establish, create or size and time duration must receive a
permit issued by the planning,
maintain any stationary exterior lighting Of illumination SySt2171 Of building and community director if
an interior s stem which is intended to be viewed from a street, special circumstances exist that
y y warrant the additional signage.¶
highway or other public thoroughfare used for vehicular traffic which
system contains or utilizes:
a. Any exposed incandescent lamp with wattage in excess of
25 watts,
b. Any exposed incandescent lamp with a metallic reflector,
c. Any exposed incandescent lamp with an external reflector,
d. Any revoiving beacon light,
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 13 of 26
e. Any continuous or sequential flashing operation, except as
allowed for changing message center signs in subsection F of this
section;
2. The provisions of subsection (D)(1) of this section shall not
apply to:
a. Lighting systems owned or controlled by any public agency
for the purpose of directing or controlling navigation, traffic, or
highway or street illumination,
b. Aircraft warning lights.
E. Construction Provisions, Sight Distance, Exposed Angle Iron
and Wire.
1. Each sign shall be adequately constructed in accordance
with the requirements of the International Building Codes, as
amended;
2. Signs containing electrical circuitry shall meet the
requirements of the National Electrical Code and all state laws, and
shall include an approved testing lab sticker;
3. Signs must meet vehicular sight disfance requirements
zo(B)
I established by the city engineer pursuant tq the City of Aubum - oeleted: Acc 18.48.0
,
Enqineerinq Desiqn Standards;
4. When a projecting sign is used, no angle irons, guy wires or
braces shall be visible, except those that are an integral part of the
overall design, such as decorative metals or woods, or unless they
are required for safety.
F. Changing Message Center Signs. Where permitted under
this chapter, changing message center signs shall comply with the
following requirements; provided, that changing message center
signs that only display time and temperature or similar public
service information shall be exempt from these requirements.
1. Where Allowed. Changing message center signs shall only
be allowed in the I, P-1, C-1, C-2, DUC, C-3, M-1 and M-2 zones.
a. In the I and C-1 zones, changing message center signs shall
only be allowed on frontages along a collector, minor or principal
arterial street.
b. In the I zone, no changing message center sign shall
operate between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
c. In the DUC zone, changing message center signs shall only
be allowed when located adjacent and oriented to Auburn Way
North/Auburn Way South street frontages. (For other sign
standards for the DUC zone, see ACC 18.29.060(I)).
2. Number. No more than one changing message center sign
per street frontage shall be permitted on each property.
3. Sign Face Area. Except in the I and P-1 zones, the changing
message center shall not constitute more than 75 percent of a
sign's total sign face area.
4. Display.
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 14 of 26
a. The display of the sign shall not change more rapidly than
once every one and one-half seconds.
b. No scrolling message shall require more than five seconds
to be displayed in its entirety.
5. Light Levels.
a. Changing message center signs shall have installed ambient
light monitors and shall at all times allow such monitors to
automatically adjust the brightness level of the sign based on
ambient light conditions.
b. At no time shall a changing message center sign be
operated at a brightness level greater than the manufacturer's
recommended levels.
c. All lighting shall be arranged to reflect away from any
residential zone. The director shall have the authority to require a
sign permit application include information to ensure the intent of
this requirement is met.
d. The brightness level shall not exceed 8,000 nits when
measured from the sign's face at its maximum brightness during
daylight hours and 500 nits when measured from the sign's face at
its maximum bri9htness between dusk and dawn.
6. On-Premises Advertising Only. Changing message center
signs shall only advertise on-premises products and services, or
display public service messages or messages on behalf of not-for-
profit organizations.
7. Additional Requirements. A copy of the manufacturer's
operating manual shall be provided to the city upon request.
8. Amortization. All changing message center signs that do not
comply with the requirements of subsections (F)(4) and (5) of this
section shall be brought into compliance with those requirements
by April 1, 2009.
G. Change of Copy. The holder of a permit, for the duration
thereof, shall have the right to change the advertising copy on the
structure or sign for which the permit was issued without being
required to pay any additional fees. .
H. Exemptions. Unless otherwise specified or unless expressly
prohibited, it is not the intent of this chapter to regulate the following
signs:
1. The flag of a government or noncommercial institutions such
as schools, with the poles treated as structures;
2. Official public notices, official court notices;
3. Incidental signs (see ACC 18.56.020(0), Definitions);
4. Signs not visible from public right-of-way;
5. Lettering or symbols painted directly onto or flush-mounted
magnetically onto an operable vehicle;
6. Painting, repainting, cleaning, repairing, and other normal
maintenance unless structural or electrical changes are made;
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 15 of 26
7. Religious symbols not attached to a permitted sign;
8. Memoriai signs or tablets, names of buildings, dates of
erection and the like, which are incorporated into the building
material and facade;
9. Signs required by law, traffic or pedestrian control signs,
signs indicating scenic or historic points of interest, which are
erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of
his or her public duty;
10. Sculptures, fountains, mosaics, and design features which
do not incorporate advertising or identification;
11. Temporary signs limited exclusively to noncommercial
speech.
1. Until September 16, 2010, portable siqns shall be allowed in
the RO RO-H CN C-1 C-3 BP LF M-1 M-2 EP and the non-
residential used properties in the Terrace View District and the
PUD-Lakeland Hills South subiect to compliance with the followinq
as appiicable:
a. For sinqle-tenant buildinqs and/or sites, one portable siqn
shall be allowed per buildinq or propertv frontage, as applicable.
b. Each business in a multi-tenant buildinq and/or multi-buildinq
complex shall be limited to a maximum of one (1) portable siqn.
c. For multi-tenant buildinqs and/or multi-buildinq complexes
that propose to place one or more portable siqns within the on-site
landscaped area at the intersection of two qublic or private streets
or at a drivewav intersection with a public or private street,
compliance to the Citv's minimum siqht distance requirements shall
be maintained at all times.
d. For multi-tenant buildinqs and/or multi-building complexes
that propose to place one or more portable siqns alonq the propertv
street frontaqe of a public or private street, the total number of
allowable portable siqns alonq said frontaqe shall be limited as
follows to reduce the visual and aesthetic impact to the City:
i. 0-25 lineal feet of public or private street frontaqe = 1
portable siqn everv 3 lineal feet of street frontaqe up to a maximum
of three (3) siqns at anv qiven time.
ii. 26-50 lineal feet of public or private street frontaqe = 1
portable siqn everv 3 lineal feet of street frontaqe up to a maximum
of four (4) sipns at anv qiven time.
iii. 51-75 lineal feet of qublic or private street frontaqe = 1
portable siqn everv 3 lineal feet of street frontaqe up to maximum of
five (5) siqns at anv qiven time.
iv. 76-100 lineal feet of public or private street frontaqe = 1
portable siqn everv 3 lineal feet of street frontaqe up to a maximum
of six (6) siqns at anv qiven time.
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 16 of 26
v. 100-125 lineal feet of public or private street frontaqe = 1
portable sign everv 3 lineal feet of street frontage up to a maximum
of seven (7) siqns at anv qiven time.
vi. 126-150 lineal feet of public or private street frontaqe = 1
portable sign everv 3 lineal feet of street frontaqe up to a maximum
of eight (8,) siqns at any given time.
vii. 151-175 lineal feet of public or private street frontaqe = 1
portable sign everv 3 lineal feet of street frontaqe up to a maximum
of nine (9) siqns at any qiven time.
viii. 176 lineal feet and qreater of public or private street frontaqe
= 1 portable sign everv 3 lineal feet of street frontaqe up to a
maximum of ten (10) siqns at any given time.
ix. The Planninq Director shall have the discretionarv authoritv
to authorize additional portable siqns alonq a public or private street
frontaqe when in his or her determination such allowance will not
substantivelv impact the visual and/or aesthetic impact to the Citv
and such allowance is warranted by physical site conditions or
economic or business considerations or other factors as deemed
reasonabie bv the Planninq Director.
e. Portable siqns shall not be located in one or more existinq
parkinq spaces on a development site.
f. Portable siqns shall be displaved durinq reqular business
hours only, shali not be kept outside overnight and shall not be
chained or otherwise secured to any buildinq or structure or pole or
sign or tree or other similar veqetation.
a. Portable sians as authorized herein shall not have the
followinq:
i. Illumination of anv kind
ii. Strobinq or blinkinq or flashinq liqhts
iii. Electrical animation
iv. Chanqeabie reader copv, electronic or manual
h. Portable siqns may have spinninq elements includinq but not
limited to flaqs or pennants or balloons or windsocks attached to
them provided that they do not at anv time constitute a traffic safety .
or pedestrian safety hazard.
i. Portable siqns advertisinq a business or service not located
on the same site shall be allowed to be located off-site from the
business or service beinq advertised provided that prior propertv
owner authorization has been obtained bv said business operator
or service provider.
j. Each portable sign shall have a maximum total sign size of
36 inches in heiqht and 30 inches in width and be limited to two
faces.
k. Portable siqns shall be allowed in the public riqht-of-way
subject ta the issuance of a permit bV the planninq, buildinp and
communifiy director ex,pirinq before September 16, 2010, provided
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 17 of 26
that any and all sictns are not placed within vehicle travel lanes or
improved/unimproved vehicle shoulder areas or bicvcle lanes, are
not placed in front of or block access to marked bus transit stops,
do not interfere with or impede pedestrian traffic or crossinqs and
do not create non-conformance to the American with Disabilities
Act.
J. Until September 16, 2010, off-premises directionai siqns
shall be allowed in the RO RO-H CN C-1 C-2 C-3 DUC BP
:LF, M-1, M-2, EP, and the non-residential used properties in the
Terrace View District and the PUD-Lakeland Hills South subiect to
compliance with the followinq as applicable:
a. Off-premise directional siqns as authorized herein shall not
have the foliowinq:
i. Illumination of any kind
ii. Strobinq or blinkinq or flashing liqhts
iii. Electrical animation
iv. Changeable reader copy, electronic or manual
b. Off-premise directional signs may have spinninq elements
includinq but not limited to flaqs or pennants or balloons or
windsocks attached to them provided that thev do not at anv time
constitute a traffic safetv or pedestrian safety hazard.
c.Off-premise~s directional signs mav be authorized to b@ - Formatted: Not Highlight
placed in the public riahts-of-way, subiect to the issuance of a - Formatted: Not Highlight
permit by the planninq, buildinq and communitv director expiring
before Saptember 16. 2010, provided that placement in the public
riqhts-of-wav does not constitute a traffic safetv or pedestrian safetv
hazard and does not create non-conformance to the American with
Disabilities Act.
d. Off-premises directional siqns may be authorized to be Formatted: Not Highlight
placed in on-site landscape area, or off-site on another private
parcel of land that does not contain the business or service beinq
advertised, provided that placement in on-site landscape areas
does not impede sight distance and that off-site placement on
anotherpropertv has received prior property owner authorization.
e. Off_ premises directional siQns shall not be located in one or
more existinq parkinq spaces on a development site.
f. Off-premises directional siqns shall have a maximum siqn
face area of 8 inches bv 24 inches and a total heiqht of 42 inches
inclusive of anv wood, metal, plastic or other SUppOft and a
maximum of two (2) siqn faces.
K. 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;
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 18 of 26
2. Portable signs, except as permitted by ACC 18.56.025 (Real
( estate signs)„ ACC 18.56.040(E)- (G2 District) and ACC Deierea: ana
-
18.56.030.1, subsections-a- thr-
-ouqh k;
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;
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.
Nonconforming Signs. Permanent signs established legally oeietea: J
prior to the adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter that do
not conform to the regulations of this chapter with regard to
number, size, height or location shall be allowed to remain as legal
nonconforming signs except as follows:
1. Whenever a new building replaces the principal building.
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 19 of 26
2. When there is an expansion of an existing building, the
requirements of this section shall apply only if there is an increase
in floor area of 25 percent or more (including the cumulative
increase of previous expansions after the effective date of the
ordinance amending this section).
3. Whenever a nonconforming use is replaced by a conforming
use, the requirements of this section shall apply in full to the new
use if and only if there is a change in required signage due to the
zoning district.
4. Any sign, including the sign structure, now or hereafter
existing which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted
or a product sold. Such sign(s) shall be taken down and removed
by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the land,
building or structure upon which such sign may be found within 90
days after written notification from the building official.
~ V. _ _ _ Master Sign_ Plans Authorized. The planning, building and _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . - Deleted: K
community director has the authority to require a master sign plan
to ensure a consistent and coordinated signage scheme for
development proposals. In approving master sign plans under the
provisions of this subsection, the director has the authority to
approve signage schemes that allow for signs greater in area and
height than allowed in the particular zone in which the development
is located when a coordinated signage scheme is used. Master
signage plans shall be recorded. (Ord. 6166 § 2, 2008; Ord. 5993 §
1, 2006; Ord. 5342 § 2, 2000; Ord. 4705 § 2, 1994; Ord. 4229 § 2,
1987.)
Section 6. Amendment to Citv Code. That, effective September
16, 2010 Section 18.56.030 of the Auburn City Code be and the same hereby is
amended to read as follows:
18.56.030 General provisions, all districts. A. Community Signs. The planning, building and community
director may approve and permit to be erected entrance signs, at or
near the city limits, on city public right-of-way or on privately owned Deleted: , except as permitted by
ACC 18.56.030.8.1, ACC
parcels with the owner's permission, on which may be listed 18.56.030.a.2, ACC 18.56.030.1 or
institutional names, service clubs or organizations or points Of ACC 18.56.030.J
I interest or similar public information. Right-of-way use permits may Deleted: untii sePtember ,s, 2010 S
( be required for signs located in the public right-of-wayr Formatted: Not Highlight
B. Temporary Signs. Deleted: in me Ro, RO-H, cN, c-1, J
1. Special event signage may be allowed subiect to tF1P, C-2, C-3, DUC, BP, LF, nn-1, M-z, eP
I - - - - - - - ' " and the non-residential used
fOllOWIt1Q: , properties in the Terrace View District
and the PUD-Lakeland Hills South
subject to compliance with the
following as applicable:
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 20 of 26
-
a. Use of such signage is limited to 10 days qer display, not to oeietea: b. special eventsi9ns
as authorized herein shail not have
exceed 10 days in any 90 daY period; ' the following:¶
b. The area of any single sign shall not exceed 30 square feet; i. Illumination of any kind ¶
ii. Strobing or blinking or fiashing
lights ¶
2. panners may be allowec~ subject to the following: iii. Eiectricai animation ¶
a. No more than two such signs may be used per site at any iv. Changeable reader copy,
electronic or manual ¶
given time; ! c. Special event signage shall not
b. Use af such siqns is limited to 90 consecutive days, and ma exceed the maximum height
Y ~ limitations of the underlying zoning
nat exceed 90 days in any 120-day period; aistrict. t►
c. The area of any single banner used by a single business on d. Special event signs may have
spinning elements attached to them
a site shall not exceed 120 square feet; including but not limited to flags or
I , pennants or balloons or windsocks
. attached to them provided that they
C. Civic Events. Street banners may be permitted subject to do not at any time constitute a traffic
approval and installation in accordance with rules and procedures Safety °r Pedest"a" Safety naZara. ¶
i e. Balioons and windsock special
established by the city of Auburn public works department. , event Sisnase Snau noc be autnoriZea
Slgfl L19f'itltlg PfOVISIOtIS. to be placed in the public rights-of-
way or on-site landscape area or off-
1. All lighting shall be arranged to reflect away from afly ' site on another private parcel of land
residential zone. No erson shall construct, establish, create Of that does not contain the business or
p service being advertised, ¶
maintain any stationary exterior lighting or illumination system Of f. Flag and pennant special event
an interior s stem which is intended to be viewed from a street, signage shall be authorized to be
y y placed in the public rights-of-way, on-
highway or other public thoroughfare used for vehicular traffic which . Site iandscaPe area and off-Site on
S St@I71 COt1taI11S OY UtIlIZ2S: another private parcel of land that
y does not contain the business or
a. Any exposed incandescent lamp with wattage in excess of service being advertised, provided
25 watts that piacement in the public rights-of-
, way does not constitute a traffic
b. Any exposed incandescent lamp with a metallic reflector, safety or pedestrian safety hazard
c. An ex osed incandescent lam with an external reflector, and does not create non-
y p p conformance to the American with
d. Any revolving beaeon light, ' Disabilities Act, placement in on-site
` landscape areas does not impede
e. Any continuous or sequential flashing operation, @XC2Pt 8S r sight distance and that off-site
allowed for changing message center signs in subsection F of this Piacement on anomer proPerty nas
S2Ct10Cl' ; received prior property owner
~ authorization.
~ 2. The provisions of subsection (D)(1) of this section shall not Deieted: uncii sePtember 16, zoio b
apply to: Deiecea: in me Ro, RO-H, cN, c-1,
a. Lighting systems owned or controlled by any public agency ' c-2, c-s, Duc, aP, LF, nn-,, M-z, EP
for the purpose of directing or controlling navigation, traffic, OC ' and the non-residential used
properties in the Terrace View District
highway or street illumination, and the PUD-Lakeland Hills South,
b. Aircraft warning lights. Formartea: rvoc Hi9nr9nr
E. Construction Provisions, Sight Distance, ExpOSed Angle Iro►1 oeleted:c. Forrnulti-tenant ~
and Wlrg. buildings and/or multi-business
1. Each si n shall be ade uatel constructed in accordance complexes, each business shall be
g a y authorized to have a banner provided
with the requirements of the International Building Codes, as that the size of each banner shall be
amended; limited to maximum of 32 square feet.¶
d. Banners as authorized herein
2. Signs containing electrical circuitry shall meet the shall not have the following:¶
requirements of the National Electrical Code and all state laws, and i. Illumination of any kind ¶
ii. Strobing or blinking or flashing
shall include an approved testing lab sticker; lisnts¶
3. Signs must meet vehicular sight distance requirements Ele°tr'°al a"'mat'°n ¶ _
iv. Changeable reader copy, - '
~ established by the city engineer pursuant to ACC 18.48.020(B~; 1
Deleted: the City of Auburn
Engineering Design Standards
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 21 of 26
4. When a projecting sign is used, no angle irons, guy wires or
braces shall be visible, except those that are an integral part of the
overall design, such as decorative metals or woods, or unless they
are required for safety.
F. Changing Message Center Signs. Where permitted under
this chapter, changing message center signs shall comply with the
following requirements; provided, that changing message center
signs that only display time and temperature or similar public
service information shall be exempt from these requirements.
1. Where Allowed. Changing message center signs shall only
be allowed in the I, P-1, C-1, C-2, DUC, C-3, M-1 and M-2 zones.
a. In the I and C-1 zones, changing message center signs shall
only be allowed on frontages along a collector, minor or principal
arterial street.
b. In the I zone, no changing message center sign shall
operate between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
c. In the DUC zone, changing message center signs shall only
be allowed when located adjacent and oriented to Auburn Way
North/Auburn Way South street frontages. (For other sign
standards for the DUC zone, see ACC 18.29.060(I)).
2. Number. No more than one changing message center sign
per street frontage shall be permitted on each property.
3. Sign Face Area. Except in the I and P-1 zones, the changing
message center shall not constitute more than 75 percent of a
sign's total sign face area.
4. Display.
a. The display of the sign shall not change more rapidly than
once every one and one-half seconds.
b. No scrolling message shall require more than five seconds
to be displayed in its entirety.
5. Light Levels.
a. Changing message center signs shall have instailed ambient
light monitors and shall at all times aliow such monitors to
automatically adjust the brightness level of the sign based on
ambient light conditions. b. At no time shall a changing message center sign be
operated at a brightness level greater than the manufacturer's
recommended levels.
c. All lighting shall be arranged to reflect away from any
residential zone. The director shall have the authority to require a
sign permit application include information to ensure the intent of
this requirement is met.
d. The brightness level shall not exceed 8,000 nits when
measured from the sign's face at its maximum brightness during
daylight hours and 500 nits when measured from the sign's face at
its maximum brightness between dusk and dawn.
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 22 of 26
6. On-Premises Advertising Only. Changing message center Deleted: Until September 16, 2010,
signs shall only advertise on-premises products and services, Of portable signs shall be allowed in the
RO, RO-H, CN, C-1, C-3, BP, LF, M-
display public service messages or messages on behalf of not-for- 1, M-z, EP and the and the non-
rofit orlZBtIOC1S. residential used properties in the
p 9atl Terrace View District and the PUD-
7. Additional Requirements. A copy of the C118f1UfaCtUf@f'S ' Lakeland Hills South subjectto
o eratin manual shall be rovided to the cit u on re U@St. compliance with the following as
p 9 p Y P Q applicable:¶
8. Amortization. All changing message center signs that do not ' a. For Sinsie-tenant bUildinss anaior
com I with the re uirements of subsections and 5 Of thlS sites, one portabie sign shall be
p y q (F)(4) ' allowed per building or property
section shall be brought into compliance with those requirements frontase, as applicable. ¶
b A ril 1, 2009. b. Each business in a multi-tenant
y p building andlor multi-building complex
G. Change of Copy. The holder of a permit, fOr the duratloll ; 5nall be limited to a a maxirnum ot
thereof, shall have the ri ht to chan e the advertisin co on the one (1) portable sign. ¶
9 9 g py c. For muiti-tenant buildings and/or
structure or sign for which the permit was issued WItIIOUt beltlg multi-building complexes that propose
re uired to a an BC~C~ItlOtlal f@@S. to place one or more portable signs
Q p y y within the on-site landscaped area at
H. Exemptions. Unless otherwise specified or unless expressly tne intersection of two public or
rohibited, it is not the intent of this cha ter to re Ulat2 the fOllOWl11 private streets or at a driveway
p p 9 9 intersection with a public or private
S19tlS: street, compliance to the City's
minimum sight distance requirements
1. The flag of a government or noncommercial institutions such ; Snau be ma;nta;ned at an t;mes. q
with the POIeS tf@at@C~ aS Stl'UCtUY2S' d. For multi-tenant buildings andlor
as schools, ~
2. Official ublic notices, official court notices; multi-building complexes that propose
p to place one or more portable signs
3. Incidental signs (see ACC 18.56.020(0), Definitions); along the property street frontage of a
4. Signs not visible from public right-of-way~ pUbiic or Private Stre p, the total9
~ number of allowable ortable si ns
5. Lettering or symbols palllt@d CII(@Ctly OfltO OC' fIUSII-IIIOUCIt@d along said frontage shall be limited as
ma neticall onto an o efabl@ V@IIICI@' follows to reduce the visual and
9 Y p ~ aesthetic impact to the City: ¶
6. Painting, repainting, cleaning, repairing, and other IIOfIIIa) i. 0-251inealfeetofpublicorprivate
maintenance unless structural or electrical chan @S 8P@ IllBCJe' street frontage = 1 portable sign every
g ~ 3 lineal feet of street frontage up to a
7. Religious symbols not attached to a permitted sign; , maximum of three (3) signs at any
8. Memorial si ns or tablets, names of buildin s, dates of siventir~e.q
g g ii. 26-50 lineal feet of public or
erection and the like, which are incorporated into tIl@ bUIICJICIg private street frontage = 1 portable
material and facade; sign every 3 lineal feet of street
frontage up to a maximum of four (4)
9. Signs required by law, traffic or pedestrian control signs, signs at any given time. ¶
signs indicating scenic or historic points of interest, WhICI'1 81'2 ; iii. 51-751inealfeetofpublicor
private street frontage = 1 portable
erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of Sisn every 3 rneal feet of Street
his or her ublic dut ; frontage up to maximum of five (5)
p y signs at any given time. ¶
10. Sculptures, fountains, mosaics,r and design features which ; Formactea: rvoc Hi9nr9nc
do not incorporate advertising or identification; Deleted: d. Off-premises directional
11. Temporary signs limited exclusively to tIOIICOCT1171@fC12I signs may be authorized to be placed
Sp2eCh. in on-site Iandscape area, or off-site
on another private parcel of land that
I. does not contain the business or
Prohibited Signs. From and after the effective date of the ordinance SeNice bein9 aavertised, Providea
- that placement in ornsite landscape
codified in this chapter it shall be unlawful for any person to erect or areas dces not impeae Si9nt discance
place within the city, @XCept aS Otll@1WIS2 aUtllOflZ@d: and that off-site placement on another
property has received prior property
1 . A SWlllgltlg pYOf@Ctltlg Slgtl; ownerauthorization. ¶
2. Portable signs, except as permitted by ACC 18.56.025 (Real Fo~martea: Noc Hi9nr9nc
estate si ns d ACC 18.56.040 E C 2 District
~ g an__ - ~v Deleted:,
eleted: and ACC 18.56.030.1,
subsections a through k
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 23 of 26
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, G2, 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;
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.
~ J Nonconforming Signs. Permanent signs established legally oeietea: L
prior to the adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter that do
not conform to the regulations of this chapter with regard to
number, size, height or location shall be allowed to remain as legal
nonconforming signs except as follows:
1. Whenever a new building replaces the principal building.
2. When there is an expansion of an existing building, the
requirements of this section shall apply only if there is an increase
in floor area of 25 percent or more (including the cumulative
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 24 of 26
increase of previous expansions after the effective date of the
ordinance amending this section).
3. Whenever a nonconforming use is replaced by a conforming
use, the requirements of this section shall apply in full to the new
use if and only if there is a change in required signage due to the
zoning district.
4. Any sign, including the sign structure, now or hereafter
existing which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted
or a product sold. Such sign(s) shall be taken down and removed
by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the land,
building or structure upon which such sign may be found within 90
days after written notification from the building official.
~ S,. Master Sign Plans Authorized. The planning, building and Deietea: M
community director has the authority to require a master sign plan to ensure a consistent and coordinated signage scheme for
development proposals. In approving master sign plans under the
provisions of this subsection, the director has the authority to
approve signage schemes that allow for signs greater in area and
height than allowed in the particular zone in which the development
is located when a coordinated signage scheme is used. Master
signage plans shall be recorded. (Ord. 6166 § 2, 2008; Ord. 5993 §
1, 2006; Ord. 5342 § 2, 2000; Ord. 4705 § 2, 1994; Ord. 4229 § 2,
1987.)
Section 7. Extension of Time. In its deliberations on the text of
this ordinance, the City of Auburn Planning Commission considered and
recommended to the City Council that the Council consider up to two six month
extension of the provisions of this Ordinance, should economic conditions
warrant such extensions. The Planning Commission acknowledged that the
extension of time is procedural and that no further Planning Commission action is
required before City Council enactment of such extensions.
Section 8. Implementation. The Mayor is hereby authorized to
implement such administrative procedures as may be necessary to carry out the
directions of this legislation.
Ordinance No. 6263
August 27, 2009
Page 25 of 26
Section 9. Severabilitv. 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 thereof to any person or circumstance shall not affect the validity of
the remainder of this ordinance, or the validity of its application to other persons
or circumstances.
Section 10. Effective date. This Ordinance shall take effect and be
in force five days from and after its passage, approval and publication as
provided by law.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
APPROVED:
CITY OF AUBURN
PETER B. LEWIS
MAYOR
ATTEST:
Danielle E. Daskam, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Daniel B. Heid, City Attorney
Published:
Ordinance No. 6263 August 27, 2009
Page 26 of 26
c. For multi-tenant buildings and/or multi-business complexes,
each business shall be authorized to have a banner provided that
the size of each banner shall be limited to maximum of 32 square
feet.
d. Banners as authorized herein shall not have the following:
i. Illumination of any kind
ii. Strobing or blinking or flashing lights
iii. Electrical animation
iv. Changeable reader copy, electronic or manual
e. Banner signage shall not exceed the maximum height
limitations of the underlying zoning district.
f. Banners may have spinning elements attached to them
including but not limited to flags or pennants or balloons or
windsocks attached to them provided that they do not at any time
constitute a traffic safety or pedestrian safety hazard.
g. Subject to the issuance of a permit by the ptanning, building
and community director expiring before September 16, 2010,
banners shall be authorized to be placed in the Public ri9hts-of-waY,
provided that placement in the public rights-of-way does not
constitute a traffic safety or pedestrian safety hazard or does not
create non-conformance to the American with Disabilities Act.
h. Banners may be authorized to be placed in on-site
landscape area and off-site on another private parcel of land that
does not contain the business or service being advertised, provided
that placement in on-site tandscape areas does not impede sight
distance and that off-site placement on another property has
received prior property owner authorization.
- + y+~' "
~ , - .w
n sF, . a w . ~ „ft.h,k . . vu~lE .•r. .
Until September 16, 2010, portable signs shall be allowed in the
RO, RO-H, CN, C-1, C-3, BP, LF, M-1, M-2, EP and the and the
non-residential used properties in the Terrace View District and the
PUD-Lakeland Hills South subject to compliance with the following
as applicable:
a. For single-tenant buildings and/or sites, one portable sign
shall be allowed per building or property frontage, as applicable.
b. Each business in a multi-tenant building and/or multi-building
complex shall be limited to a a maximum of one (1) portable sign.
c. For multi-tenant buildings and/or multi-building complexes
that propose to place one or more portable signs within the on-site
landscaped area at the intersection of two public or private streets
or at a driveway intersection with a public or private street,
compliance to the City's minimum sight distance requirements shall
be maintained at all times.
d. For multi-tenant buildings and/or multi-building complexes
that propose to place one or more portable signs along the property
street frontage of a public or private street, the total number of
allowable portable signs along said frontage shall be limited as
follows to reduce the visual and aesthetic impact to the City:
i. 0-25 lineal feet of public or private street frontage = 1
portable sign every 3 lineal feet of street frontage up to a maximum
of three (3) signs at any given time.
ii. 26-50 lineal feet of public or private street frontage = 1
portable sign every 3 lineal feet of street frontage up to a maximum
of four (4) signs at any given time.
iii. 51-75 lineal feet of public or private street frontage = 1
portable sign every 3 lineal feet of street frontage up to maximum of
five (5) signs at any given time.
iv. 76-100 lineal feet of public or private street frontage = 1
portable sign every 3 lineal feet of street frontage up to a maximum
of six (6) signs at any given time.
v. 100-125 lineal feet of public or private street frontage = 1
portable sign every 3 lineal feet of street frontage up to a maximum
of seven (7) signs at any given time.
vi. 126-150 lineal feet of public or private street frontage = 1
portable sign every 3 lineal feet of street frontage up to a maximum
of eight (8) signs at any given time.
vii. 151-175 lineal feet of public or private street frontage = 1
portable sign every 3 lineal feet of street frontage up to a maximum
of nine (9) signs at any given time.
viii. 176 lineal feet and greater of public or private street frontage
= 1 portable sign every 3 lineal feet of street frontage up to a
maximum of ten (10) signs at any given time.
ix. The Planning Director shall have the discretionary authority
to authorize additional portable signs along a public or private street
frontage when in his or her determination such allowance will not
substantively impact the visual and/or aesthetic impact to the City
and such allowance is warranted by physical site conditions or
economic or business considerations or other factors as deemed
reasonable by the Planning Director.
e. Portable signs shall not be located in one or more existing
parking spaces on a development site.
f. Portable signs shall be displayed during regular business
hours only, shall not be kept outside overnight and shall not be
chained or otherwise secured to any building or structure or pole or
sign or tree or other similar vegetation.
g. Portable signs as authorized herein shall not have the
following:
i. Illumination of any kind
ii. Strobing or blinking or flashing lights
iii. Electrical animation
iv. Changeable reader copy, electronic or manual
h. Portable signs may have spinning elements including but not
limited to flags or pennants or balloons or windsocks attached to
them provided that they do not at any time constitute a traffic safety
or pedestrian safety hazard.
i. Portable signs advertising a business or service not located
on the same site shall be allowed to be located off-site from the
business or service being advertised provided that prior property
owner authorization has been obtained by said business operator
or service provider.
j. Each portable sign shall have a maximum total sign size of
36 inches in height and 30 inches in width and be limited to two
faces.
k. Portable signs shall be allowed in the public right-of-way
subject to the issuance of a permit by the planning, building and
community director expiring before September 16, 2010, provided
that any and all signs are not placed within vehicle travel lanes or
improved/unimproved vehicle shoulder areas or bicycle lanes, are
not placed in front of or block access to marked bus transit stops,
do not interfere with or impede pedestrian traffic or crossings and
do not create non-conformance to the American with Disabilities
Act.
J. Until September 16, 2010, off-premises directional signs
shall be altowed in the RO, RO-H, CN, C-1, C-2, C-3, DUC, BP,
:LF, M-1, M-2, EP, and the non-residential used properties in the
Terrace View District and the PUD-Lakeland Hills South subject to
compliance with the following as applicable:
a. Off-premise directional signs as authorized herein shall not
have the following:
i. Illumination of any kind ii. Strobing or blinking or flashing lights
iii. Electrical animation
iv. Changeable reader copy, electronic or manual
b. Off-premise directional signs may have spinning elements
including but not limited to flags or pennants or balloons or
windsocks attached to them provided that they do not at any time
constitute a traffic safety or pedestrian safety hazard.
c. Off-premise directional signs may be authorized to be placed
in the public rights-of-way, subject to the issuance of a permit by
the planning, building and community director expiring before
September 16, 2010, provided that placement in the public rights-
of-way does not constitute a traffic safety or pedestrian safety
hazard and does not create non-conformance to the American with
Disabilities Act.
~.~ag+~.23: StekeKiit6 d. Off-premises directional signs may be authorized to be
placed in on-site landscape area, or off-site on another private
!
parcel of land that does not contain the business or service being
advertised, provided that placement in on-site landscape areas
does not impede sight distance and that off-site placement on
another property has received prior property owner authorization.
e. Off-premise directional signs shall not be located in one or
more existing parking spaces on a development site.
f. Off-premise directional signs shall have a maximum sign
face area of 8 inches by 24 inches and a total height of 42 inches
inclusive of any wood, metal, plastic or other support and a
maximum of two (2) sign faces.
K.