HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-013 Sign Construction and Maintenance; YMC Amendment 11.08ORDINANCE NO. 2017-013
AN ORDINANCE relating to construction and maintenance of signs; amending Yakima
Municipal Code Chapter 11.08, Sign Code.
WHEREAS, amendments to the code are proposed to comply with the U.S. Supreme
Court decision of Reed v. Gilbert, and to address other matters that needed to be amended in the
code; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 11.08, which adopts and amends the Uniform Sign Code, is intended
to work in conjunction with Chapter 15.08, which addresses zoning, size, height, material and
other regulations for signs within the City; and
WHEREAS, the Economic Development Committee reviewed the proposed changes on
March 23, 2017, and recommended that they be forwarded to the full Council; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Yakima hereby finds and determines that
approval of such amendment is in the best interests of residents of the City of Yakima and will
promote the general health, safety and welfare; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
Section 1. Chapter 11.08, Sign Code, of the City of Yakima Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Chapter 11.08
SIGN CODE
Sections:
11.08.010 Adoption of Uniform Sign Code.
11.08.015 Amendment to Section 102.
11.08.020 Amendment to Section 103.
11.08.025 Amendment to Section 203.
11.08.027 Amendment to Section 214.
11.08.029 Amendment to Section 301.
11.08.030 Amendment to Section 303.
11.08.040 Amendment to Section 304.
11.08.050 Amendment to Section 305.
11.08.060 Amendment to Section 306.
11.08.070 Amendment to Table 4-B.
11.08.075 Amendment to Section 403.
11.08.077 Amendment to Section 703.
11.08.080 Prohibited signs and devices.
11.08.090 Removal of nonconforming signs.
11.08.100 License required.
11.08.110 License fee.
11.08.120 Application for license.
11.08.130 Revocation of license.
11.08.140 Liability insurance required.
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11.08.010 Adoption of Uniform Sign Code.
The Uniform Sign Code, 1991 Edition, of the International Conference of Building
Officials, of which not less than one or more copies have been and are now on file in the
office of the code administration manager of the city of Yakima, is adopted and
incorporated as fully as if set out in full herein, as the sign code of the city of Yakima,
except as hereinafter amended, and the provisions and regulations of the city of Yakima;
and the several sections or numbers therein shall constitute, and may be referred to as,
the numbers of this chapter. This code is intended to work in conjunction with
YMC 15.08 sign regulations. (Ord. 3400 § 2, 1991: Ord. 3150 § 1, 1988: Ord. 2901 § 1,
1985: Ord. 2674 § 1, 1983: Ord. 2461 § 1, 1980: Ord. 1638 § 1 (part), 1974).
11.08.015 Amendment to Section 102.
Section 102 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 102. Purpose and Scope. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum
standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare by regulating and
controlling the design, quality of materials, construction, location, electrification and
maintenance of all signs and sign structures not located within a building.
A sign shall not be erected in a manner that would confuse or obstruct the view or
interpretation of any official traffic sign, signal or device.
Adoption and enforcement of this code shall not be construed for the particular
benefit of any individual person or group of persons, other than the general public. In
the event of a conflict between the intent of this section and any other section herein,
this section shall govern insofar as applicable.
(Ord. 2461 § 7, 1980).
11.08.020 Amendment to Section 103.
Section 103 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 103. Enforcement.
(a) Authority. The Code Administration Manager or his representative is hereby
authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of this code. For these
purposes, the Code Administration Manager shall have the power of a law
enforcement officer.
(b) Right of Entry. Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of
the provisions of this code, or whenever the building official or his authorized
representative has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or
upon any premises any condition or code violation which makes such building or
premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the building official or his authorized
representative may enter such building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect
the same or to perform any duty imposed upon the building official by this code,
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provided that if such building or premises be occupied, he shall first present proper
credentials and request entry; and if such building or premises be unoccupied, he
shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having
charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. If such entry is
refused, the building official or his authorized representative shall have recourse to
every remedy provided by law to secure entry.
When the building official or his authorized representative shall have first obtained a
proper inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry, no owner
or occupant or any other persons having charge, care or control of any building or
premises shall fail or neglect, after proper request is made as herein provided, to
promptly permit entry therein by the building official or his authorized representative
for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this code.
(c) Board of Appeals. In order to provide for reasonable interpretation of the
provisions of this code there is hereby established a Board of Appeals as provided in
the Building Code.
(d) Violations. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect,
construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish, equip,
use or maintain any sign or sign structure in this jurisdiction, or cause or permit the
same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this code. Any
condition resulting from such unlawful conduct shall be a public nuisance subject to
abatement by the City of Yakima through civil action.
(Ord. 3400 § 2, 1991: Ord. 3150 § 2, 1988: Ord. 2901 § 2, 1985: Ord. 2674 § 2, 1983:
Ord. 2461 § 2, 1980: Ord. 1638 § 1 (part), 1974).
11.08.025 Amendment to Section 203.
Section 203 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 203. BUILDING CODE is the Uniform Building Code promulgated by the
International Conference of Building Officials, as enacted by the City of Yakima.
BUILDING OFFICIAL is the Code Administration Manager or his representative.
(Ord. 3400 § 3, 1991: Ord. 3150 § 3, 1988: Ord. 2901 § 3, 1985: Ord. 2674 § 3, 1983:
Ord. 2461 § 8, 1980).
11.08.027 Amendment to Section 214.
Section 214 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 214.
"Sign" means letters, figures, symbols or logos, with or without illumination, on any
medium, including its structural component parts, used or intended to attract attention to
the subject matter that identifies, advertises, and/or promotes a product, good, service,
place, person, firm, merchandise, point of sale or business. A sign also includes any
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item attached to sign structures, such as balloons, streamers, pennants, flags,
inflatables or similar devices intended to attract attention.
SIGN STRUCTURE is any structure which supports or is capable of supporting any
sign as defined in this code. A sign structure may be a single pole and may or may
not be an integral part of the building.
SHALL is defined to have the following meaning:
(a) With respect to the functions and powers of the Director of Community and
Economic Development, Code Administration Manager, any agents and employees
of the City of Yakima and any board authorized hereunder, a direction and
authorization to act in the exercise of sound discretion and in good faith;
(b) With respect to the obligations upon owners and occupants of premises and
their agents, a mandatory requirement to act in compliance with this code at the risk
of civil and criminal liability upon failure so to act.
STRUCTURE is that which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind,
or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some
definite manner.
(Ord. 3400 § 4, 1991: Ord. 3150 § 4, 1988: Ord. 2901 § 4, 1985: Ord. 2674 § 4, 1983:
Ord. 2461 § 9, 1980).
11.08.029 Amendment to Section 301.
Section 301 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 301. Permits Required. A sign shall not hereafter be erected, re -erected,
constructed, altered or maintained, except as provided in the Yakima Municipal Code
and after a permit for the same has been issued by the building official. A separate
permit shall be required for a sign or signs for each business entity, and a separate
permit shall be required for each group of signs on a single supporting structure. In
addition, electrical permits shall be obtained for electric signs. Any permit granted
hereunder may be suspended or revoked by the Code Administration Manager if he
finds that said permit was issued in error or in violation of this code or any other
ordinance of the City of Yakima.
(Ord. 3400 § 5, 1991: Ord. 3150 § 5, 1988: Ord. 2901 § 5, 1985: Ord. 2674 § 5, 1983:
Ord. 2461 § 10, 1980).
11.08.030 Amendment to Section 303.
Section 303 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 303. Exceptions. The following signs shall not require a permit. These
exceptions shall not be construed as relieving the owner of any sign from the
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responsibility of its erection and maintenance, and its compliance with the provisions
of this code or any other law or ordinance regulating the same.
1. The changing of the advertising copy or message on a painted or printed sign,
theater marquee, and similar signs specifically designed for the use of replaceable
copy.
2. Painting, repainting, or cleaning of an advertising structure or the changing of
the advertising copy or message thereon shall not be considered an erection or
alteration which requires sign permits unless a structural or electrical change is
made.
3. Temporary signs as defined and regulated under Chapter 15.08.
4. Portable signs as defined and regulated under YMC 15.08.155.
6. Bulletin board not over 12 square feet in area.
6. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings, and dates of erection, when cut
into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible
materials.
7. Signs of public service companies indicating danger and/or service or safety
information.
(Ord. 2461 § 3 (part), 1980: Ord. 1807 § 1, 1975: Ord. 1788 § 1, 1975: Ord. 1716 § 1,
1974: Ord. 1638 § 1 (part), 1974).
11.08.040 Amendment to Section 304.
Section 304 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 304. Fees. A sign permit and plan check fee shall be paid in accordance with
Yakima Municipal Code 11.04.030, Table 2.
(Ord. 2890 § 1, 1985: Ord. 2461 § 3 (part), 1980: Ord. 1880 § 26, 1975: Ord. 1638 § 1
(part), 1974).
11.08.050 Amendment to Section 305.
Section 305 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 305. Maintenance. (a) All signs, together with their supports, guys and anchors,
shall be kept in repair and in proper state of preservation.
(b) Upon the discontinuance or vacation of a business or activity, the owner or
previous owner of the business or the person who conducted the activity shall
remove or cause to be removed all signs in the city relating to such business or
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activity within thirty days from the discontinuance or vacation of the business or
activity. In the event such removal is not accomplished within such thirty day period,
the owner or person in possession or control of the property on which such signs are
situated shall remove or cause to be removed all such signs within sixty days from
the discontinuance or vacation of the business or activity.
(c) Signs advertising a companyno longer in business, a product no longer
provided, or an activity or event no longer being offered in the City of Yakima shall be
removed by the owner of the property or building within six months of notice issued
by the Chief Building Inspector.
(d) Signs painted on the walls of buildings advertising a company no longer in
business, a product no longer provided or an activity or event no longer being offered
in the City of Yakima shall be painted over to match the exterior surface of the
building within thirty days of notice issued by the Chief Building Inspector.
(Ord. 93-82 § 1, 1993; Ord. 2461 § 4, 1980: Ord. 1638 § 1 (part), 1974).
11.08.060 Amendment to Section 306.
Section 306 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 306. Inspections. All signs for which a permit is required shall be subject to
inspection by the Building Official and shall have painted on the surface of the sign
the name of the sign erector and the date of erection. Such name and date shall be
of sufficient size and contrast to be readable from a reasonable distance. Failure to
provide such name and date shall be grounds for rejection of the sign.
Footing inspections may be required by the Building Official for all signs having
footings.
The owner or other person responsible for a sign shall remove such sign at the order
of the Building Official for lack of maintenance, as required by Section 11.08.050 of
this chapter.
All signs may be re -inspected from time to time at the discretion of the Building
Official.
(Ord. 2461 § 5, 1980: Ord. 1638 § 1 (part), 1974).
11.08.070 Amendment to Table 4-B.
(a) Table 4-B of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
TABLE 4-B PROJECTION OF SIGNS
Clearance above Maximum Projection
grade
Less than 8 feet Not permitted
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8 feet to 9 feet
9 feet to 10 feet
over 10 feet
1,-0"
2'-0"
2/3 the distance from building to a curb line or a
maximum of 10 feet
(b) No sign shall project within 2 feet of curb line.
(c) No more than one-third of the height of any projecting sign shall exceed the height of
the building to which it is attached.
(Ord. 2461 § 6, 1980: Ord. 1638 § 1 (part), 1974).
11.08.075 Amendment to Section 403.
Section 403 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 403. (a) General. Signs shall conform to the clearance and projection
requirements of this section and Tables Nos. 4-B and 4-C.
(b) Clearance from High Voltage Power Lines. Signs shall be located not less than
6 feet horizontally or 12 feet vertically from overhead electrical conductors which are
energized in excess of 750 volts. The term "overhead conductors" as used in this
section means an electrical conductor, either bare or insulated, installed above the
ground, except when conductors are enclosed in iron pipe or other approval material
covering of equal strength.
(c) Clearance from Fire Escapes, Exits or Standpipes. Signs or sign structures
shall not be erected in such a manner that a portion of their surface or supports will
interfere with the free use of any fire escape, exit or standpipe.
(d) Obstruction of Openings. Signs shall not obstruct openings to the extent that
light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that required by this code.
Signs erected within 5 feet of an exterior wall in which there are openings within the
area of the sign shall be constructed of noncombustible material or approved
plastics.
(e) Projection over Alleys. Signs or sign structures shall not project into a public
alley below a height of 14 feet above grade, nor project more than 12 inches when
the sign structure is located 14 feet to 16 feet above grade. The sign or sign structure
may project not more than 36 inches into a public alley when the sign or sign
structure is located more than 16 feet above grade.
(f) Clearance from Streets. Signs shall not project within 2 feet of the curb line.
Temporary signs shall not project into the roadway. No signs shall project into the
clear view triangle.
(Ord. 93-83 § 1, 1993).
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11.08.077 Amendment to Section 703.
Section 703 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Section 703. Signs shall not project over public property, beyond a legal setback or
corner clear view triangles, unless specifically allowed pursuant to the Yakima
Municipal Code.
(Ord. 93-83 § 3, 1993).
11.08.080 Prohibited signs and devices.
In addition to those signs prohibited under Yakima Municipal Code section 15.08.050,
the following signs or devices are specifically prohibited, and no person shall install or
maintain any such prohibited sign:
1. All signs not complying with Washington State Highway Department regulations
adjacent to state roads;
2. Signs within twenty feet of intersections, alleys or driveways which obscure
vision between the height of three and ten feet of the street or driveway grade; or
3. Stationary motor vehicles, trailers and related devices utilized in an attempt to
circumvent the intent of this code. (Ord. 1638 § 2 (part), 1974).
11.08.090 Removal of nonconforming signs.
A. All nonconforming signs shall be made to comply with the standards of this code or
shall be removed within four years from the effective date of this code or any of its
amendments.
B. For those areas annexed or rezoned subsequent to the enactment of this code, the
effective date for the removal or causing compliance of the then nonconforming signs
shall be no later than four years from the date of annexation or rezoning as specified in
subsection A of this section. (Ord. 1638 § 1 (part), 1974).
11.08.100 License required.
No person, firm or corporation shall engage in the business of erecting, removing,
servicing or maintaining signs as covered by this chapter without first having procured a
license from the city clerk to conduct such business.
Exceptions:
A. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to require a license from any
persons having a lawful permit to do so, who shall submit a verified statement that he is
the owner of the building or premises to which such signs, banners or billboards may be
attached and that work done under such permit shall be performed exclusively by
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himself. A lawful tenant of a building with written permission from the owner and proof of
tenancy may also perform work on a building under such permit exclusively by himself.
B. Public service corporations holding a valid and existing franchise from the city and
which have on file a general obligation bond may erect, remove and maintain purely
directional signs indicating locations, guides, instructions and distances to the general
public, without the necessity of procuring a license under this chapter. (Ord. 1638 § 1
(part), 1974).
11.08.110 License fee.
The annual license fee for all licenses provided for by this chapter shall be one hundred
fourteen dollars and twenty-six cents, payable in advance on or before January 1st of
each year; provided, a license may be issued for any application filed after August 31st
of any year on payment of one-half the annual license fee, which license shall expire and
be subject to renewal on or before December 31st of that year. (Ord. 3143 § 14, 1988:
Ord. 3002 § 14, 1987: Ord. 2736 § 15, 1983: Ord. 1880 § 27, 1975: Ord. 1638 § 1 (part),
1974).
11.08.120 Application for license.
Application for any license required under this chapter shall be made on forms to be
furnished for such purpose by the city clerk. Each application shall be accompanied with
the license fee required therefor together with the bond specified under
Section 11.08.140. (Ord. 1638 § 1 (part), 1974).
11.08.130 Revocation of license.
Licenses granted under the terms of this chapter shall be nontransferable and may be
revoked by the city manager on his finding that the license holder has violated any
provision of this chapter after a public hearing upon five days' notice. Such notice shall
be served personally upon the licensee or by certified letter addressed to the licensee at
the address given on the license application. (Ord. 1638 § 1 (part), 1974).
11.08.140 Liability insurance required.
Before any license is granted under the terms of this chapter, and as a prerequisite
thereto, the applicant will provide the city with a certificate of insurance as proof of
commercial general liability insurance in the amount of one million dollars combined
single limit bodily injury and property damage and two million dollars aggregate that
clearly states who the provider is, the amount of coverage, the policy number, and when
the policy and provisions provided are in effect. Said policy shall be in effect for the
duration of the license and/or permit. The certificate of liability insurance policy shall
name the city of Yakima, its elected officials, officers, agents, employees and volunteers
as additional insureds, and shall contain a clause that the insurer will not cancel the
insurance without first giving the city thirty calendar days' prior written notice. The
insurance shall be with an insurance company or companies rated A -VII or higher in
Best's Guide and admitted in the state of Washington. If the city is damaged by the
failure of the applicant to maintain the above insurance or to so notify the city, then the
applicant shall bear all costs attributable thereto. An expiration, cancellation, or
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revocation of the insurance policy or withdrawal of the insurer from the insurance policy
automatically suspends the permit issued to the licensed sign installation company until
a new insurance policy or reinstatement notice has been filed and approved as provided
in this section. As a further condition of the issuance of any license, the applicant shall
defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the city, its officers, elected officials, employees
and agents from and against any and all claims, causes of action, damages, losses, and
expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever, including but not limited to, attorney's fees
and court costs, arising out of, relating to, or resulting from the applicant's performance
or nonperformance of its work relating to signs, including but not limited to the erection,
servicing, maintaining and/or removing of a sign or signs in the city of Yakima.
Applicants shall also comply with all other applicable insurance requirements found in
the Yakima Municipal Code. (Ord. 2009-21 § 2, 2009: Ord. 1638 § 1 (part), 1974).
Section 2. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence or clause of this ordinance
is declared invalid or unconstitutional for any reason, such decision shall not affect the validity or
constitutionality of the remaining portions of the ordinance.
Section 3. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect 30 days after its passage,
approval, and publication as provided by law and by the City Charter.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, signed and approved this 18th day of April, 2017.
ATTEST:
cthy Coffey, Ma r 1
Sonya�C)aar Tee, City Clerk
Publication Date: April 21, 2017
Effective Date: May 21, 2017
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BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDASTATEMENT
1
Item No. 6.K.
For Meeting of: April 18, 2017
ITEM TITLE: Ordinance relating to construction and maintenance of signs;
amending Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 11.08, Sign Code
SUBMITTED BY: Sean Hawkins, Economic Development Manager
Sara Watkins, Senior Assistant City Attorney
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 11.08, Sign Code, is meant to work in conjunction with Chapter
15.08, Signs and Chapter 8.30, Street and Building Decorations. This chapter has been updated
to address zoning, size, height, material and other regulations for signs within the City of Yakima.
Chapter 11.08 of the code is the chapter that addresses construction and maintenance of signs.
Amendments need to be made to conform with the recent U.S. Supreme Court case, Reed v.
Town of Gilbert, which requires that all regulations be content neutral. Our current code in
Chapter 11.08 has language that allows exceptions to rules based on content (for example real
estate signs and political signs). Amendments also need to be made so that the Chapter is
consistent with the changes to Chapter 15.08, such as consistent definitions and references to
sections of Chapter 15.08. One substantive change allows lawful tenants of buildings to
construct or maintain signs on their property without requiring a license. Owners of buildings
already have this right, but lawful tenants did not.
ITEM BUDGETED:
STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Neighborhood and Community Building
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Pass ordinance
BOARD/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
Item reviewed at the Council Economic Development Committee at their March 23, 2017
meeting. The Committed voted 3-0 to move the item to the full City Council for consideration.
ATTACHMENTS:
2
Description Upload Date Type
D Ordinance - YMC 11.08 - Redline 4/6/2017 Ordinance
D Ordinance - YMC 11.08 - FINAL 4/6/2017 Ordinance
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ORDINANCE NO. 2017 -
AN ORDINANCE relating to construction and maintenance of signs; amending Yakima
Municipal Code Chapter 11.08, Sign Code.
WHEREAS, amendments to the code are proposed to comply with the U.S. Supreme
Court decision of Reed v. Gilbert, and to address other matters that needed to be amended in
the code; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 11.08, which adopts and amends the Uniform Sign Code, is
intended to work in conjunction with Chapter 15.08, which addresses zoning, size, height,
material and other regulations for signs within the City; and
WHEREAS, the Economic Development Committee reviewed the proposed changes on
March 23, 2017, and recommended that they be forwarded to the full Council; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Yakima hereby finds and determines that
approval of such amendment is in the best interests of residents of the City of Yakima and will
promote the general health, safety and welfare; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
Section 1. Chapter 11.08, Sign Code, of the City of Yakima Municipal Code is
hereby amended to read as follows:
Chapter 11.08
SIGN CODE
Sections:
11.08.010 Adoption of Uniform Sign Code.
11.08.015 Amendment to Section 102.
11.08.020 Amendment to Section 103.
11.08.025 Amendment to Section 203.
11.08.027 Amendment to Section 214.
11.08.029 Amendment to Section 301.
11.08.030 Amendment to Section 303.
11.08.040 Amendment to Section 304.
11.08.050 Amendment to Section 305.
11.08.060 Amendment to Section 306.
11.08.070 Amendment to Table 4-B.
11.08.075 Amendment to Section 403.
11.08.077 Amendment to Section 703.
11.08.080 Prohibited signs and devices.
11.08.090 Removal of nonconforming signs.
11.08.100 License required.
11.08.110 License fee.
11.08.120 Application for license.
11.08.130 Revocation of license.
11.08.140 Liability insurance required.
1
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11.08.010 Adoption of Uniform Sign Code.
The Uniform Sign Code, 1991 Edition, of the International Conference of Building
Officials, of which not less than one or more copies have been and are now on file in the
office of the code administration manager of the city of Yakima, is adopted and
incorporated as fully as if set out in full herein, as the sign code of the city of Yakima,
except as hereinafter amended, and the provisions and regulations of the city of Yakima;
and the several sections or numbers therein shall constitute, and may be referred to as,
the numbers of this chapter. This code is intended to work in conjunction with
YMC 15.08 sign regulations. (Ord. 3400 § 2, 1991: Ord. 3150 § 1, 1988: Ord. 2901 § 1,
1985: Ord. 2674 § 1, 1983: Ord. 2461 § 1, 1980: Ord. 1638 § 1 (part), 1974).
11.08.015 Amendment to Section 102.
Section 102 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 102. Purpose and Scope. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum
standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare by regulating and
controlling the design, quality of materials, construction, location, electrification and
maintenance of all signs and sign structures not located within a building.
A sign shall not be erected in a manner that would confuse or obstruct the view or
interpretation of any official traffic sign, signal or device.
Adoption and enforcement of this code shall not be construed for the particular
benefit of any individual person or group of persons, other than the general public. In
the event of a conflict between the intent of this section and any other section herein,
this section shall govern insofar as applicable.
(Ord. 2461 § 7, 1980).
11.08.020 Amendment to Section 103.
Section 103 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 103. Enforcement.
(a) Authority. The Code Administration Manager or his representative is hereby
authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of this code. For these
purposes, the Code Administration Manager shall have the power of a law
enforcement officer.
(b) Right of Entry. Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of
the provisions of this code, or whenever the building official or his authorized
representative has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or
upon any premises any condition or code violation which makes such building or
premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the building official or his authorized
representative may enter such building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect
the same or to perform any duty imposed upon the building official by this code,
2
5
provided that if such building or premises be occupied, he shall first present proper
credentials and request entry; and if such building or premises be unoccupied, he
shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having
charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. If such entry is
refused, the building official or his authorized representative shall have recourse to
every remedy provided by law to secure entry.
When the building official or his authorized representative shall have first obtained a
proper inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry, no owner
or occupant or any other persons having charge, care or control of any building or
premises shall fail or neglect, after proper request is made as herein provided, to
promptly permit entry therein by the building official or his authorized representative
for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this code.
(c) Board of Appeals. In order to provide for reasonable interpretation of the
provisions of this code there is hereby established a Board of Appeals as provided in
the Building Code.
(d) Violations. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect,
construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish, equip,
use or maintain any sign or sign structure in this jurisdiction, or cause or permit the
same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this code. Any
condition resulting from such unlawful conduct shall be a public nuisance subject to
abatement by the City of Yakima through civil action.
(Ord. 3400 § 2, 1991: Ord. 3150 § 2, 1988: Ord. 2901 § 2, 1985: Ord. 2674 § 2, 1983:
Ord. 2461 § 2, 1980: Ord. 1638 § 1 (part), 1974).
11.08.025 Amendment to Section 203.
Section 203 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 203. BUILDING CODE is the Uniform Building Code promulgated by the
International Conference of Building Officials, as enacted by the City of Yakima.
BUILDING OFFICIAL is the Code Administration Manager or his representative.
(Ord. 3400 § 3, 1991: Ord. 3150 § 3, 1988: Ord. 2901 § 3, 1985: Ord. 2674 § 3, 1983:
Ord. 2461 § 8, 1980).
11.08.027 Amendment to Section 214.
Section 214 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 214.
"Sign" means letters, figures, symbols or logos, with or without illumination, on any
medium, including its structural component parts, used or intended to attract attention to
the subject matter that identifies, advertises, and/or promotes a product, good, service,
place, person, firm, merchandise, point of sale or business. A sign also includes any
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item attached to sign structures, such as balloons, streamers, pennants, flags,
inflatables or similar devices intended to attract attention.
SIGN is any medium, including its structure and component parts, which is used or
intended to be used to attract attention to the subject mattcr for advcrtising purposcs
other than paint on the surface of a building.
SIGN STRUCTURE is any structure which supports or is capable of supporting any
sign as defined in this code. A sign structure may be a single pole and may or may
not be an integral part of the building.
SHALL is defined to have the following meaning:
(a) With respect to the functions and powers of the Director of Community and
Economic Development, Code Administration Manager, any agents and employees
of the City of Yakima and any board authorized hereunder, a direction and
authorization to act in the exercise of sound discretion and in good faith;
(b) With respect to the obligations upon owners and occupants of premises and
their agents, a mandatory requirement to act in compliance with this code at the risk
of civil and criminal liability upon failure so to act.
STRUCTURE is that which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind,
or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some
definite manner.
(Ord. 3400 § 4, 1991: Ord. 3150 § 4, 1988: Ord. 2901 § 4, 1985: Ord. 2674 § 4, 1983:
Ord. 2461 § 9, 1980).
11.08.029 Amendment to Section 301.
Section 301 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 301. Permits Required. A sign shall not hereafter be erected, re -erected,
constructed, altered or maintained, except as provided in this codcthe Yakima
Municipal Code and after a permit for the same has been issued by the building
official. A separate permit shall be required for a sign or signs for each business
entity, and a separate permit shall be required for each group of signs on a single
supporting structure. In addition, electrical permits shall be obtained for electric
signs. Any permit granted hereunder may be suspended or revoked by the Code
Administration Manager if he finds that said permit was issued in error or in violation
of this code or any other ordinance of the City of Yakima.
(Ord. 3400 § 5, 1991: Ord. 3150 § 5, 1988: Ord. 2901 § 5, 1985: Ord. 2674 § 5, 1983:
Ord. 2461 § 10, 1980).
11.08.030 Amendment to Section 303.
Section 303 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
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Sec. 303. Exceptions. The following signs shall not require a permit. These
exceptions shall not be construed as relieving the owner of any sign from the
responsibility of its erection and maintenance, and its compliance with the provisions
of this code or any other law or ordinance regulating the same.
1. The changing of the advertising copy or message on a painted or printed sign,
theater marquee, and similar signs specifically designed for the use of replaceable
copy.
2. Painting, repainting, or cleaning of an advertising structure or the changing of
the advertising copy or message thereon shall not be considered an erection or
alteration which requires sign permits unless a structural or electrical change is
made.
3. Temporary signs as defined and regulated under Chapter 15.08 and decorations
customary for special holidays such as Independence Day or Christmas erected
cntircly on privatc property.
4. Real estate signsPortable signs 6 square fect or Icsc in arca offcring the
immediate premises for sale, lease or rent. as defined and regulated under YMC
15.08.155.
5. Non electrical and non illuminated signs of 2 square feet or less in area erected
on private property.
6. Bulletin board not over 12 square feet in area. for each public, charitable, or
religious institution when the same is located on the premises of said institution.
7. Temporary signs denoting the architect, engineer, or contractor when placed
upon work under construction and not exceeding 32 square feet in area.
68. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings, and dates of erection, when cut
into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible
materials.
7 . Signs of public service companies indicating danger and/or service or safety
information.
(Ord. 2461 § 3 (part), 1980: Ord. 1807 § 1, 1975: Ord. 1788 § 1, 1975: Ord. 1716 § 1,
1974: Ord. 1638 § 1 (part), 1974).
11.08.040 Amendment to Section 304.
Section 304 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 304. Fees. A sign permit and plan check fee shall be paid in accordance with
Yakima Municipal Code 11.04.030, Table 3A 2. of the Uniform Building Codc
adoptcd by Chaptcr 11.0'1 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code.
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(Ord. 2890 § 1, 1985: Ord. 2461 § 3 (part), 1980: Ord. 1880 § 26, 1975: Ord. 1638 § 1
(part), 1974).
11.08.050 Amendment to Section 305.
Section 305 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 305. Maintenance. (a) All signs, together with their supports, guys and anchors,
shall be kept in repair and in proper state of preservation.
(b) Upon the discontinuance or vacation of a business or activity, the owner or
previous owner of the business or the person who conducted the activity shall
remove or cause to be removed all signs in the city relating to such business or
activity within thirty days from the discontinuance or vacation of the business or
activity. In the event such removal is not accomplished within such thirty day period,
the owner or person in possession or control of the property on which such signs are
situated shall remove or cause to be removed all such signs within sixty days from
the discontinuance or vacation of the business or activity.
(c) Signs advertising a company or product no longer in business, a product no
longer provided, or an activity or event no longer being offered in the City of Yakima
shall be removed by the owner of the property or building within six months of notice
issued by the Chief Building Inspector.
(d) Signs painted on the walls of buildings advertising a company no longer in
business, era product no longer provided or an activity or event no longer being
offered in business in the City of Yakima shall be painted over to match the exterior
surface of the building within thirty days of notice issued by the Chief Building
Inspector.
(Ord. 93-82 § 1, 1993; Ord. 2461 § 4, 1980: Ord. 1638 § 1 (part), 1974).
11.08.060 Amendment to Section 306.
Section 306 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 306. Inspections. All signs for which a permit is required shall be subject to
inspection by the Building Official and shall have painted on the surface of the sign
the name of the sign erector and the date of erection. Such name and date shall be
of sufficient size and contrast to be readable from a reasonable distance. Failure to
provide such name and date shall be grounds for rejection of the sign.
Footing inspections may be required by the Building Official for all signs having
footings.
The owner or other person responsible for a sign shall remove such sign at the order
of the Building Official for lack of maintenance, as required by Section 11.08.050 of
this chapter.
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All signs may be re -inspected from time to time at the discretion of the Building
Official.
(Ord. 2461 § 5, 1980: Ord. 1638 § 1 (part), 1974).
11.08.070 Amendment to Table 4-B.
(a) Table 4-B of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
TABLE 4-B PROJECTION OF SIGNS
Clearance above Maximum Proiection
grade
Less than 8 feet Not permitted
8 feet to 9 feet 1'-0"
9 feet to 10 feet 2'-0"
over 10 feet 2/3 the distance from building to a curb line or a
maximum of 10 feet
(b) No sign shall project within 2 feet of curb line.
(c) No more than one-third of the height of any proiectinq sign shall exceed the height of
the building to which it is attached.
(Ord. 2461 § 6, 1980: Ord. 1638 § 1 (part), 1974).
11.08.075 Amendment to Section 403.
Section 403 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 403. (a) General. Signs shall conform to the clearance and projection
requirements of this section and Tables Nos. 4-B and 4-C.
(b) Clearance from High Voltage Power Lines. Signs shall be located not less than
6 feet horizontally or 12 feet vertically from overhead electrical conductors which are
energized in excess of 750 volts. The term "overhead conductors" as used in this
section means an electrical conductor, either bare or insulated, installed above the
ground, except when conductors are enclosed in iron pipe or other approval material
covering of equal strength.
(c) Clearance from Fire Escapes, Exits or Standpipes. Signs or sign structures
shall not be erected in such a manner that a portion of their surface or supports will
interfere with the free use of any fire escape, exit or standpipe.
(d) Obstruction of Openings. Signs shall not obstruct openings to the extent that
light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that required by this code.
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Signs erected within 5 feet of an exterior wall in which there are openings within the
area of the sign shall be constructed of noncombustible material or approved
plastics.
(e) Projection over Alleys. Signs or sign structures shall not project into a public
alley below a height of 14 feet above grade, nor project more than 12 inches when
the sign structure is located 14 feet to 16 feet above grade. The sign or sign structure
may project not more than 36 inches into a public alley when the sign or sign
structure is located more than 16 feet above grade.
(f) Clearance from Streets. Except for political signs, Ssigns shall not project within
2 feet of the curb line. Such political signs shall not project into the roadway.
Temporary signs shall not project into the roadway. No signs shall project into the
clear view triangle.
(Ord. 93-83 § 1, 1993).
11.08.077 Amendment to Section 703.
Section 703 of the Uniform Sign Code, adopted by this chapter, is amended to read as
follows:
Section 703. Ground cignsSigns shall not project over public property,. far -beyond a
legal setback provided, however, that political signs may project beyond a legal
setback except for driveway andor corner clear yiew triangles, unless specifically
allowed pursuant to the Yakima Municipal Code.
(Ord. 93-83 § 3, 1993).
11.08.080 Prohibited signs and devices.
In addition to those signs prohibited under Yakima Municipal Code section 15.08.050,
fl he following signs or devices are specifically prohibited, and no person shall install or
maintain any such prohibited sign:
1. All signs not complying with Washington State Highway Department regulations
adjacent to state roads;
2. Any sign using the words "Stop," "Look," "Danger" or any other word, symbol or
character which in the judgment of the chief building inspector would tend to confucc
traffic or detract from any legal traffic control device;
2-4. Signs within twenty feet of intersections, alleys or driveways which obscure
vision between the height of three and ten feet of the street or driveway grade; or
3 . Stationary motor vehicles, trailers and related devices utilized in an attempt to
circumvent the intent of this code. (Ord. 1638 § 2 (part), 1974).
11.08.090 Removal of nonconforming signs.
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A. All nonconforming signs shall be made to comply with the standards of this code or
shall be removed within four years from the effective date of this code or any of its
amendments.
B. For those areas annexed or rezoned subsequent to the enactment of this code, the
effective date for the removal or causing compliance of the then nonconforming signs
shall be no later than four years from the date of annexation or rezoning as specified in
subsection A of this section. (Ord. 1638 § 1 (part), 1974).
11.08.100 License required.
No person, firm or corporation shall engage in the business of erecting, removing,
servicing or maintaining signs as covered by this chapter without first having procured a
license from the city clerk to conduct such business.
Exceptions:
A. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to require a license from any
persons having a lawful permit to do so, who shall submit a verified statement that he is
the owner of the building or premises to which such signs, banners or billboards may be
attached and that work done under such permit shall be performed exclusively by
himself. A lawful tenant of a building with written permission from the owner and proof of
tenancy may also perform work on a building under such permit exclusively by himself.
B. Public service corporations holding a valid and existing franchise from the city and
which have on file a general obligation bond may erect, remove and maintain purely
directional signs indicating locations, guides, instructions and distances to the general
public, without the necessity of procuring a license under this chapter. (Ord. 1638 § 1
(part), 1974).
11.08.110 License fee.
The annual license fee for all licenses provided for by this chapter shall be one hundred
fourteen dollars and twenty-six cents, payable in advance on or before January 1st of
each year; provided, a license may be issued for any application filed after August 31st
of any year on payment of one-half the annual license fee, which license shall expire and
be subject to renewal on or before December 31st of that year. (Ord. 3143 § 14, 1988:
Ord. 3002 § 14, 1987: Ord. 2736 § 15, 1983: Ord. 1880 § 27, 1975: Ord. 1638 § 1 (part),
1974).
11.08.120 Application for license.
Application for any license required under this chapter shall be made on forms to be
furnished for such purpose by the city clerk. Each application shall be accompanied with
the license fee required therefor together with the bond specified under
Section 11.08.140. (Ord. 1638 § 1 (part), 1974).
11.08.130 Revocation of license.
Licenses granted under the terms of this chapter shall be nontransferable and may be
revoked by the city manager on his finding that the license holder has violated any
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provision of this chapter after a public hearing upon five days' notice. Such notice shall
be served personally upon the licensee or by certified letter addressed to the licensee at
the address given on the license application. (Ord. 1638 § 1 (part), 1974).
11.08.140 Liability insurance required.
Before any license is granted under the terms of this chapter, and as a prerequisite
thereto, the applicant will provide the city with a certificate of insurance as proof of
commercial general liability insurance in the amount of one million dollars combined
single limit bodily injury and property damage and two million dollars aggregate that
clearly states who the provider is, the amount of coverage, the policy number, and when
the policy and provisions provided are in effect. Said policy shall be in effect for the
duration of the license and/or permit. The certificate of liability insurance policy shall
name the city of Yakima, its elected officials, officers, agents, employees and volunteers
as additional insureds, and shall contain a clause that the insurer will not cancel the
insurance without first giving the city thirty calendar days' prior written notice. The
insurance shall be with an insurance company or companies rated A -VII or higher in
Best's Guide and admitted in the state of Washington. If the city is damaged by the
failure of the applicant to maintain the above insurance or to so notify the city, then the
applicant shall bear all costs attributable thereto. An expiration, cancellation, or
revocation of the insurance policy or withdrawal of the insurer from the insurance policy
automatically suspends the permit issued to the licensed sign installation company until
a new insurance policy or reinstatement notice has been filed and approved as provided
in this section. As a further condition of the issuance of any license, the applicant shall
defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the city, its officers, elected officials, employees
and agents from and against any and all claims, causes of action, damages, losses, and
expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever, including but not limited to, attorney's fees
and court costs, arising out of, relating to, or resulting from the applicant's performance
or nonperformance of its work relating to signs, including but not limited to the erection,
servicing, maintaining and/or removing of a sign or signs in the city of Yakima.
Applicants shall also comply with all other applicable insurance requirements found in
the Yakima Municipal Code. The applicant also shall comply with all provisions of YMC
10.32.030, entitled "Liability insurance required." (Ord. 2009-21 § 2, 2009: Ord. 1638 § 1
(part), 1974).
Section 2. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence or clause of this
ordinance is declared invalid or unconstitutional for any reason, such decision shall not affect
the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of the ordinance.
Section 3. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect 30 days after its passage,
approval, and publication as provided by law and by the City Charter.
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PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, signed and approved this 18th day of April, 2017.
ATTEST: Kathy Coffey, Mayor
Sonya Claar Tee, City Clerk
Publication Date:
Effective Date:
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