HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/05/2014 11 Sign Code Enforcement and Revision SummaryBUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 11.
For Meeting of: August 05, 2014
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ITEM TITLE:
SUBMITTED BY:
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
Sign Code Enforcement and Revision Summary
Joan Davenport, Acting Director of Community Development
Joe Caruso, Code Division Manager
City Code Enforcement staff have initiated a focused effort to gain compliance with existing sign
regulations by local business establishments. The enforcement effort has been successful. The
attached memo outlines the findings and some recommendations for minor code changes which
would be helpful in clarification of code standards for certain types of signs.
Resolution: Ordinance:
Other (Specify):
Contract: Contract Term:
Start Date: End Date:
Item Budgeted: Amount:
Funding Source/Fiscal
Impact:
Strategic Priority:
Insurance Required? No
Mail to:
Phone:
APPROVED FOR
SUBMITTAL:
RECOMMENDATION:
Improve the Built Environment
City Manager
Review memo and provide direction on 2014 Code Amendments related to signs.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Upload Date
Sign Enforcement Memo '7/25/2014
Map of Sign Enforcement Corridors '7/22/2014
Powerpoint of Before and After short version 7/31/2014
Type
Bacup IMaterliall
Bacup IMaterliall
Bacup IMaterliall
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
M EM O RANDUM
Honorable Mayor Cawley and Members of the City Council
Joan Davenport, Acting Community Development Director
Jeff Peters, Supervising Planner
August 5, 2014
Sign Code Enforcement and Recommendation Summary
The 2014 City Business Plan and the FY 2014 Budget included the approval of two additional Code
Enforcement Officers in order for the City to become proactive in responding to code violations with
particular emphasis on sign violations in order to make the City more attractive. Increased code
enforcement attention was given to temporary signs and abandoned signs. Temporary signs are
defined as:
"Temporary sign" means any sign, banner, pennant, valance, or advertising display constructed
of cloth, paper, canvas, cardboard, or other light nondurable materials and portable signs as
defined in this section. Types of displays included in this category are: grand opening, special
sales, special event, and garage sale signs.
Additionally, the Sign Code incudes time constraints and other general limitations for Temporary Signs..
Temporary signs are currently listed under the title of "Exempt" signs,
15.08.040 Exempt signs.
Except when otherwise prohibited, the following signs are exempt from the application, permit
and fee requirements of this title when the standards of this chapter are met
Exempt Signs, as noted above, do not have a permit and fee requirements but must meet the
standards of the sign chapter. Compliance with the standards portion of the code for Exempt signs has
been problematic in the past because it was often interpreted as being exempt from the existing sign
standards rather than an exemption from the permit or fee..
In 2014, staff began an enforcement process along all major Arterial streets by working with property
and business owners to remove temporary signs and signs that were either not permitted by the City's
Municipal Code, or did not have permits. These sign sweeps have been largely successful. To date,
eleven major streets were reviewed with 717 business sites visited, and over 1,549 signs removed. The
Arterial street corridors included in this sign sweep are illustrated on the attached map.
The enforcement process presently has three components.
• The effort has now shifted to other businesses not located on the primary Arterial Streets;
• The original eleven street corridors will be revisited, beginning in September to make sure they
still comply; and
• Complaints about signs are handled as they are received.
Page 1 of 20
As a direct result of this enforcement process, the City of Yakima Code Administration and Planning
Divisions have encountered three areas of concern expressed by property and business owners with
regard to regulation of signs under YMC 15.08 Signs.
1. The City's Exempt Signs section of the code YMC 15.08.040 lists certain signs (i.e. window
signs, directional signs, and others) that do not require a permit or fee, but does not relieve
them from the overarching standards of the sign chapter. This creates a problem in regulating
these types of signs in that there are development standards that must be met, however there
is no permit process applied to ensure that the exempt signs meet the development standards
of the sign ordinance often resulting signs being constructed which are illegal per the Municipal
Code.
2. Citizens have complained that the definition of a Temporary Sign is being applied too broadly,
by regulating both outdoor and indoor (i.e. Window signs) signage equally. The assertion is
that a Window Sign is not a Temporary sign. By not allowing window signs to be regulated
separately from Temporary Signs, the current ordinance effectively limits all businesses to one
temporary sign per street frontage regardless of whether the sign is inside a business
(window), secured weather proof display case, or outdoors on the street. Temporary Sign
definitions are silent with respect to window painted signs.
3. The size of a parcel could be considered in evaluating the number of Temporary Signs. A I
parcel with long street frontage could be allowed to have more Temporary Signs (either in
number or total square footage) than a small parcel.
Process to Amend Sign Code
Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance are reviewed by the City Planning Commission for public
consideration and hearings, then referred to the City Council. If the Council choses to direct
amendments, to the sign code, staff would refer them to the Planning Commission for inclusion in the
2014 Zoning Amendments. City Council will receive written findings and recommendations from the
Planning Commission in early fall of this year. The existing Sign Code in the Zoning Ordinance is
included as Attachment 1 to this memo.
Recommendations
Based upon citizen and procedural concerns, the City of Yakima Planning and Code Administration
Divisions are recommending that the City Council consider the below sign code revisions for 2014. In
the future, extensive revisions of the sign code might be considered. Staff is requesting clear direction
from the City Council regarding potential sign Code Amendments for consideration. Please review
these items and indicate Council preference.
1. Exempt Signs: Remove the provisions of YMC 15.08.040 "Exempt Signs" that state no
application, permit or fee is required for an Exempt sign; leave the requirement that Exempt
signs must comply with the standards of the Code Execution of this amendment would
eliminate the confusing language of this section of the Yakima Municipal Code.
Proceed with Amendment? Yes No
Page 2 of 20
2. Temporary Signs: Amend the definition of Temporary Signs to establish a total size limit of
temporary signs (up to 32 square feet, for example) in addition to any Window Signs as allowed
in YMC 15.08.110). The number and square footage of Temporary Signs could be increased if
the linear street frontage is more than 100 feet in length.
Proceed with Amendment? Yes No
3. Window Signs: The Council may wish to consider putting a cap on the total amount of area of a
window that may be covered (one suggestion has been 25% of any single window pane). This
amendment would cap the total area of a window that could be covered with signage,
Proceed with Amendment? Yes No
4. Display Cases: Display cases, such as the movie theater posters, should be addressed in the
sign code. An amendment to the definition of window signs could be considered, or they could
be regulated as wall signs. If this option is pursued the City Council may wish to consider size
limitations as the regulations for wall signs allow wall signs to cover the entire wall to which the
sign is attached.
Proceed with Amendment? Yes No
Page 3 of 20
ATTACHMENT 1: Yakima Municipal Sign Code
Chapter 15.08 SIGNS
Sections:
15.08.010 Purpose.
15.08.020 Definitions.
15.08.030 Development permit required.
15.08.040 Exempt signs.
15.08.050 Prohibited signs.
15.08.055 Sign maintenance.
15.08.060 Sign standards.
15.08.070 General provisions.
15.08.080 Projection over right-of-way.
15.08.090 Roof signs.
15.08.100 Wall signs.
15.08.110 Temporary signs.
15.08.120 Directional signs.
15.08.130 Off -premises signs and billboards.
15.08.140 Multiple -building complexes and multiple -tenant buildings.
15.08.150 Freeway signs.
15.08.160 Legal nonconforming signs.
15.08.170 Administrative adjustment of sign standards allowed.
15.08.180 Variances.
15.08.190 Violations.
15.08.010 Purpose.
Page 4 of 20
The purpose of this chapter is to accommodate and promote sign placement consistent with the character
and intent of the zoning district; proper sign maintenance; elimination of visual clutter; and creative and
innovative sign design. To accomplish this purpose, the posting, displaying, erecting, use, and
maintenance of signs within the urban area shall occur in accordance with this chapter. (Ord. 2008-46
§ 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).
15.08.020 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, certain abbreviations, terms, phrases, words and derivatives shall be
construed as specified herein.
"Abandoned sign" means any sign located on property that is vacant and unoccupied for a period of six
months or more, or any sign which pertains to any occupant, business or event unrelated to the present
occupant or use.
"Banner" means any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is mounted to a pole or building
at one or more edges. National flags, state and local flags or any official flag at an institution or business
will not be considered banners.
"Canopy sign" means any sign that is part of or attached to an awning, canopy or other fabric, plastic or
structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window or outdoor service area.
"Changing message center sign" means an electronically controlled sign where different automatic
changing messages are shown on the lamp bank. This definition includes time and temperature displays.
"Construction sign" means any sign used to identify the architects, engineers, contractors or other
individuals or firms involved with the construction of a building and to show the design of the building
or the purpose for which the building is intended.
Directional Sign. See "off -premises directional sign" and "on -premises directional sign."
"Electrical sign" means a sign or sign structure in which electrical wiring, connections, and/or fixtures
are used as part of the sign proper.
"Flashing sign" means an electric sign or a portion thereof (except changing message centers) 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.
"Freestanding sign" means any sign supported by one or more uprights, poles or braces in or upon the
ground.
"Freeway sign" means a freestanding sign designed and placed to attract the attention of freeway traffic.
"Grand opening sign" means temporary signs, posters, banners, strings of lights, clusters of flags,
balloons and searchlights used to announce the opening of a completely new enterprise or the opening of
an enterprise under new management.
Page 5 of 20
"Multiple -building complex" is a group of structures housing two or more retail, offices, or commercial
uses sharing the same lot, access and/or parking facilities, or a coordinated site plan. For purposes of this
section, each multiple -building complex shall be considered a single use.
"Multiple -tenant building" is a single structure housing two or more retail, office, or commercial uses
sharing the same lot, access and/or parking facilities, or a coordinated site plan. For purposes of this
section, each multiple -building complex shall be considered a single use. (See YMC 15.08.140.)
"Off -premises directional sign" means an off -premises sign with directions to a particular business.
"Off -premises sign" means a sign advertising or promoting merchandise, service, goods, or
entertainment sold, produced, manufactured or furnished at a place other than on the property where the
sign is located.
"On -premises directional sign" means a sign directing pedestrian or vehicular traffic to parking,
entrances, exits, service areas, or other on-site locations.
"On -premises sign" means a sign incidental to a lawful use of the premises on which it is located,
advertising the business transacted, services rendered, goods sold or products produced on the premises
or the name of the business or name of the person, firm or corporation occupying the premises.
"Political sign" means a sign advertising a candidate or candidates for public elective offices, or a
political party, or a sign urging a particular vote on a public issue decided by ballot.
"Portable sign" means a temporary sign made of wood, metal, plastic, or other durable material that is
not attached to the ground or a structure. This definition includes sandwich boards, and portable
readerboards (also see "temporary sign") if placed on private property. Signs placed on public or street
right-of-way, including public sidewalks, require review under YMC 8.20.055.
"Projecting sign" means a sign, other than a wall sign, that is attached to and projects from a structure or
building face.
"Real estate sign" means any sign pertaining to the sale, lease or rental of land or buildings.
"Roof sign" means any sign erected or constructed as an integral or essentially integral part of a normal
roof structure of any design. See YMC 15.08.090.
"Sign" means any medium, including its structural component parts, used or intended to attract attention
to the subject matter that identifies, advertises, and/or promotes an activity, product, service, place,
business, or any other thing.
"Sign area" means that area contained within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the entire sign
cabinet, but excluding any support or framing structure that does not convey a message.
"Sign cabinet" means the module or background containing the advertising message but excluding sign
supports, architectural framing, or other decorative features which contain no written or advertising
copy.
Page 6 of 20
"Sign height" means the vertical distance measured from the grade below the sign or upper surface of
the nearest street curb, whichever permits the greatest height, to the highest point of the sign.
Figure 8-1
"Sign setback" means the horizontal distance from the property line to the nearest edge of the sign
cabinet.
"Street frontage" means the length in feet of a property line(s) or lot line(s) bordering a public street. For
corner lots, each street -side property line shall be a separate street frontage. The frontage for a single use
or development on two or more lots shall be the sum of the individual lot frontages.
Figure 8-2
"Temporary sign" means any sign, banner, pennant, valance, or advertising display constructed of cloth,
paper, canvas, cardboard, or other light nondurable materials and portable signs as defined in this
section. Types of displays included in this category are: grand opening, special sales, special event, and
garage sale signs.
"Use identification sign" means a sign used to identify and/or contain information pertaining to a school,
church, residential development, or a legal business other than a home occupation in a residential
district.
Page 7 of 20
"Wall sign" means any on -premises sign attached to or painted directly on, or erected against and
parallel to, the wall of a building. See YMC 15.08.100.
"Window sign" means any sign, pictures, symbol or combination thereof, designed to communicate
information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale or service placed inside a window or
upon the window panes or glass and visible from the exterior of the window. (Ord. 2010-34 § 4, 2010:
Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-81 § 32, 1993: Ord. 3106 § 16, 1988: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).
15.08.030 Development permit required.
No sign governed by this title shall be erected, structurally altered or relocated after the adoption without
first receiving a development permit from the building official.
1. For New Uses. All on -premises signs meeting the standards of this chapter are considered Class (1)
uses requiring Type (1) review. On -premises signs not meeting the standards shall follow the procedures
of YMC 15.08.170, and are otherwise not permitted. Off -premises signs and billboards are permitted as
identified in YMC 15.08.130.
2. For Changes or Replacement of an Existing Sign. Structural changes to, or replacement of, an
existing sign requires Type (1) review and approval by the building official. (Ord. 2011-12 § 3, 2011:
Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 3019 § 33, 1987: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).
15.08.040 Exempt signs.
Except when otherwise prohibited, the following signs are exempt from the application, permit and fee
requirements of this title when the standards of this chapter are met:
1. Window signs;
2. Point of purchase displays, such as product dispensers;
3. Gravestones;
4. Barber poles;
5. Historical site plaques;
6. Structures intended for a separate use such as phone booths, Goodwill containers, etc.;
7. Official and legal notices issued by any court, public body, person or officer in performance of a
public duty or in giving any legal notice;
8. Directional, warning or information signs or structures required or authorized by law;
9. Official flags of the United States of America, states of the United States, counties, municipalities,
official flags of foreign nations, and flags of internationally and nationally recognized organizations;
Page 8 of 20
10. Political signs advertising a candidate or candidates for public elective office, a political party, or
promoting a position on a public issue during a campaign; provided, that:
a. All political signs shall be removed within fifteen days following the election, except that in cases
where a general election follows a primary election, those signs for candidates whose names will appear
on the ballot in the general election may be displayed during the interim period and up to fifteen days
after the general election; and
b. No political sign shall be erected upon any private property without the permission of the resident or
owner thereof, and, in cases where there is no occupied structure on the property, no political signs shall
be placed thereon without the written consent of the owner of the property;
11. Construction and real estate signs not exceeding thirty-two square feet in sign area;
12. All temporary signs (see YMC 15.08.110) except portable signs;
13. Church, school, and community center name and/or readerboards not exceeding thirty-two square
feet in sign area;
14. Canopies and awning signs;
15. On -premises signs not readable from the public right-of-way, i.e., menu boards, etc.;
16. On -premises directional signs; and
17. Official public or court notices issued by a government agency or body or required or provided for
under adopted statute. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 2001-25 § 1, 2001: Ord. 93-81 § 33, 1993:
Ord. 3019 § 34, 1987: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).
15.08.050 Prohibited signs.
The following signs are prohibited:
1. Signs on any vehicle or trailer parked on public or private property and visible from a public right-
of-way for the purpose of circumventing the provisions of this chapter. This provision shall not prohibit
signs painted on or magnetically attached to any vehicle operating in the normal course of business;
2. Signs purporting to be, imitating, or resembling an official traffic sign or signal; could cause
confusion with any official sign, or which obstruct the visibility of any traffic/street sign or signal;
3. Signs attached to utility, streetlight and traffic -control standard poles;
4. Swinging projecting signs;
5. Signs in a dilapidated (i.e., having peeling paint, major cracks or holes, and/or loose or dangling
materials) or hazardous condition;
6. Abandoned signs;
Page 9 of 20
7. Signs on doors, windows or fire escapes that restrict free ingress or egress; and
8. Any other sign not meeting the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-
81 § 34, 1993: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).
15.08.055 Sign maintenance.
A. General Requirements. Signs shall be maintained in good order and repair at all times so that they
do not constitute any danger or hazard to public safety, and are free of peeling paint, major cracks and
loose and dangling materials. Signs that are not maintained in this manner shall be considered prohibited
signs.
B. Nonconforming Sign Maintenance and Repair. Nothing in this title shall relieve the owner or user
of a legal nonconforming sign, or the owner of the property on which the nonconforming sign is located,
from the provisions of this section regarding safety, maintenance, repair, and/or removal of signs. (See
YMC 15.08.160.) (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-81 § 35, 1993).
15.08.060 Sign standards.
The provisions of this chapter and the requirements in Table 8-1, "Type and Number of Signs
Permitted," Table 8-2, "Maximum Sign Area," and Table 8-3, "Sign Height and Setbacks," are
established for all signs in the zoning districts indicated. All permitted signs are subject to the review
procedures of this title and the standards of this section. Signs for Class (1), (2) and (3) uses shall be
subject to the same procedural and review requirements as the principal use.
Table 8-1. Type and Number of Signs Permitted
SIGN TYPE
ZONING DISTRICTS
SR
R-1
R-
2
R-
3
B -
1
B-2
SCC
LCC
CBD
GC
AS
RD
HB
PERMITTED SIGNS
On-
Premises
Signs
Nameplate
Permitted as an Accessory Use to an Approved or Existing Use
Subdivision
Identification/Project
Identification2
Roof/Portable Signs
Not Permitted
Class (1) Use
Freestandingl
Subdivision/Proj.
I.D. Only
On -premises signs meeting the standards of this chapter are con
Class (1) uses requiring Type (1) review. On -premises signs no
the standards of this chapter shall follow the procedures of YMI
15.08.170, and are otherwise not permitted.
Projecting
Not Permitted
Freeway
See YMC 15.08.150
Off-
Directional
Not
Class
Not
Class (2) Use 1
Page 10 of 20
Table 8-1. Type and Number of Signs Permitted
SIGN TYPE
ZONING DISTRICTS
SR
R-1
R-
2
R-
3
B -
1
B-2
SCC
LCC
CBD
GC
AS
RD
HB
Premises
Signs
Advertising
Permitted
(2) Use
Permitted
1
Billboards
NUMBER OF SIGNS PERMITTED
On-
Premises
Signs
Nameplate
1 Per Dwelling
. . .
Subdivision
Identification/Use
Identification2
1 Per Street Frontage
1 Per Street Frontage
Freestandingl
Proj ecting
Not Permitted
Wall/Roof/Portable
Signs
Wall: YMC 15.08.100/Roof: YMC 15.08.090/Temporary:
15.08.110
Freeway
Freeway: See YMC 15.08.150
Off-
Premises
Signs
Directional
Directional: See YMC 15.08.120(B)
Advertising
Not Permitted
1 Sign Per Parcel (Also See YMC 15.08.130)
Billboards
NOTES:
1. YMC 15.08.140 has freestanding sign provisions for multiple -building complexes and multiple -
tenant buildings.
2. Nameplates and subdivision identification signs permitted in the residential districts may be placed
on a wall—See Table 8-2.
Page 11 of 20
Table 8-2. Maximum Sign Area
Freestanding and Projecting Signs
ZONING
DISTRICT
Sign is set back 15 ft.
or less from
required right-of-
way
Sign is set back 15 ft.
or more from
required right-of-way
WALL
SIGNS
FREEWAY
SIGNS
SR, R-1, R-2, and R-3
Nameplates up to 2 sq. ft. and subdivision/project
identification up to 32 sq. ft.
NOT
PERMITTED
HB and B-1
24 sq. ft.
40 sq. ft.
B-2
40 sq. ft.
60 sq. ft.
SCC
Frontage is
less than 400
ft. long
1 sq. ft. of sign area
per lineal ft. of
frontage up to 100 s
ft.
q.
1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign
area per lineal ft. of
frontage up to 150 sq.
ft.
Frontage is
more than 400
ft. long
1 sq. ft. of sign area
per lineal ft. of
frontage up to 150 s
ft.
q.
1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign
area per lineal ft. of
frontage up to 200 sq.
ft.
LCC
Frontage is
less than 400
ft. long
1 sq. ft. of sign area
per lineal ft. of
frontage up to 150 s
ft.
q.
1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign
area per lineal ft. of
frontage up to 200 sq.
ft.
Frontage is
more than 400
ft. long
1 sq. ft. of sign area
per lineal ft. of
frontage up to 200 s
ft.
q.
1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign
area per lineal ft. of
frontage up to 250 sq.
ft.
CBD
1 sq. ft. of sign area
up to 150 sq. ft.
per lineal ft. of frontage
GC
Frontage is
less than 400
ft. long
1 sq. ft. of sign area
per lineal ft. of
frontage up to 150 s
ft.
q.
1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign
area per lineal ft. of
frontage up to 200 sq.
ft.
Frontage is
more than 400
ft. long
1 sq. ft. of sign area
per lineal ft. of
frontage up to 200 s
ft.
q.
1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign
area per lineal ft. of
frontage up to 250 sq.
ft.
AS
Frontage is
less than 400
1 sq. ft. of sign area
per lineal ft. of
1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign
area per lineal ft. of
SIZE OF
WALL TO
WHICH
ATTACHED
WHERE
PERMITTED:
UP TO 300
SQUARE
FOOT
Page 12 of 20
Table 8-2. Maximum Sign Area
Freestanding and Projecting Signs
ZONING
Sign is set back 15 ft.
Sign is set back 15 ft.
WALL
I FREEWAY
ft. long
frontage up to 150 sq.
ft.
frontage up to 200 sq.
ft.
Frontage is
more than 400
ft. long
1 sq. ft. of sign area
per lineal ft. of
frontage up to 200 sq.
ft.
1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign
area per lineal ft. of
frontage up to 250 sq.
ft.
RD
Frontage is
less than 400
ft. long
1 sq. ft. of sign area
per lineal ft. of
frontage up to 150 sq.
ft.
1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign
area per lineal ft. of
frontage up to 200 sq.
ft.
Frontage is
more than 400
ft. long
1 sq. ft. of sign area
per lineal ft. of
frontage up to 200 sq.
ft.
1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign
area per lineal ft. of
frontage up to 250 sq.
ft.
M-1
1 sq. ft. of sign area
per lineal ft. of
frontage up to 100 sq.
ft.
1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign
area per lineal ft. of
frontage up to 150 sq.
ft.
M-2
MAXIMUM AREA PER SIGN = 2 TIMES THE MAXIMUM AREA PER SIGN FACE
Table 8-3. Sign Height and Setbacks
SIGN STANDARDS
ZONING DISTRICTS
SR
R-1
R-
2
R-
3
B-
1
B-
2
SCC
LCC
CBD
GC
AS
RD
M-
1
M -
2
HB
MAXIMUM SIGN HEIGHT
Freestandingl
Sign is
set back
15 feet
or less
from
required
right-
of-way
5 ft.
10 ft.
15
ft.
30
ft.
30 ft.
30 ft.
30 ft.
Sign is
set back
more
than 15
feet
10 ft.
15 ft.
20
ft.
35
ft.
40 ft.
30 ft.
40 ft.
Page 13 of 20
Table 8-3. Sign Height and Setbacks
SIGN STANDARDS
ZONING DISTRICTS
SR
R-1
R-
2
R-
3
B-
1
B-
2
SCC
LCC
CBD
GC
AS
RD
M-
1
M -
2
HB
from
required
right-
of-way
Projecting
Not permitted2
See YMC 15.08.080
Wall
Top of wall to which attached
Freeway
Where permitted: 70 ft.
SETBACKS
Minimum front yard
setbacks
Edge of right-of-way
Minimum side yard
setbacks
Required setback standards for each zoning district (Table 5-1)
Notes:
1 YMC 15.08.140 has special freestanding sign provisions for multiple -building complexes and
multiple -tenant buildings.
2 Nameplates and subdivision identification signs permitted in the residential districts may be
placed on a wall. (See Table 8-2.)
(Ord. 2011-12 § 4 (part), 2011; Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-81 § 36, 1993; Ord. 3106 § 17,
1988; Ord. 3019 § 35, 1987: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).
15.08.070 General provisions.
All signs shall comply with the following provisions:
A. Construction shall satisfy the requirements of the building code;
B. Except for exempt signs, all signs shall be permanently attached to a building or the ground;
C. Signs attached to a building shall not exceed the height of the building, except under the provisions
of YMC 15.08.080(1) and 15.08.090;
D. All signs shall comply with the setback requirements in Table 8-3, except when the side or rear
yard is a street frontage, then the front setback shall apply;
Page 14 of 20
E. Lighting directed on or internal to any sign shall be shaded, screened, or directed so that the light's
intensity or brightness shall not adversely affect neighboring property or motor vehicle safety;
F. All signs together with their supports, braces, and guys shall be maintained in a safe and secure
manner;
G. The ratio of the area of the sign support, framing structure, and/or other decorative features which
contain no written or advertising copy to the sign cabinet shall not be greater than 1:1;
H. A clearview triangle shall be maintained at all driveways and curb cuts for vision safety purposes.
(See YMC 15.05.040);
I. No freestanding signs shall be placed in the clearview triangle established in YMC 15.05.040; and
J. Any exterior lighting must be shielded and directed away from adjoining streets or residential uses.
(Ord. 2011-12 § 4 (part), 2011: Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-81 § 37, 1993: Ord. 3106 § 18,
1988: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).
15.08.080 Projection over right-of-way.
Projecting and freestanding signs shall comply with the following provisions:
1. No more than one-third of the height of any projecting sign shall exceed the height of the building
to which it is attached.
2. All signs projecting over the public right-of-way shall conform to the following standards:
Clearance
Above Grade Maximum Projection
Less than 8 Not permitted
feet
8 feet to 9 feet 1 foot
9 feet to 10 2 feet
feet
Over 10 feet 2/3 the distance from
building to curb line or a
maximum of 10 feet
No sign shall project within two feet of the curb line. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 3019 § 36,
1987: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).
15.08.090 Roof signs.
All roof signs shall comply with the following provisions:
Page 15 of 20
1. Roof signs shall be erected so as to appear from all sides as a wall sign applied to an existing
penthouse which appears to be a part of the building itself.
2. Roof signs must not exceed the maximum allowable height of the building within the district in
which it is located.
3. All roof signs shall be installed or erected in such a manner that there is no visible support structure.
(Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).
15.08.100 Wall signs.
All wall signs shall conform to the following provisions:
1. Wall signs may be painted upon, attached flat to, or pinned away from the wall, but shall not project
more than twelve inches from the wall.
2. The number of wall signs is not regulated; provided, the total area of the wall sign(s) may not
exceed the area of the wall to which attached.
3. Wall signs shall not extend above the height of the wall to which attached. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part),
2008: Ord. 93-81 § 38, 1993: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).
15.08.110 Temporary signs.
All temporary signs shall conform to the following:
1. No temporary sign shall be displayed for more than thirty days at any one time nor more than ninety
days during a calendar year.
2. Only one temporary sign on each street frontage per parcel or lot is permitted.
3. No temporary sign shall be placed in a required parking space, driveway, or clearview triangle.
4. No temporary sign may be placed in the public right-of-way or an easement unless specifically
permitted by the city/county.
5. Temporary signs placed on the ground shall be separated from parking and driveway areas by a curb
or other barrier.
6. No temporary sign shall be displayed more than fifteen days after the event for which it is intended.
(Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 2001-25 § 2, 2001: Ord. 93-81 § 39, 1993: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part),
1986).
15.08.120 Directional signs.
A. On -Premises Directional Signs. On -premises directional signs readable from the public right-of-
way may be permitted in accordance with Table 8-1. On -premises directional signs may contain both
Page 16 of 20
directions and the business name or logo, provided the business name or logo shall not exceed fifty
percent of the sign area. All on -premises directional signs shall meet the general provisions of this
section, and shall not exceed ten square feet per sign face.
B. Off -Premises Directional Signs. Off -premises directional signs are permitted where indicated in
YMC 15.08.130(B); provided, that:
1. Each use located in a district where off -premises directional signs are allowed is permitted one off -
premises directional sign;
2. The off -premises sign contains only directional information and does not exceed thirty-two square
feet in area nor twenty-five feet in height;
3. The off -premises signs are permanently installed on private property;
4. Only one off -premises sign is permitted on a parcel. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 2947 § 1
(part), 1986).
15.08.130 Off -premises signs and billboards.
A. Billboards are:
1. Class (1) uses in the M-1 and M-2 districts; and
2. Class (2) uses in the CBD, GC, and RD districts.
B. Billboards may be permitted in these districts after the required level of review, provided they meet
the provisions of this chapter and all of the following criteria:
1. The maximum sign area does not exceed three hundred square feet per sign face;
2. There is no more than one product displayed per sign face;
3. There are no side-by-side panels;
4. Required front yard setbacks are met;
5. Billboards between a one -hundred -fifty and three -hundred -foot radius of a residential district shall
be restricted to one hundred sixty square feet per sign face and may not be lighted;
6. No billboard shall be located within one hundred fifty feet of a residential district;
7. The billboard is not within five hundred lineal feet of another billboard having the same street
frontage;
8. Billboard height standards shall not exceed that permitted for freestanding signs as provided in
Table 8-3;
Page 17 of 20
9. The total number of combined freestanding signs, off -premises signs and billboards does not exceed
the number of freestanding signs allowed for the property.
C. Off -premises signs are:
1. Class (1) uses in the M-1 and M-2 districts;
2. Class (2) uses in the B-2, CBD, GC, and RD districts.
Off -premises signs may be permitted in these districts after the required level of review, provided they
meet the provisions of this chapter and the specific standards for the district in which they are located.
(Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-81 § 40, 1993: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).
15.08.140 Multiple -building complexes and multiple -tenant buildings.
A. Purpose. The following provisions shall apply to multiple -building complexes and multiple -tenant
buildings in the SCC, LCC, GC, and RD districts.
B. Number of Freestanding Signs. Each multiple -building complex shall be allowed one freestanding
sign on each street frontage in accordance with Table 8-2. When the street frontage is longer than four
hundred feet:
1. One additional freestanding sign shall be permitted for each additional four hundred feet of street
frontage or part thereof; or
2. A single, larger freestanding sign can be erected in accordance with Table 8-2.
If option 1, as set forth in subsection (B)(1) of this section, is selected, no freestanding sign shall be
placed closer than two hundred feet to any other freestanding sign or exceed the standards in Table 8-2.
These provisions shall also apply to each multiple -tenant building, unless it is a part of a multiple -
building complex.
The allowable freestanding sign(s) may be used to advertise one or more of the uses in the multiple -
building complex or multiple -tenant building. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part),
1986).
15.08.150 Freeway signs.
A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to permit hotels/motels, restaurants, service stations and
fruit stands near the freeway a larger on -premises sign to inform freeway travelers of their service.
B. Location. A freeway sign may be used to substitute an allowable freestanding sign where there is
more than one street frontage, when the use:
1. Has frontage on Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima Avenue, Terrace Heights Drive, North 1st Street, North
16th Avenue, or North 40th Avenue and all or a portion of the lot is within one thousand feet of a
freeway interchange; or
Page 18 of 20
2. Is within two hundred fifty feet of the freeway right-of-way.
C. Number of Freeway Signs. Only one freeway sign is permitted on each parcel, multiple -building
complex or for each development, whichever is more restrictive.
D. Uses with Only One Frontage. Uses within the area described in subsection B of this section with
only one street frontage may install a freeway sign in addition to the permitted freestanding sign.
E. Sign Height. The maximum height for freeway signs is shown in Table 8-3. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1
(part), 2008: Ord. 93-81 § 41, 1993: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).
15.08.160 Legal nonconforming signs.
Any sign lawfully existing under all codes and ordinances in effect at the time this title is enacted or
amended may continue to be maintained and operated as a legal nonconforming sign so long as it
remains otherwise lawful; provided, that:
A. No sign shall be changed in any manner that increases its noncompliance with the provisions of this
title; and
B. If the sign is structurally altered or moved, its legal nonconforming status shall be voided, and the
sign will be required to conform to the provisions of this title. Nothing in this section shall be construed
to restrict normal structural repair and maintenance; and
C. The sign is not a hazardous or abandoned sign. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part),
1986).
15.08.170 Administrative adjustment of sign standards allowed.
A. Comprehensive Design Plan. A comprehensive design plan is required whenever adjustment of one
or more of the sign design standards of this chapter is proposed or when required as part of a detailed
sign plan. The comprehensive design plan shall include a narrative and site plan, including but not
limited to the following:
1. Site plan which includes the physical components of the sign including sign size, height, shape,
color, location and associated landscaping;
2. A description of how the sign relates to the immediate surroundings, including existing and
proposed structures, other signs, neighboring land uses and the character of the zoning district;
3. An explanation of why the existing sign standards are not adequate and require adjustment; and
4. For multiple -tenant buildings and multiple building complexes, a description of how the available
sign area will be allocated between tenants or leasable spaces.
B. Review Procedures. The administrative official shall review the comprehensive design plan in
accordance with the provisions of YMC Chapter 15.10 and may either approve or disapprove the plan.
The administrative official shall approve the comprehensive design plan and/or adjustments in the
Page 19 of 20
standards of this chapter when he finds that such approval would be consistent with the character of the
zoning district, compatible with neighboring land uses, and create visual harmony between the sign,
structure, and the site where it is located. The administrative official may also attach conditions to this
approval in order to accomplish the objectives of this section and YMC 15.10.030. (Ord. 2011-12 § 5,
2011: Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-81 § 42, 1993; Ord. 3019 § 27, 1987; Ord. 2947 § 1 (part),
1986).
15.08.180 Variances.
Except as allowed by YMC 15.08.170, no reduction of the standards in this chapter is allowed except
pursuant to YMC Chapter 15.21. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).
15.08.190 Violations.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter is a violation and punishable under YMC Chapter
15.25. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).
Page 20 of 20
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Sign Code
Before and after pictures
Hill's Auto & R.V.
Before...
Location: 1 728 S. 1St Street
Orr
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ITi T r n ijf li►I .......
...After
Shopko
Before...
Location: 5801 Summitview Ave.
2 0
.After
Before...
...After
Mercado Las Amigos
Before...
Location: 1409 Fruitvale Blvd
.„After
La Nacional
Before. ..
Location: 506 S. l St Street
...After
Sundance Auto Sales
Before.
Location: 505 S. l St Street
...After
Artificial Sun & Hydroponic's
Before...
Location: 3506 Summitview Ave.
.0` GrANICS
rr
GENERAL
r' HYDROPO
Premium Nutrients Cr SunnIen11entS
:CUSTOMER PARKING ONLY:nad,r,o„RF PARKING IN REAR,
After