Chapter 20.60
SIGN CODE
Sections:
20.60.000 Purpose.
20.60.005 Definitions.
20.60.010 Permit required.
20.60.015 Design review procedures.
20.60.020 General regulations for permanent signs.
20.60.025 Total maximum permanent sign area.
20.60.030 Wall signs – Maximum area and height.
20.60.035 Window signs – Maximum area.
20.60.040 Projecting signs – Maximum area and height restrictions.
20.60.045 Freestanding signs – Regulations.
20.60.050 Wall graphic and identification structures.
20.60.060 Campaign signs.
20.60.065 Real estate signs.
20.60.080 Temporary signs.
20.60.070 Construction signs.
20.60.090 Prohibited signs.
20.60.095 Exempt signs.
20.60.100 Administration.
20.60.000 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to enact regulatory measures to implement those goals and policies stated in the Edmonds Comprehensive Policy Plan and to achieve the following objectives:
A. Protect the public right-of-way from obstructions which would impair the public's use of their right-of-way.
B. Minimize the hazard to the public represented by distractions to drivers from moving, blinking, or other similar forms of signage or visual clutter.
C. Provide for distinct signage for each distinct property.
D. Encourage the use of graphics/symbols to reduce the visual clutter associated with overly large letters or extensive use of lettering.
E. Minimize potential for view blockage and visual clutter along public rights-of-way. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.005 Definitions.
For the purposes of the enforcement of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
“Attached sign” is any sign attached or affixed to a building. Attached signs include wall signs, projecting signs, and window signs.
“Boxed cabinet sign” is a permanent sign that is mounted on the face of a building that is roughly rectangular in shape and provides for internal illumination and changing the message of the sign by replacing a single transparent or translucent material such as a Plexiglas/lexan face. This definition is meant to distinguish between a cabinet sign that is essentially a rectangular box and one that follows the outlines of the letters of the sign, or an “outline cabinet sign.”
“Building ID/historic sign” is a permanent sign that identifies or names a building and assists in creating landmarks in the city. Examples include dates, “1890”; names, “Beeson Building”; or addresses.
“Campaign sign” is a temporary sign displaying a message relating to a candidate, political party, or issue that is registered or certified for an upcoming election.
“Commercial sign” is a sign displayed for the purpose of identifying a commercial use, or advertising a service, product, business or venture that is offered for trade or sale.
“Community event banner” is a noncommercial sign composed of cloth, fabric, canvas or similarly flexible material that promotes a temporary community event endorsed, operated or sponsored wholly or in part by a local public entity the jurisdiction of which includes the city of Edmonds. “Community events” are nonprofit, governmental or charitable festivals, contests, programs, fairs, carnivals or recreational contests conducted within the city.
“Construction sign” is a permanent or temporary sign displayed on premises where any physical excavation, construction, demolition, rehabilitation, structural alteration or related work is currently occurring, pursuant to a valid building permit.
“Fixed sign” is any sign attached or affixed to the ground or any structure in such a manner so as to provide for continuous display for an extended or indeterminable period of time. Fixed signs include, but are not limited to freestanding signs and wall signs.
“Freestanding sign” is any sign that is not attached or affixed to a building. Freestanding signs can be further described as “monument signs” or “pole signs.”
“Governmental sign” is a sign owned, operated or sponsored by a governmental entity, and which promotes the public health, safety or welfare. Governmental signs include, but are not limited to, traffic signs, directional and informational signs for public facilities, publicly sponsored warning or hazard signs, and community event banners displayed by a governmental entity on public property.
“Group sign” is a sign or signs on one sign structure serving two or more businesses sharing a parking facility.
“Identification structure” is a structure intended to attract the attention of the public to a site, without the use of words or symbols identifying the businesses. Examples include fountains, sculptures, awnings, and totem poles.
“Internally illuminated signs” include any sign where light shines through a transparent or semi-transparent sign face to illuminate the sign's message. Exposed neon is considered to be a form of internal illumination.
“Marquee sign” is any sign attached or made part of a building marquee. A marquee sign is a form of projecting sign.
“Monument signs” are freestanding signs that have integrated the structural component of the sign into the design of the sign and sign base.
“Noncommercial sign” is a sign that is intended to display a religious, charitable, cultural, governmental, informational, political, educational, or artistic message, that is not primarily associated with a good, product, or service offered for sale or trade. Noncommercial signs include signs advertising incidental and temporary commercial activities conducted by churches and nonprofit businesses, clubs, groups, associations or organizations.
“Off-premises sign” is any sign that advertises or relates to a good, product, service, event, or meeting, that is offered, sold, traded, provided, or conducted at some location or premises other than that upon which the sign is posted or displayed. Off-premises signs include all signs posted or displayed in the public right-of-way.
“On-premises sign” is any sign that advertises or relates to a good, product, service, event, or meeting that is lawfully permitted to be offered, sold, traded, provided, or conducted at the location or premises upon which the sign is posted or displayed. On-premises signs also include signs not related to any particular location or premises, such as signs displaying religious, charitable, cultural, governmental, informational, political, educational, or artistic messages that are intentionally displayed by the owner of the property or premises upon which the sign is displayed.
“Outline cabinet sign” is a permanent sign that is mounted on the face of a building that roughly follows the shape of the text of the sign and provides for internal illumination. This definition is meant to distinguish between a cabinet sign that follows the outlines of the letters of the sign and one that is essentially a rectangular box or a “boxed cabinet sign.” An “outlined cabinet sign” will be treated more like an “individual letter sign” where the area of the sign is calculated based on the actual outlined shape of the sign.
“Permanent sign” is a fixed or portable sign intended for continuous or intermittent display for periods exceeding 60 days in any calendar year.
“Pole signs” are freestanding signs where the structural support for the sign is a pole(s). Pole signs may include community event banners where the banner is supported by at least two poles that are permanently attached to the ground (“pole-mounted community event banners”).
“Portable sign” is any sign that is readily capable of being moved or removed, whether attached or affixed to the ground or any structure that is typically intended for temporary display. Portable signs include, but are not limited to:
1. Signs designed and constructed with a chassis or support with or without wheels;
2. Menu and “sandwich” board signs;
3. “A” and “T” frame signs;
4. Wooden, metal, or plastic “stake” or “yard” signs;
5. Posters or banners affixed to windows, railings, overhangs, trees, hedges, or other structures or vegetation, except for pole-mounted community event banners;
6. Signs mounted upon vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way, except signs identifying the related business when the vehicle is being used in the normal day-to-day operation of the business, and except for signs advertising for sale the vehicle upon which the sign is mounted;
7. Searchlights;
8. Inflatables.
“Premises” is the actual physical area of the lot upon which a sign is posted or displayed, except within the boundaries of the BC or BD zone in the downtown activity center as defined in the comprehensive plan, where “premises” shall include any portion of the public sidewalk which fronts upon the lot.
“Projecting sign” is any sign attached or affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than 12 inches beyond the surface of such building or wall.
“Reader board sign” is a sign that is designed to allow for a change in the message, either by adding or removing plastic letters, or by means of electronics and lights.
“Real estate sign” is a sign displaying a message relating to the sale or rent of real property.
“Sign” is any structure, device or fixture that is visible from a public place, that incorporates graphics, symbols, or written copy for the purposes of conveying a particular message to public observers, including wall graphics or identification structures.
“Sign area” is the maximum actual area of a sign that is visible from any single point of observation from any public vantage point. Supporting structures which are part of a sign display shall be included in the calculation of the sign area.
“Temporary sign” is an allowed portable sign intended for short-term display, not to exceed 60 calendar days in any calendar year.
“Wall graphic” is a wall sign in which color and form, and without the use of words, is a part of the overall design on the building(s) in which the business is located. A wall graphic may be painted or applied (not to exceed one-half inch in thickness) to a building as a part of its overall color and design, but may not be internally lighted. Internally lighted assemblies, including those which project from the wall of the structure, or which are located on any accessory structure on the site, shall be considered wall signs and comply with the requirements of this chapter.
“Wall sign” is a sign that is attached or affixed to a wall and that is parallel to and not projecting more than 12 inches at any angle from such wall. Wall signs include signs that are painted directly upon a wall.
“Window sign” is a sign that is attached or affixed to a window, or a sign displayed within 24 inches of the inside of a window in such a manner as to be visible from any public place. [Ord. 3631 § 1, 2007; Ord. 3628 § 8, 2007; Ord. 3561 § 1, 2005; Ord. 3514 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.010 Permit required.
A. Except as provided in this chapter, no permanent sign may be constructed, installed, posted, displayed or modified without first obtaining a sign permit approving the proposed sign's size, design, location, and display as provided for in this chapter.
B. Design approval is not required for the posting of permanent signs in residential zones; provided, that the restrictions and standards of this chapter are met. If additional signage is requested for conditional or nonconforming uses in residential zones, the property owner shall apply for design review. Design review is not required for any sign which does not require a building permit.
C. A sign modification shall include, but is not limited to, relocations, modifications to size, design, height or color scheme, or the replacement of 25 percent or more of the struc-
tural material in the sign area. Normal and ordinary maintenance and repair, and changes to the graphics, symbols, or copy of a sign, without affecting the size, structural design, height, or color scheme, shall not constitute modifications for purposes of this section. [Ord. 3514 § 2, 2004; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.015 Design review procedures.
A. Staff Approval. Except as referred to the architectural design board pursuant to subsections (A)(1) of this section, and except as provided in subsection B of this section, the planning manager, or designee, shall review all applications for design review under this chapter, and shall approve, conditionally approve or deny the application in accordance with the policies of ECDC 20.10.000, the criteria set forth in ECDC 20.10.070, and the standards and requirements of this chapter. The decision of the planning manager on any sign permit application may be appealed to the hearing examiner pursuant to the procedure established in Chapter 20.105 ECDC for appeal of staff decisions.
1. The planning manager or designee may refer design review applications to the architectural design board for the types of signs listed below, where the planning manager determines that the proposed sign has the potential for significant adverse impacts on community aesthetics or traffic safety:
a. Any sign application for an identification structure as defined by this chapter;
b. Any sign application for a wall graphic as defined by this chapter;
c. Any proposed sign that the planning manager determines to be obtrusive, garish or otherwise not consistent with the architectural features of the surrounding neighborhood.
B. Review by Architectural Design Board. The architectural design board shall review those signs listed below and any sign permit referred by the planning manager pursuant to subsection (A)(1) of this section. The architectural design board shall approve, conditionally approve or deny such sign permit applications in accordance with the policies of ECDC 20.10.000, the criteria set forth in ECDC 20.10.070, and the standards and requirements of this chapter. The decision of the architectural design board on any sign permit application may be appealed to the city council pursuant to the procedure established in ECDC 20.10.080 for appeal of architectural design board decisions.
1. Any sign permit application that requests a modification to any of the standards prescribed by this chapter. The ADB shall only approve modification requests that meet all of the following criteria:
a. The request is for signage on a site that has a unique configuration, such as frontage on more than two streets or has an unusual geometric shape;
b. The subject property, building, or business has site conditions that do not afford it the opportunity to provide signage consistent with or similar to other properties in the vicinity;
c. The design of the proposed signage must be compatible in its use of materials, colors, design and proportions with development throughout the site;
d. In no event shall the modification result in signage which exceeds the maximum normally allowed by more than 50 percent.
C. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections A and B of this section, sign permit applications shall not be referred to or reviewed by the architectural design board if the proposed sign constitutes a modification to an existing sign and involves no significant alteration or modification to the size, height, design, lighting or color of the existing sign. Sign permit applications for such sign modifications shall be processed and subject to review in the same manner as provided in for staff review in subsection A of this section. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.020 General regulations for permanent signs.
A. When located on a wall or mansard roof, no sign may extend above the highest point of the wall or roof, or above the eave or drip line of a pitched roof on which it is located. A sign may not be attached above the eave or drip line on a pitched roof.
B. Except for pole-mounted community event banners, no sign or any part of a sign may be designed or constructed to be moving by any means and shall not contain items such as banners, ribbons, streamers and spinners. Signs with type that is movable to change the message (reader boards) are allowed.
C. No signs shall extend into or over a public right-of-way unless an encroachment permit has been approved (see Chapter 18.70 ECDC).
D. Exposed braces and angle irons are prohibited. Guywires are prohibited unless there are no other practical means of supporting the sign.
E. No sign shall have blinking, flashing, fluttering or moving lights or other illuminating device which has a changing light density or color; provided, however, temperature and/or time signs that conform in all other respects to this chapter are allowed. Electronic reader boards may have messages that change, however, moving messages are not allowed. Messages that change at intervals less than 20 seconds will be considered blinking or flashing and not allowed.
F. No light source which exceeds 20 watts shall be directly exposed to any public street or adjacent property.
G. No illumination source of fluorescent light shall exceed 425 milliamps or be spaced closer than eight inches on center.
H. No commercial sign shall be illuminated after 11:00 p.m. unless the commercial enterprise is open for business and then may remain on only as long as the enterprise is open.
I. No window signs above the first floor shall be illuminated.
J. Sign height shall be determined as follows:
1. For attached signs, sign height is the vertical distance from the highest point on the sign to the finished grade.
2. For freestanding signs, sign height is the vertical distance from the highest point of the sign area or its support to the average elevation of undisturbed soil at the base of the supports.
K. Portable signs may not be used as permanent signage; only fixed signs are permitted.
L. The following matrix summarizes the types of signs permitted in each neighborhood/district within the city:
|
Sign Type |
Downtown1 |
SR-992 |
Westgate/SR-1043 |
Neighborhood Commercial (BN Zones) |
Business Uses in RM Zones |
|
Wall-mounted |
P |
P |
P |
P |
P |
|
Monument |
C |
P |
P |
C |
C |
|
Pole |
N |
P |
N |
N |
N |
|
Projecting |
P |
P |
P |
P |
P |
|
Internal Illumination |
C |
P |
P |
C |
N |
|
Reader Boards |
C |
C |
C |
C |
C |
|
Individual Letters |
P |
P |
P |
P |
P |
|
Boxed Cabinet |
N |
P |
C |
C |
N |
|
Building ID |
P |
P |
P |
P |
p |
|
Sandwich Boards |
P |
N |
N |
N |
N |
|
Wall Graphics |
C |
C |
C |
C |
C |
1 Downtown includes all properties within the Downtown Activity Center defined in the Comprehensive Plan.
2 SR-99 includes all properties within the Medical-Highway 99 Activity Center and the Highway 99 Corridor defined in the Comprehensive Plan.
3 Westgate/SR-104 includes all properties within the Westgate Corridor, the Edmonds Way Corridor, and within the Westgate Community Commercial area, as defined in the Comprehensive Plan.
Note: In the above table, P = Permitted; N = Not permitted; C = Conditionally permitted through design review if consistent with the standards itemized in ECDC 20.60.020(M).
M. The following standards clarify how some signs identified as “conditionally permitted” must be installed to be permitted in the city of Edmonds.
1. Monument signs over six feet in height must be reviewed to ensure that the materials, colors, design and proportions proposed are consistent with those used throughout the site.
2. Internally illuminated signs in the downtown area and neighborhood commercial areas may only light the letters. The background of a sign face may not be illuminated.
3. Internally illuminated signs in the downtown area and the neighborhood commercial areas must be mounted on the wall of the building. They may not be mounted on or under an attached awning.
4. Internally illuminated signs that use exposed neon may only be located in the interior of buildings in the downtown area and the neighborhood commercial areas.
5. Internally illuminated signs in the downtown area shall not be permitted to be higher than 14 feet in height.
6. Reader board messages are limited to alphanumeric messages only.
7. Reader boards are only permitted for public uses or places of public assembly.
8. The background color of a boxed cabinet sign face must be coordinated with and compliment the colors used on the building.
9. The background color of a boxed cabinet sign face must be opaque and not allow any internal illumination to shine through. [Ord. 3631 § 2, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.025 Total maximum permanent sign area.
A. Business and Commercial Zone Districts (BN, BC, BD, CW and CG).
1. The maximum total permanent sign area for allowed or permitted uses in the BN, BC, BD and CW zones shall be one square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of wall containing the main public entrance to the primary building or structure located upon a separate legal lot.
2. The maximum total permanent sign area for allowed or permitted uses in the CG zone shall be one square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage along a public street and/or along a side of the building containing the primary public entrance to a maximum of 200 square feet. The allowable sign area shall be computed separately for each qualifying building frontage, and only the sign area derived from that frontage may be oriented along that frontage. Sign areas for wall-mounted signs may not be accumulated to yield a total allowable sign area greater than that permitted upon such frontage, except that businesses choosing not to erect a freestanding sign may use up to 50 percent of their allowable freestanding sign area for additional attached sign area. Use of the additional area shall be subject to the review of the architectural design board.
3. The maximum total permanent sign area may be divided between wall, projecting, and freestanding signs, in accordance with regulations and maximum sign area and height for each type of sign, as provided in ECDC 20.60.030 through 20.60.050. Window signs meeting the requirements of ECDC 20.60.035 do not count against the total permanent sign area permitted.
4. The maximum number of permitted permanent signs is three per site, or one per physically enclosed business space on commercial sites with multiple business tenants, whichever is greater. The total sign area of all signs permitted on-site must also comply with the maximum total permanent sign area specified in this chapter.
B. Residential Zone Districts (RS, RM).
1. The maximum allowable signage area for individual residential lots shall be four square feet per street frontage, except as provided in subsection (B)(2) of this section.
2. The maximum allowable signage area for formal residential subdivisions, planned residential developments (PRD), or multifamily structures containing at least 10 dwelling units shall be 10 square feet per main street entrance into the subdivision or PRD. Only one sign may be provided at each main entrance.
3. The maximum total permanent sign area may be divided between wall and freestanding signs, in accordance with regulations and maximum sign area and height for each type of sign, as provided in ECDC 20.60.030 through 20.60.050. Window signs meeting the requirements of ECDC 20.60.035 do not count against the total permanent sign area permitted.
4. Signage in excess of that provided in subsections (B)(1) and (2) of this section for lawful nonconforming or conditional nonresidential uses in residential zones may be approved through the issuance of a sign permit pursuant to ECDC 20.60.010, subject to the maximum area and height limitations established for signs in the BN zone.
5. The maximum number of permitted permanent signs is one, except that multifamily sites with more than one vehicular entrance may have one permanent sign per entrance. The total sign area of all signs (excluding incidental signs) permitted on-site must also comply with the maximum total permanent sign area specified in this chapter. [Ord. 3628 § 9, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.030 Wall signs – Maximum area and height.
A. The maximum area of any wall sign shall be as follows:
|
Zone |
Maximum Area of Sign |
|
RS, RM |
4 square feet |
|
BN, BC, BD, CW, CG |
1 square foot per lineal foot of attached wall |
B. The maximum height of any attached sign shall be as follows:
|
Zone |
Maximum Height of Sign |
|
RS, RM |
6 feet |
|
BN, BC, BD, CW, CG |
14 feet or the height of the face of the building on which the sign is located, consistent with ECDC 20.60.020(A) |
[Ord. 3628 § 10, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.035 Window signs – Maximum area.
The maximum area of any window sign shall be as follows:
|
Zone |
Maximum Area of Sign |
|
RS, RM |
4 square feet |
|
BN, BC, BD, CW, CG |
1 square foot per each lineal foot of window frontage |
[Ord. 3628 § 11, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.040 Projecting signs – Maximum area and height restrictions.
A. The maximum area of any projecting sign shall be as follows:
|
Zone |
Maximum Area of Sign |
|
RS, RM |
Not permitted |
|
BN, BC, BD, CW |
16 square feet |
|
CG |
32 square feet |
B. The maximum height of any projecting sign shall be as follows:
|
Zone |
Maximum Height of Sign |
|
RS, RM |
Not permitted |
|
BN, BC, BD, CW, CG |
14 feet |
C. The bottom of the sign area of projecting signs shall be at least eight feet in height and at least 11 feet in height if it projects over a vehicle-traveled right-of-way. The sign area of a marquee sign may not exceed two feet in vertical dimension. [Ord. 3628 § 12, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.045 Freestanding signs – Regulations.
A. Regulation. Permanent freestanding signs are discouraged. Freestanding signs shall be approved only where the applicant demonstrates by substantial evidence that there are no reasonable and feasible alternative signage methods to provide for adequate identification and/or advertisement.
B. Maximum Area. The maximum area of a freestanding sign shall be as follows:
|
Zone |
Maximum Area of Sign |
|
RS, RM |
10 square feet (subdivision, PRD, multifamily) 4 square feet (individual residence sign) |
|
BN |
24 square feet (single) 48 square feet (group) |
|
BC, BD |
32 square feet (single) 48 square feet (group) |
|
CW |
32 square feet (single) 48 square feet (group) |
|
CG |
Sign area shall be governed by subsection (C) of this section |
C. Allowable Sign Area for Freestanding Signs – CG Zone. The total allowable sign area for freestanding signs on general commercial sites shall be 56 square feet or one-half square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of street frontage, whichever is greater, up to a maximum of 160 square feet of freestanding sign area. Multiple business or tenant sites shall further be allowed an additional 24 square feet of freestanding sign area for each commercial tenant or occupant in excess of one up to a maximum sign area of 160 square feet. Corner lots choosing to accumulate sign area under the provisions of subsection E of this section shall be limited to 160 square feet.
D. Maximum Height. The maximum sign height of freestanding signs shall be as follows:
|
Zone |
Maximum Height of Sign |
|
RS, RM |
6 feet |
|
BN, BC, BD, CW |
14 feet |
|
CG |
25 feet |
E. Location. Freestanding signs shall be located as close as possible to the center of the street frontage on which they are located. Except for pole-mounted community event banners, freestanding signs may not be located on public property. Sites on a corner of two public streets may have one sign on the corner instead of a sign for each frontage.
F. Number. In all zones, each lot or building site shall be permitted no more than one freestanding sign, except in the business and commercial zones where a lot or site has frontage on two arterial streets, in which case there may be permitted one sign per street frontage subject to the restrictions on area contained within this chapter.
G. Landscaping.
1. Each freestanding sign shall have a landscaped area twice the size of the sign area at the base of the sign. The landscaping and sign base shall be protected from vehicles by substantial curbing.
2. The applicant shall provide a landscape performance bond in the amount of 125 percent of the estimated costs of the landscaping, or $1,000, whichever is more. The bond shall be processed in accordance with Chapter 17.10 ECDC. [Ord. 3631 § 3, 2007; Ord. 3628 § 13, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.050 Wall graphic and identification structures.
There are no area restrictions on wall graphics or identification structures. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.060 Campaign signs.
A. On-premises campaign signs are permitted as a form of temporary signage in all zones, subject to the maximum sign size limitations set forth in ECDC 20.60.080.
B. Off-premises campaign signs are permitted as a form of temporary signage in the public right-of-way; provided, that the following requirements are met:
1. All campaign signs shall be posted in accordance with the regulations set forth in ECDC 20.60.080(B).
2. All off-premises campaign signs shall be removed within 10 days after the primary, general, or special election to which they pertain.
3. Off-premises campaign signs shall be posted and displayed no earlier than upon declaration of candidacy in accordance with Chapter 29.15 RCW, or other formal registration or certification of the candidate, party, initiative, referendum or other ballot issue for an upcoming election, or 60 days prior to the election, whichever time period is greater.
C. There is no maximum number of off-premises campaign signs that may be posted. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.065 Real estate signs.
A. On-premises real estate signs are permitted as a form of temporary signage in residential and commercial zones, subject to the maximum signage area and sign number limitations set forth in ECDC 20.60.080.
B. Off-premises real estate signs are permitted as a form of temporary signage, subject to the following requirements:
1. Two and only two types of off-premises real estate signs shall be permitted:
a. An off-premises real estate directional sign is a sign displaying a directional arrow and either a company or logo, or an indication that the property is for sale by its owner, and installed for the purpose of directing the public to the property.
b. An off-premises open house sign is a form of temporary off-premises sign indicating the property is currently open for viewing.
2. All off-premises real estate signs shall be posted in accordance with the regulations set forth in ECDC 20.60.080(B).
3. The maximum number of off-premises real estate signs allowed per property shall only be the number reasonably necessary to direct people to the premises. An agent or owner shall be permitted no more than one off-premises real estate directional sign per intersection and five in total. No more than one off-premises open house sign shall be displayed per intersection and no more than five in total.
a. Each off-premises real estate directional sign shall bear a legible tag located on the sign or supporting post indicating the date of posting and the address of the property to which it pertains.
b. Off-premises real estate open house signs shall only be posted during daylight hours when the real estate agent or owner is in attendance at the property for sale or rent, and shall be removed immediately upon the termination of an “open house” or other similar property display event.
4. No off-premises real estate signs shall be fastened to any traffic control device, public structure, fence, rock, tree or shrub.
C. All on-premises and all off-premises real estate directional signs shall be removed within seven days after the closing of the sale or lease of real property to which the sign pertains. [Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.070 Construction signs.
Construction signs shall, irrespective of their duration, conform to the general regulations for permanent signs specified under ECDC 20.60.020. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the maximum area of a construction sign in any zone shall be 32 square feet. No sign permit is required for the posting of construction signs; provided, that all construction signs shall be removed from the premises within 10 days of the cessation of the excavation, construction, demolition, rehabilitation, structural alteration or related work on site.
|
Zone |
Maximum Area of Signage (per Street Frontage) |
|
RS |
16 square feet, or 32 square feet if one sign is displayed for a project consisting of building permits issued for four lots or more. Only one sign may be displayed per project. |
|
All other zones |
32 square feet |
The preceding square footages shall be in addition to any other temporary signage permitted by ECDC 20.60.080. [Ord. 3514 § 3, 2004].
20.60.080 Temporary signs.
A. On-Premises Temporary Signs. On-premises temporary signs are permitted in residential and commercial zones, in addition to any allowed or permitted permanent signage, subject to the following restrictions and standards:
1. Residential Zones (RS, RM).
a. Only portable, freestanding or attached signs may be used as temporary signage.
b. Commercial on-premises temporary signage is not permitted, except for real estate signs as defined by ECDC 20.60.065.
c. Maximum number is one attached or freestanding sign.
2. Commercial Zones (BN, BC, BD, CW, CG).
a. Only portable, freestanding or attached signs may be used for temporary signage; provided, that “sandwich board” or “A” frame portable signs shall only be permitted in the BC, BD and CW zones.
b. Maximum duration of display is 60 days in any calendar year for the cumulative posting of all temporary commercial signage upon each commercial location or premises.
c. Maximum number of temporary signs is one freestanding sign per property street frontage, and one attached sign per building.
3. The total maximum area of on-premises temporary signage shall be as follows:
|
Zone |
Maximum Area of Temporary Sign |
|
RS, RM |
6 square feet |
|
BN, BC, BD, CW |
20 square feet |
|
CG |
30 square feet |
4. The total maximum area for each allowed on-premises temporary sign shall be as follows: