Source: https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/PierceCounty/html/PierceCounty18B/PierceCounty18B30.html
Timestamp: 2019-07-21 05:07:30
Document Index: 41944789

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1', '§ 6', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 5', '§ 1', '§ 6', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 5', '§ 1', '§ 6', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 6', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 6', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 6', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 6']

Chapter 18B.30 SIGN TABLES AND COMMUNITY DESIGN REGULATIONS
Chapter 18B.30
SIGN TABLES AND COMMUNITY DESIGN REGULATIONS Revised 12/18
18B.30.010 Sign Tables.
18B.30.020 Countywide.
18B.30.030 Alderton-McMillin Community Plan Area.
18B.30.040 Browns Point/Dash Point Community Plan Area.
18B.30.050 Frederickson Community Plan Area. Revised 12/18
18B.30.060 Gig Harbor Peninsula Community Plan Area. Revised 12/18
18B.30.070 Graham Community Plan Area.
18B.30.080 Key Peninsula Community Plan Area.
18B.30.090 Mid-County Community Plan Area.
18B.30.100 Parkland-Spanaway-Midland Communities Plan Area.
18B.30.110 South Hill Community Plan Area.
18B.30.120 Upper Nisqually Valley Community Plan Area.
A Sign Table for each area of the County is included in this Chapter. No sign may be installed, displayed, or substantially altered or reconstructed except in conformance with these Tables.
A. Sign area shall be calculated by multiplying the total width of the each sign face by the total length of the sign face. Only one sign face of a double-sided sign shall be calculated to determine sign area. Three-dimensional and iconic signs shall be calculated as the maximum area visible from any single direction at any point in time.
B. Diagonal corner signs that face more than one street must be assigned to a street and building frontage by the applicant. The sign must meet all regulations for the street and building frontage it is assigned.
C. For the purposes of Tables that include limitations on the items of information allowed (Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula), an "item of information" shall mean any of the following: a word, an abbreviation, a number, a symbol, or a geometric shape. In addition, graphics combining several different geometric or non-geometric shapes or shapes of unusual configuration are to be assessed one additional item for each such shape or distinct portion of such a shape. For example, a simple rectangular sign would be assessed one item for its shape in addition to any wording or symbols, whereas a sign consisting of two irregular shapes would be assessed two items in addition to words or symbols. Items of information shall be allowed in the following manner:
1. Each land use is entitled to display signs containing up to 10 items of information on each street or highway to which it has access. If the name contains more than 10 items of information, the name may be displayed once on each street frontage, provided no other sign is displayed on that frontage.
2. In computing items of information, the following lettering is not to be counted:
a. Lettering less than 3 inches in height.
b. Letters less than 19 inches in height carved into or securely attached in such a way that they are an architectural detail of a building, provided that:
(1) They are not illuminated apart from the building, are not made of a reflecting material, and do not contrast sharply in color with the building; and
(2) Do not exceed 1 inch in thickness.
3. Provided the items of information allowance authorized by this Section is not exceeded, signs may be displayed as freestanding signs, wall or roof signs, or projecting signs, within the limitations and restrictions as further provided by Title 18B PCC.
(Ord. 2013-85 § 1 (part), 2013; Ord. 2013-30s2 § 6 (part), 2013)
18B.30.020 Countywide (Applicable unless otherwise addressed in a Community Plan Area Table).
Table 18B.30.020-1. Countywide Sign Area and Sign Height
Applicable unless otherwise addressed in a Community Plan Area Table
Maximun Sign Height (feet)
Subdivision Identification
Home Occupation Cottage Industry
MSF and HSF
RSep, R5, R10, R20, R40, RF, and ARL
MUC, CC, AC, NC, HRD, MUD, RAC, RNC, GC, and PI
MSF=Moderate Density Single Family, HSF=High Density Single Family, RSep=Rural Separator, R5=Rural 5, R10=Rural 10, R20=Rural 20, R40=Rural 40, RF=Rural Farm, ARL=Agricultural Resource Lands, FL=Forest Lands, MUC=Major Urban Center, CC=Community Center, AC=Activity Center, NC=Neighborhood Center, HRD=High Density Residential, MUD=Mixed Use District, RAC=Rural Activity Center, RNC=Rural Neighborhood Center, GC=Gateway Commercial, PI=Public Institution, EC=Employment Center, PR=Parks and Recreation
(Ord. 2016-33 § 1 (part), 2016; Ord. 2015-86 § 1 (part), 2015; Ord. 2015-40 § 5 (part), 2015; Ord. 2013-85 § 1 (part), 2013; Ord. 2013-30s2 § 6 (part), 2013)
The purpose of this Section is to provide standards for the design and construction of signs in the Alderton-McMillin Community Plan area. Signs are critical to the success of local businesses as well as to the visual quality of the Orting Valley. Signs should reflect the rural and rustic character of the community, be expressive of the individual business, and be readable at the speed and distance at which they are viewed.
The following regulations apply to signs within the Alderton-McMillin Community Plan area, in addition to the Countywide Sign Design Regulations of Chapter 18B.20 PCC.
A. Prohibited Signs. The following sign types and designs are prohibited within the Alderton-McMillin Community Plan area in addition to those prohibited in PCC 18B.10.070:
1. Canopy signs which are backlit;
2. Flashing signs;
3. Mechanical signs;
4. Projecting signs, except when designed as iconic signs; and
5. Signs with more than two advertising faces.
1. The area of an iconic sign shall not subtract from the maximum sign area for building signs;
2. The exterior base structure of monument signs shall be made of or faced with natural materials such as stone, brick, or wood;
3. Sign lighting shall be limited to external illumination only. Internal illumination is prohibited; and
4. Only one monument sign shall be allowed along SR-162 to identify the businesses located within the McMillin RIC. Information such as hours of operation, telephone numbers, and available merchandise shall not be permitted.
Table 18B.30.030-1. Alderton-McMillin Sign Table
EC, RIC
RNC, ARL, RF
R10, R5
Sign Area (maximum square feet)
Multi-Tenant/Multi-Building Complex
32, plus 2 for each business not to exceed 40
20, plus 2 for each business unit not to exceed 30
Sign Height (maximum feet)
BUILDING SIGNS (Wall, Window, Marquee, Awning, and Canopy Signs)
Maximum square footage of all building signs per tenant. All building signs, which shall be located below the roofline.
10% of building's street facade or 150 square feet, whichever is less.
10% of building's street facade or 32 square feet, whichever is less.
EC=Employment Center, RIC=Rural Industrial Center, MSF=Moderate Density Single Family, RNC=Rural Neighborhood Center, ARL=Agricultural Resource Lands, RF=Rural Farm, R10=Rural 10, R5=Rural 5
(Ord. 2016-42s § 1 (part), 2016; Ord. 2016-33 § 1 (part), 2016; Ord. 2015-86 § 1 (part), 2015; Ord. 2015-40 § 5 (part), 2015; Ord. 2013-85 § 1 (part), 2013; Ord. 2013-30s2 § 6 (part), 2013)
The purpose of this Section is to establish sign regulations that provide for the identification of businesses in an attractive and functional manner and to help customers find specific business locations in the Browns Point/Dash Point community.
The following regulations apply to signs within the Browns Point/Dash Point Community Plan area, in addition to the Countywide Sign Design Regulations of Chapter 18B.20 PCC.
A. Prohibited Signs. The following sign types are prohibited within the Browns Point/Dash Point Community Plan area, in addition to those prohibited in PCC 18B.10.070:
1. Iconic signs;
2. Inflatable signs;
4. Monopole signs; and
B. Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs shall comply with the following regulations:
1. The maximum height of freestanding signs shall be 20 feet. Central place signage shall be limited to 6 feet in height;
2. Sign width shall not exceed sign height;
3 Multi-tenant/multi-building complexes containing four or more separate businesses shall be allowed one freestanding sign having a height of greater than 8 feet for each public street front of the complex. Additionally, two monument signs having a height of 8 feet or less shall be permitted for each of the complex's permanent full access driveways to a public street. Temporary full access driveways and limited access driveways (i.e., right in/right out) shall be excluded. Deviation to these regulations may be considered through approval of a Master Sign Plan, where site specific conditions can be considered; and
4. Single tenant site and multi-tenant/multi-building complexes containing three or fewer separate businesses shall be allowed one monument sign having a height of 8 feet or less for each of the site's full access driveways to a public street. Temporary full access driveways and limited access driveways (i.e., right in/right out) shall be excluded.
5. Residential Use Types.
a. One monument sign having a height of 4 feet or less shall be permitted at each entrance to a residential subdivision or planned development district, senior housing development, or mobile home park. Stone or decorative masonry shall be incorporated into the sign structure;
b. Multi-family complexes having three or more residential buildings and nursing homes shall be permitted one monument sign having a maximum height of 6 feet at each site entrance; and
c. Freestanding signs shall be prohibited for all other residential uses not specified in subsections a. and b. above.
6. Monument signage shall contain the following features:
a. The base shall incorporate stone, brick, or masonry and shall relate to the architecture of the development that it is associated with; and
b. The square footage of the base of entry monument signage shall be between 30 and 40 percent of the overall square footage of the sign face. See Figure 18B.30.040-1.
FIGURE 18B.30.040-1 – Browns Point/Dash Point Monument Sign
Example of an entry monument sign on a single-tenant site.
C. Building Signs.
1. Maximum Number of Building Sign Types.
a. Text and logos may be per the individual business trade style and color but shall not be flashing or animated and shall not project above the sign band for the building.
b. Signage may consist of more than one row of letters, provided the overall height of the lettered area, including logo, does not exceed the following:
(1) 60 inches for tenants or individual businesses having a gross floor area of 25,000 square feet or more;
(2) 36 inches for tenants or individual businesses having a gross floor area of less than 25,000 square feet; and
(3) 36 inches for signage and logos on the secondary building facade.
Table 18B.30.040-1. Browns Point/Dash Point Sign Table
Allowed Sign Area for Freestanding Signs
Single Tenant Site:
Maximum square footage of all signs per street front
1.5 square feet for each lineal foot of public street front up to a maximum of 100 square feet
32 square feet per site entrance
Multi Tenant/Building Site: Maximum square footage of all signs per street front
1.5 square feet for each lineal foot of public street front up to a maximum of 280 square feet
Maximum sign area per sign
Maximum square footage of building signs on the primary facade (1)
1.5 square feet per lineal foot of building frontage up to a maximum of 300 square feet for buildings in excess of 25,000 sq. ft. and 150 square feet for buildings less than 25,000 square feet
1.5 square feet per lineal foot of building frontage up to a maximum of 100 square feet
Maximum square footage of building sign and logo on additional street facades
70 percent of allowed primary facade signage
(1) Building frontage for multi-tenant buildings is calculated on a per tenant basis.
NC=Neighborhood Center, SF=Single Family
(Ord. 2016-42s § 1 (part), 2016; Ord. 2013-85 § 1 (part), 2013; Ord. 2013-30s2 § 6 (part), 2013)
The purpose of this Section is to establish sign regulations that provide for the identification of businesses in an attractive and functional manner and to help customers find specific business locations within the Frederickson community.
The following regulations apply to signs within the Frederickson Community Plan area, in addition to the Countywide Sign Design Regulations of Chapter 18B.20 PCC.
A. Frederickson Prohibited Signs. The following sign types are prohibited in the Frederickson Community Plan area in addition to those prohibited in PCC 18B.10.070:
1. Canopy signs that are canvas or backlit;
2. Iconic signs;
3. Inflatable signs;
4. Mechanical signs;
5. Monopole signs; and
6. Temporary signs, except banner and window signs.
B. Building Sign Regulations. Building signs include facade, window, awning, canopy, and marquee signs.
1. Building signage shall be internally illuminated consisting of individual aluminum channel letters with plastic faces mounted to the building facade. Cabinets shall not be allowed.
C. Central Place Signage. Freestanding signs within 100 feet of the intersection of 176th Street East and Canyon Road East shall be limited to monument signage promoting the Frederickson Central Place as defined by the Frederickson Community Plan and set forth in Chapter 18J.60 PCC, Frederickson Community Plan Area Design Standards and Guidelines. The following regulations shall apply to all such signage:
1. Maximum Size, Quantity, and Location.
a. A maximum of one Central Place Sign may be erected at each corner of the intersection of 176th Street East and Canyon Road East;
b. Central Place signage shall not exceed a height or width of 6 feet; and
c. Signage shall be located so as not to interfere with sight distance.
a. Central Place signage shall incorporate stone, brick or masonry with either recessed or applied letters stating "Frederickson Center";
b. Central Place signage will be illuminated either by backlighting to create a halo lighting effect at the lettering, or by ground-mounted, non-glare exterior lighting; and
c. A landscaped area in front of the signage shall be planted with lawn, low shrubs, and seasonal flowering beds.
3. Relation to Other On-Site Signage. Central Place signage is for the purpose of promoting the Frederickson Central Place only, not the individual businesses that may be located therein. Accordingly, no business names or other business information shall be stated on the signage. Central Place signage shall be excluded for purposes of calculating maximum sign area and quantity for individual establishments pursuant to Table 18B.30.050-1.
Table 18B.30.050-1. Frederickson Sign Table
MSF, SF, RR
Freestanding Signs Allowed Sign Area
Maximum square footage of all signs per street front on single-tenant sites
40 for industrial uses;
80 for all other use types
1.5 for each lineal foot of public street front up to a maximum of 100
1.5 for each lineal foot of public street front up to a maximum of 80
80 for commercial uses;
40 for all other use types
32 per site entrance
Maximum square footage of all signs per street front on multi-tenant/bldg sites
80 for industrial use;
120 for all other uses
1.5 for each lineal foot of public street front up to a maximum of 280
1.5 for each lineal foot of public street front up to a maximum of 180
40 for all other uses
Maximum sign square feet for each sign
Building Allowed Sign Area
1.5 per lineal foot of building frontage up to a maximum of 150
1.5 per lineal foot of building frontage up to a maximum of 300 for buildings in excess of 25,000 sq. ft. and 150 for buildings less than 25,000 sq. ft.
1.5 per lineal foot of building frontage up to a maximum of 100
70% of allowed primary facade signage
(1) Sign width shall not exceed sign height.
EC=Employment Center, CE=Community Employment, ES=Employment Service, MUD=Mixed Use District, ROC=Residential-Office-Civic, MHR=Moderate Density Single Family, MSF=Moderate Density Single Family, RR=Residential Resource
(Ord. 2017-89s § 3 (part), 2018; Ord. 2016-42s § 1 (part), 2016; Ord. 2013-85 § 1 (part), 2013; Ord. 2013-30s2 § 6 (part), 2013)
The purpose of this Section is to create the legal framework for a comprehensive but balanced system of street graphics and thereby facilitate easy and pleasant communication between people and their environment on the Gig Harbor Peninsula. Street graphics means more than just signs in the traditional sense. This term includes any physical structure designed to communicate some message to the public. Special emphasis is made in this Chapter to promote the use of street graphics which reflect both the natural surroundings and the social attitudes of the local residents while allowing the maximum amount of flexibility in design.
The following regulations apply to signs within the Gig Harbor Peninsula Community Plan area, in addition to the Countywide Sign Design Regulations of Chapter 18B.20 PCC.
A. Prohibited Signs. Signs directed specifically and primarily at SR-16 are generally prohibited in addition to those prohibited in PCC 18B.10.070. See PCC 18B.30.060 B. below for additional information about Areas of Special Control within the Gig Harbor Peninsula Community Plan area.
B. Areas of Special Control. It is recognized that the general regulations provided in Title 18B PCC may not adequately handle all of the street graphic situations in an area as diverse as the Gig Harbor Peninsula. Therefore, the following areas shall be subject to special controls:
1. SR-16. On-site signs may be incidentally visible to SR-16 provided that they conform to the design elements of the zone in which they lie and the thoroughfare (other than SR-16) toward which they are oriented, and provided that no alteration or modification of structure or landscape is done for the primary purpose of gaining or increasing visibility of SR-16 traffic.
a. As part of a proposed development, signs or graphics directed specifically and primarily at SR-16 are generally prohibited; however, it is recognized that certain cases may arise where such policy may cause undue hardship or be unduly restrictive. In such case, application for adjustment may be made through the variance process, described in PCC 18B.10.080.
2. Scenic Vistas. Scenic vistas and viewpoints indicated in, or as a result of, a community plan;
3. Commercial Concentrations. Urban and strip concentrations of commercial development are areas whose character indicates that signs should be permitted under regulations which require special consideration. In some cases, these would be more restrictive; less restrictive in others; and unique in still others. Such an urban concentration may be either of the following:
a. A street intersection, square, or similar area which is devoted to intensive commercial uses, provided that driving speeds do not exceed 30 miles per hour; or
b. A regional or community shopping center which is five acres or more in area. NOTE: Strip concentrations are any street or thoroughfare having commercial activities on each side of the right-of-way and which is:
(1) Adjacent to an urban concentration;
(2) Not more than 1,000 feet in length; and
(3) Does not carry traffic moving at speeds exceeding 30 miles per hour.
4. Areas of Special Control are those with special and unique visual characteristics; special, unique or fragile ecosystems; or those with natural beauty that require special sign regulations to insure that all street graphics used within or adjacent to the area are compatible with each other. Generally, it is expected that sign regulations in these areas will be more restrictive than those which would otherwise be applicable under these Regulations.
a. Unless otherwise permitted by rule or ordinance, only projecting and ground graphics permitted in institutional surroundings will be allowed in this area.
b. In all areas of special control, the Department shall establish the necessary provisions for signs on a case-by-case basis which are more restrictive, less restrictive, or unique in relation to the Gig Harbor Peninsula Sign Table, having regard to the character of the area of special control in question. The Sign Table shall be used in conjunction with the Plan and the provisions of this Title in evaluating proposed signs in areas of special control.
Table 18B.30.060-1. Gig Harbor Peninsula Sign Table
Urban Residential, Rural Residential, Resource Lands, and Overlays
Average Lanes and Speeds (1)
Roof (coverage as per wall graphics)
Area – % coverage
---see FIGURE 18B.30-2--
(1) The average speeds herein specified shall be scheduled by Pierce County Public Works, provided that until such time as said schedule is provided the maximum speed limit for said street or highway which is closest to one of the listed average speeds shall be applicable.
(2) Permitted subject to maximum coverage provisions for yes categories above.
Table 18B.30.060-2. Gig Harbor Peninsula Sign Table
Urban Districts, Urban Centers, Employment Centers, and Rural Center Zones
see FIGURE 18B.30-2---
FIGURE 18B.30.060-2 – Wall and Projecting Signs
(Ord. 2017-89s § 3 (part), 2018; Ord. 2013-85 § 1 (part), 2013; Ord. 2013-30s2 § 6 (part), 2013)
The purpose of this Section is to provide sign regulations for the Graham Community Plan that allow business and civic organizations to convey the availability of goods, services, and business locations in a manner that is visually and aesthetically pleasing and in keeping with the rural character of the community. These sign regulations are intended to work in harmony with the Graham Community Plan provisions contained in Title 18J PCC, Design Standards and Guidelines.
The following regulations apply to signs within the Graham Community Plan area, in addition to the Countywide Sign Design Regulations of Chapter 18B.20 PCC.
A. Prohibited Signs. The following sign types are prohibited in the Graham Community Plan area in addition to those prohibited in PCC 18B.10.070.
1. Awning signs;
2. Canopy signs that are canvas or backlit;
4. Inflatable signs;
5. Monopole signs;
6. Projecting signs; and
7. Temporary signs, except banner and window signs.
B. Business signs for commercial or industrial uses shall be used for business identification purposes. Incidental information such as the hours of operation, telephone number, credit cards accepted, merchandise available, and the vacancy status is permitted on freestanding or monument signs but such information may not exceed 25 percent of the total sign area (see Figure 18B.30.070-1).
FIGURE 18B.30.070-1 – Graham Incidental Information
C. Sign Illumination.
1. Internal and backlit sign illumination is prohibited for residential development and civic use signs that are allowed in urban and rural residential zones (MHR, SF, R10, R20, RSR) and resource zones (FL, ARL); and
2. Internal or backlit sign illumination is permitted for commercial, industrial, or civic use signs in CE, MUD, RAC, and RNC zone classifications.
D. Design, Character and Color.
1. Signs shall be constructed with the use of natural materials such as wood, rock, stone or decorative masonry or with products made from recycled materials that look like these natural materials. The emphasis should be on craftsmanship, materials detailing and an organic quality. Wall signs may also utilize some other types of materials, such as metal or resin compounds, provided that these components also portray a rural or rustic look and character;
2. Signs shall be composed of neutral colors that blend in with surrounding buildings and reflect the rural environment. Colors must be complementary and restrained. Bright and brilliant colors shall be avoided except for use as accent color. However, no specific color or combination of colors is specifically prohibited;
3. Signs shall be designed with details that reflect a rural or rustic character and to relate to the character of the buildings and/or the uses they identify; and
4. Franchises are subject to the same signage regulations as other commercial uses, and shall use the minimum amount of signage and building features to convey corporate identity.
E. Neon Signs.
1. Neon signs that are used for window displays shall be no more than 2 feet by 2 feet in size;
2. Neon in-wall signage shall only be utilized for accent of the main sign and shall not be more than 10 percent of the total size of the overall sign; and
3. Use of neon in freestanding, monument, iconic and A-board signs and wall murals is prohibited.
F. Freestanding Signs. Pole signs are allowed only for commercial and office/business uses and shall be constructed using two or more poles with a maximum height of 16 feet, measured at the highest point of the structure (see Figure 18B.30.070-2). Monopole signs are prohibited.
FIGURE 18B.30.070-2 – Graham Freestanding Sign
G. Monument Signs.
1. The exterior base or side structure shall be made or faced with natural materials such as native stone, brick, wood, or timber; and
2. Maximum height of a monument sign for a business shall be 8 feet in height and the maximum height of the base of the structure shall be 4 feet (see Figure 18B.30.070-3).
FIGURE 18B.30.070-3 – Graham Monument Sign
Table 18B.30.070-1. Graham Sign Table
Maximum Total Freestanding Sign Area
R5, R10, R20, RSR, RF, FL, ARL
FREESTANDING POLE SIGNS (maximum square feet per sign)
Multi-Tenant Site/Building
MONUMENT SIGNS (maximum square feet per sign)
Table 18B.30.070-2. Graham Sign Table
Maximum Total Building Sign Area
BUILDING SIGNS (WALL AND WINDOW)
Urban Zone Classifications
Rural and Resource Land Zone Classifications
CE and MUD
MHR and SF
RAC and RNC
R5, R10, R20, RSR, RF, ARL and FL
Maximum square footage of building signs, which shall be located below the roofline for each tenant. (2)(3)
For each tenant:
0-20,000 square feet (1)
20,001-40,000 square feet
40,001-80,000 square feet
80,001-200,000 square feet
greater than 200,000 square feet
0-5,000 square feet
5,001-15,000 square feet
15,000-40,000 square feet
40,001-80,000 square feet greater than 80,000 square feet
Maximum square footage of signs for civic uses in a single tenant building
(1) For a single tenant building of 20,000 square feet or less, the building sign may be increased up to 10 additional square feet provided the maximum allowed size of the monument sign shall be decreased accordingly.
(2) Single-tenant buildings shall be allowed wall signage on the primary building facade (including one logo) up to the total square footage allowed. Single-tenant buildings situated on a corner of two public streets will be allowed one additional sign and logo on the facade facing the additional street frontage up to the maximum of 10 square feet.
(3) Multi-tenant buildings shall be allowed facade signage (including one logo) on the main building elevation for each tenant space up to the square footage allowed. Tenant spaces located at building corners situated on a corner of two public streets shall be permitted one additional facade sign and logo to be placed on the other wall facing the second public street up to the maximum allowed for each tenant in a multi-tenant building.
CE=Community Employment, MUD=Mixed Use District, MHR=Moderate High Density Residential, SF=Single Family, RAC=Rural Activity Center, RNC=Rural Neighborhood Center, R5=Rural 5, R10=Rural 10, R20=Rural 20, RSR=Rural Sensitive Resource, RF=Rural Farm, ARL=Agricultural Resource Lands, FL=Forest Land
The purpose of this Section is to create the legal framework for a comprehensive but balanced system of signs and thereby facilitate easy and pleasant communication between people and their environment for unincorporated Pierce County west of the Purdy Spit Bridge. Signs include any physical structure designed to communicate some message to the public. Special emphasis is made in this Section to promote the use of signs that reflect both the natural surroundings and the social attitudes of the Key Peninsula residents while allowing the maximum amount of flexibility in design.
The following regulations apply to signs within the Key Peninsula Community Plan area, in addition to the Countywide Sign Design Regulations of Chapter 18B.20 PCC.
A. Key Peninsula Prohibited Signs. See PCC 18B.30.080 C. below for Areas of Special Control in the Key Peninsula Community Plan area, in addition to signs that are prohibited in Pierce County, PCC 18B.10.070.
B. Design, Character and Color.
1. Signs shall be constructed with the use of natural materials such as wood, rock, stone or decorative masonry or with products made from recycled materials that look like these natural materials. The emphasis should be on craftsmanship and materials detailing an organic quality. Wall signs may also utilize some other types of materials, such as metal or resin compounds, provided that these components also portray a rural or rustic look and character;
2. Signs shall be designed with details that reflect a rural or rustic character and to relate to the character of the buildings and/or the uses they identify;
3. Franchises are subject to the same signage regulations as other commercial uses, and shall use the minimum amount of signage and building features to convey corporate identity; and
4. Indirect illumination shall be the only permitted form of lighting.
C. Areas of Special Control. Any required landscaping area or natural buffer area described in Table 18J.15.040-1, Rural State Route and Highway Buffering, shall be considered an area of special control and shall be subject to the following regulations:
1. Monument signs are the only category of sign permitted in areas of special control; and
2. Vegetation up to a maximum cleared area of 200 square feet outright and up to 400 square feet with an Administrative Use Permit (AUP) pursuant to PCC 18A.75.020, may be cleared to provide space for a permitted monument sign. Replanting of low growing native landscaping shall be required around the sign. The Director shall approve an AUP application filed under this Section only if all of the AUP required findings and the following findings can be made:
a. That additional clearing is the minimum necessary to provide adequate visibility of the proposed sign from the right-of-way; and
b. Additional clearing is the minimum necessary to ensure adequate sight distances as required in the Road Regulations contained in Chapter 17B.10 PCC.
D. Off-Site Signs.
1. Businesses in Key Peninsula rural commercial centers that do not have frontage on SR-302 or the Key Peninsula Highway or have less than 100 feet of frontage may have one off-site business identification sign.
a. Businesses shall be required to consolidate these signs on individual monument sign support structures near a location where customers would leave SR-302 or the Key Peninsula Highway to access the business location.
b. The size and text copy allowed on the sign shall be subject to the regulations contained in the Key Peninsula Sign Table.
2. Home occupations, cottage industries, and agricultural uses located within the Key Peninsula Community Plan area shall be allowed to display off-site directional signs on private property. These signs shall require a sign permit. Each sign shall have a consistent appearance based on community established design criteria for size and color. The number of signs permitted shall be the minimum number necessary to provide directions at those intersections requiring a change of direction between SR 302, or the Key Peninsula Highway, to the business location.
Table 18B.30.080-1. Key Peninsula Sign Table
Rural Residential, Resource Lands, and Overlays
Average Lanes and Speeds
--see FIGURE 18B.30-2--
Table 18B.30.080-2. Key Peninsula Sign Table
Rural Center Zones
The purpose of this Section is to create a sign program for the Mid-County community that allows businesses and civic organizations to convey the availability of goods, services, and business locations in a manner that depicts an aesthetically pleasing streetscape along transportation corridors.
The following regulations apply to signs within the Mid-County Community Plan area, in addition to the Countywide Sign Design Regulations of Chapter 18B.20 PCC.
A. Mid-County Prohibited Signs. The following sign types are prohibited in the Mid-County Community Plan area, in addition to those prohibited in PCC 18B.10.070:
3. Iconic signs;
5. Mechanical signs;
6. Pole signs;
7. Projecting signs; and
8. Temporary signs, except banner and window signs.
Table 18B.30.090-1. Mid-County Sign Table
Maximum Number, Dimensions, and Location of Signs
RSep, RR and SF
Sign Area (square feet)
84, plus 2 for each business unit, not to exceed 100
56, plus 2 for each business unit, not to exceed 64
38, plus 2 for each business unit not to exceed 48
Sign Height (feet)
Multi-Tenant/ Multi-Building Complex
BUILDING SIGNS (Wall and Window Signs)
Maximum square footage of all signs for each tenant, by size of tenant's interior square footage:
0-5,000 sf (2)
5,001-20,000 sf (2)
20,001-80,000 sf
80,001-200,000 sf
greater than 200,000 sf
20 sf sign
30 sf sign
40 sf sign
50 sf sign
60 sf sign
5,001-20,000 sf
greater than 80,000 sf
10 sf sign
5,001-15,000 sf
over 15,000 sf
4 sf sign
6 sf sign
8 sf sign
(1) See Table 18B.30.020-1 for subdivision monument sign regulations.
(2) For a single tenant building of 20,000 square feet or less, the building sign may be increased up to 10 additional square feet provided the maximum allowed size of the monument sign shall be decreased accordingly.
CE=Community Employment, CC=Community Center, NC=Neighborhood Commercial, RNC=Rural Neighborhood Center, RSep=Rural Separator, RR=Rural Residential, SF=Single Family
The purpose of this Section is to establish sign regulations that support and implement policies and objectives set forth in the Pierce County Comprehensive Plan, Community Character and Land Use Elements of the Parkland-Spanaway-Midland Communities Plan, and those established by the Highway Advertising Control Act (Scenic Vistas Act). These regulations will achieve aesthetic improvement throughout the community plan area while balancing the advertising needs of the retail and business sectors.
The following regulations apply to signs within the Parkland-Spanaway-Midland Communities Plan area, in addition to the Countywide Sign Design Regulations of Chapter 18B.20 PCC.
A. Parkland-Spanaway-Midland Prohibited Signs. See PCC 18B.10.070.
Table 18B.30.100-1. Parkland-Spanaway-Midland Sign Table
Maximum Total Sign Area
FREESTANDING POLE SIGNS (maximum square footage of all sign faces on site)
Multi-Tenant/ Building plus
Satellite bldgs
BUILDING SIGNS (WALL, AWNING, MARQUEE, PROJECTING, AND HANGING)
Percent of street facade or square feet, whichever is less.
Maximum Size of Signs
10% or 150
15% or 200
10% or 100
CE=Community Employment, RO=Residential Office, CC=Community Center, AC=Activity Center, NC=Neighborhood Commercial, MUD=Mixed Use District, CMUD=Commercial Mixed Use District, OMUD=Office-Residential Mixed Use District, ROC=Residential-Office-Civic, MHR=Moderate High Density Residential, MSF=Moderate Density Single Family, SF=Single Family, RR=Residential Resource
Table 18B.30.100-2. Parkland-Spanaway-Midland Sign Table
Maximum Number, Dimensions, and Location of Individual Freestanding Signs
Sign Area (maximum square footage of each sign face per pole)
Single Tenant Nonresidential
Multi-Tenant/ Multi-Building Nonresidential
Sign Height (maximum height in feet)
Area (maximum square footage of each sign face per structure)
Height (maximum height in feet)
Unified Residential Development
(1) Plus 10 square feet for each business unit, not to exceed 150 square feet.
(2) Plus 10 square feet for each business unit, not to exceed 100 square feet.
(3) See Table 18B.30.020-1 for subdivision identification signs.
The purpose of this Section is to create a sign program for the South Hill community that allows businesses and civic organizations to convey the availability of goods, services, and business locations in a manner that depicts an aesthetically pleasing streetscape along transportation corridors.
The following regulations apply to signs within the South Hill Community Plan area, in addition to the Countywide Sign Design Regulations of Chapter 18B.20 PCC.
A. South Hill Prohibited Signs. The following sign types are prohibited in the South Hill Community Plan area, in addition to those prohibited in PCC 18B.10.070:
5. Pole signs, except for electronic message signs as provided in PCC 18B.20.080 not exceeding 15 feet in height; and
Table 18B.30.110-1. South Hill Sign Table
MUD, CC, AC, UV
NC, ROC (4)
HRD, MHR
MSF, RR, HSF
72 plus 2 for each business unit not to exceed 100
24 plus 2 for each business unit not to exceed 32
BUILDING SIGNS (Wall and Window Signs (3))
0-5,000 sf – 4 sf sign
5,001-15,000 sf – 6 sf sign
over 15, 000 sf – 8 sf sign
(1) See Table 18B.30.020-1 for subdivision identification signs.
(3) Wall signs and window signs shall be the only Business Identification and Business Signs permitted.
(4) Signs shall not be lit during non-business hours.
EC=Employment Center, MUD=Mixed Use District, CC=Community Center, AC=Activity Center, UV=Urban Village, NC=Neighborhood Center, ROC=Residential-Office-Civic, HRD=High Density Residential, MHR=Moderate High Density Residential, MSF-Moderate Density Single Family, RR=Residential Resource, HSF=High Density Single Family
The purpose of this Section is to provide standards for the design and construction of signs in the Upper Nisqually Valley. Signs are critical to the success of local businesses as well as to the visual quality of the Upper Nisqually Valley. Signs should reflect the rural and rustic character of the community, be expressive of the individual business, and be readable at the speed and distance at which they are viewed. Since the Village Centers have been identified as pedestrian-oriented hubs of local commercial activity with slower speed limits, allowable sign sizes within these areas are smaller than outside the Village Centers
The following regulations apply for the design of signs in the Upper Nisqually Valley Community Plan area, in addition to the Countywide Sign Design Regulations of Chapter 18B.20 PCC.
A. Upper Nisqually Valley Prohibited Signs. The following sign types are not permitted in the Upper Nisqually Valley Community Plan area, in addition to those prohibited in PCC 18B.10.070:
1. Signs with more than two advertising faces;
2. Back lit or internally lit signs;
3. Business signs;
4. Fluorescent signs;
6. Neon signs, except those denoting incidental information when designed within the area of a permitted sign type and occupying no more than 4 square feet of sign area. Neon may not be used for accent purposes; and
7. Projecting signs, except when designed as iconic signs.
1. Signs shall be used for business identification purposes. Incidental information such as the hours of operation, telephone number, credit cards accepted, merchandise available, and the vacancy status is permitted on freestanding, reader board, and wall signs;
2. Incidental information may not exceed 25 percent of the sign area;
3. One freestanding sign is permitted for each street frontage;
4. No sign shall exceed a size of 32 square feet in the Village Center zoning districts or 48 square feet outside the Village Center zoning districts. Sign structure(s) shall not be included in calculating the sign area;
5. Double sided signs are permitted. The square footage requirement is applied to each side separately; and
6. Signs and sign structures shall be made of, or faced with, natural materials such as native stone, brick, wood, or timber materials. Plastic signs are prohibited.
C. Multi-Tenant Building Signs.
1. Each occupant of a multiple-tenant building shall have wall, iconic, and marquee signs of the same number and size as single-tenant buildings;
2. Signs shall be consistent in size and location among the multiple tenants of the building;
3. Signs with more than two sides are prohibited; and
4. The provisions of RCW 47.39, the Scenic and Recreational Highway Act, and RCW 47.42, the Highway Advertising Control Act – Scenic Vistas, shall be met.
D. Reader Board Signs. Reader board signs shall be allowed in the Upper Nisqually Community Plan area only when designed as an integral part of a freestanding, monument, or wall sign and shall be subject to the following regulations.
1. Reader board signs shall be located within the main identification sign or sign support structure and not attached as an appendage;
2. Materials, colors, and letter styles shall be similar to the sign of which it is a component; and
3. Reader board sign area shall not exceed 40 percent of the area of the identification sign.
Table 18B.30.120-1. Upper Nisqually Valley Sign Table
Village Commercial (VC)
(1) At least two support structures are required for freestanding signs except for monument signs up to 8 feet tall.
(2) The total area of wall signs shall not exceed 32 square feet or 10 percent of the total building face area on which it is located (building elevation area includes windows and doors, but does not include roof area), whichever is less.
FIGURE 18B.30.120-1 – Upper Nisqually Sign Design Examples
(Ord. 2014-42 § 3 (part), 2014; Ord. 2013-85 § 1 (part), 2013; Ord. 2013-30s2 § 6 (part), 2013)