Source: http://www.codepublishing.com/WA/CleElum/html/15.20.html
Timestamp: 2017-04-30 11:02:15
Document Index: 121551524

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 4', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 4', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 4', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 5', '§ 6', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 7', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 12', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 4', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 5', '§ 14', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 6', '§ 1', '§ 17', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 7', '§ 15']

15.20 Sign Code
Chapter 15.20SIGN CODE
15.20.035
15.20.135
15.20.140
15.20.150
General commercial, entry commercial areas and public reserve.
15.20.155
Old Town commercial.
15.20.160
15.20.165
Business park areas.
15.20.167
Lighting of signs.
15.20.170
15.20.175
15.20.190
15.20.195
15.20.200
15.20.210
15.20.030Purpose and applicability.
The purpose of this chapter is to improve the quality of life and to harmonize the residential and business environments in the city. It is intended to improve the visual environment, permit signage consistent with the character of the community, and reduce signs or advertising distractions and/or obstructions that may contribute to hazards or accidents. The use of signs shall be regulated by zone. This chapter is designed to recognize the communication needs of the business community, and encourage maintenance of those signs, but also to protect the public health, safety, welfare and aesthetics by regulating outdoor signs of all types. This chapter applies to all signs as defined by Section 15.20.035.
(Ord. 1279 § 1 (Attach. A (part)), 2007: Ord. 1198 § 1, 2003: Ord. 1136 § 1, 2001: Ord. 866 § 1, 1987: Ord. 638 § 3, 1970)
15.20.035Definitions.
Unless otherwise set forth, the following words as used in this chapter shall have the following meanings:
“Changeable copy sign (automatic)” means a sign on which the copy changes automatically on a lamp bank or through mechanical means, e.g., electrical or electronic time and temperature units.
“Facade” means the front or face of a building.
“Flashing sign” means a sign which contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source used primarily to attract attention. It does not include changeable copy signs, animated signs, or signs which, through reflection or other means, create an illusion of flashing of intermittent light.
“Freestanding sign” means a sign supported upon the ground by poles or braces or other structure designed and constructed to support the sign only and not attached to any building.
“Illegal sign” means a sign which does not meet the requirements of this code and which has not received legal nonconforming status.
“Internal illumination” means an indirect concealed light source that is recessed or contained within any element of a sign.
“Maintenance” means, for purposes of this chapter, the cleaning, painting, repair of defective parts of a sign in a manner that does not alter the basic copy, design or structure of the sign.
“Mural” means a picture or picture-print combination that contains no advertising copy and which does not convey an advertising message which is painted or otherwise applied on the exterior wall of a building or structure.
“Nonconforming sign” means a sign which was erected legally but which does not comply with subsequently enacted sign restrictions and regulations.
“Off-premises sign” means a sign structure advertising an establishment, merchandise, service or entertainment, which is not sold, produced, manufactured or furnished at the property on which the sign is located, e.g., “billboards” or “outdoor advertising”; provided, however, that signs located on property under the same ownership and which would be in a single tax parcel or immediately adjacent thereto but for the presence of an intervening right-of-way shall not be construed as an “off-premises sign” for purposes of this chapter.
“Owner” means a person recorded as such on official records. For the purpose of this chapter, the owner of property on which a sign is located is presumed to be the owner of the sign unless facts to the contrary are officially recorded or otherwise brought to the attention of the administrator, e.g., a sign leased from a sign company.
“Projecting sign” means a sign, which is attached to and projects horizontally from a building wall.
“Public benefit sign” means an off-premises sign installed, maintained, and controlled in, over or adjacent to the public right-of-way for the sole purpose of providing directions to an establishment that serves or provides a benefit to the general public, including but not limited to directional signs to hospitals, schools, and other establishments of general public need or interest. In the case of a designated American Red Cross Emergency Shelter a digital message center sign not to exceed 45 square feet per face, with no more than two sign faces, may be permitted for the purpose of providing emergency information, community information and information related to events and activities that help fund or otherwise support the designated Emergency Shelter. The Digital Message Center Sign shall only be operational from the hours of 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time to 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time. A minimum of one-second transition time between messages is required. A permit for any public benefit sign may be additionally conditioned by the responsible official as to size, height, location, illumination, coloring, hours of operation, and similar characteristics to keep with the purposes and objectives of the Cle Elum Municipal Code and the Cle Elum Comprehensive Plan.
“Public service sign” means a sign installed, maintained and controlled by the City of Cle Elum for the sole purpose of providing directions to locations and objects of interest to visitors and the traveling public and not to advertise a specific business or product.
“Reverse internal illumination” means an indirect concealed light source located within the sign and where the majority of the sign face does not allow light to be revealed except for the sign letter or graphics.
“Sandwich board sign” means a portable sign capable of supporting itself through an “A” frame structure.
“Sign” means any communication device, structure, placard or fixture that is visible from any public right-of-way, pedestrian path or sidewalk and is intended to aid in promoting the sale of product, goods, services or events or to identify a building using graphics, letters, figures, symbols, trademarks or written copy but not murals.
Sign, Area of.
1. Projecting and freestanding. The area of a freestanding or projecting sign shall have all faces of any double-faced or multi-faced sign counted in calculating its area. The area of the sign shall be measured as follows if the sign is composed of one or two individual cabinets:
a. The area around and enclosing the perimeter of each cabinet or module shall be summed and then totaled to determine total area. The perimeter of measurable area shall include embellishments such as pole covers, framing, decorative roofing, etc. Support structures shall not be included in the determination of total area unless the support structures contribute to the advertising message.
b. If the sign is composed of more than two sign cabinets or modules, the area enclosing the entire perimeter of all cabinets and/or modules, within a single, continuous geometric figure shall be the area of the sign. Support structures shall not be included in the determination of total area unless the support structures contribute to the advertising message.
2. Wall signs. The area around and enclosing the perimeter of each cabinet or module shall be summed and then totaled to determine total area.
3. Awning signs. The area of awning signs shall be measured by the area around and enclosing the adverting message.
“Sign, awning” means a sign attached, painted or installed on an awning projecting from a storefront.
“Temporary sign” means any sign or advertising display constructed of cloth, wood, canvas, light fabric, paper or other light materials with or without frames that is not permanently mounted and is intend to be displaced for a limited time only such as for political candidacy or special events.
“Wall sign” means a sign attached, painted or erected on or parallel to the face of building to which it is attached and supported throughout its entire length with the exposed face parallel to the plane of the building. Signs on or in windows will be considered wall signs.
(Ord. 1345 § 1, 2011; Ord. 1333 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1279 § 1 (Attach. A (part)), 2007: Ord. 1211, 2004; Ord. 1198 § 1, 2003: Ord. 866 § 2, 1987)
15.20.040Enforcing official.
The city planner or designee is authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of this code.
(Ord. 1279 § 1 (Attach. A (part)), 2007: Ord. 1198 § 1, 2003: Ord. 638 § 4(a), 1970)
15.20.050Right of entry.
Upon presentation of proper credentials the city planner, the building official or their duly authorized representatives may enter at reasonable times any building, structure, or premises in the city to perform any duty imposed upon him by this code. The city shall make reasonable effort to inform the owner of the need to access the premises authorized by this section.
(Ord. 1279 § 1 (Attach. A (part)), 2007: Ord. 1198 § 1, 2003: Ord. 638 § 4(b), 1970)
15.20.060Appeals.
Any administrative decision on a permit for a sign may be appealable to the city council pursuant to the provisions of CEMC 17.100.
(Ord. 1279 § 1 (Attach. A (part)), 2007: Ord. 1198 § 1, 2003: Ord. 638 § 4(c), 1970)
15.20.070Permits.
A. Permits Required. No sign shall hereafter be erected, moved, constructed, structurally altered or repaired except as provided by this title and a permit having been duly issued by the city.
B. Permits are not required for the following activities or signs in all districts:
1. Changing of advertising copy without increasing sign size or modifying characteristics;
2. Maintenance and cleaning of existing signs, provided such maintenance and cleaning does not include structural or electrical changes;
3. On-premises, non-electrical signs, three square feet or less in size used for advertising the street address of the building and the name of the occupant or owner;
4. Non-illuminated real estate or contractors sign pertaining to the sale or lease of the premises or the construction or improvement of the property, not exceeding six square feet in area;
5. Public informational signs installed, maintained and controlled by the City of Cle Elum. Signs shall not exceed twenty-five square feet of area devoted to advertising and are limited to no more than two signs at the west end of First Street, a single sign at Oakes Street and two signs at the east end of First Street;
6. Temporary signs;
7. Signs placed on or inside windows, provided that a minimum of fifty percent of any window shall remain free of signs.
C. Applications for sign permits shall be made to the City of Cle Elum on a form provided by the city. Applications shall include:
1. Name, address, telephone number and other contact information of the applicant or authorized agent and the legal owner of the property upon which the sign is to be located;
2. If the applicant is not the property owner, a signed instrument from the property owner authorizing the application;
3. Street address, tax parcel number, and acreage of the subject property;
4. A description of the sign, either in writing or in plan form, that identifies the type of sign per this chapter, the type of structural support, sign height, sign area and method of illumination;
5. A site plan drawn to scale, at a minimum scale of one inch equals twenty feet, that includes the dimensions of the subject property, the proposed location of the sign, the dimensions of the sign, the location of existing development on-site, the location size and dimensions of any existing signs on-site and the location of any public or private roads abutting the property;
6. Lighting details, if applicable, including fixture type, wattage, shielding, and other information necessary to determine compliance;
7. The required application fee as set by the Cle Elum city council.
D. Sign permits shall be processed as a Type I Application, as provided in CEMC 17.100.
E. Sign permits shall become invalid if work is not begun within one hundred eighty days of permit issuance. The city may authorize a single one hundred eighty day extension upon request of the applicant for circumstances beyond the applicant’s control that prohibit installation of the sign within the required time period.
(Ord. 1279 § 1 (Attach. A (part)), 2007: Ord. 1198 § 1, 2003: Ord. 866 § 5, 1987: Ord. 638 § 6, 1970)
15.20.090Removal of signs.
Any sign(s) and fixture(s) now or hereafter existing which, for a period of sixty days, no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted or product sold shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial use of the building, lot, or structure upon which the sign may be found. Fixtures that are no longer used shall be removed. Signs that are not used because of a vacant building shall remove the fixture or replace the sign face with a blank. Upon failure to comply with this provision, the building official is authorized to cause removal of the sign and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the promises or filed as a lien against the property.
(Ord. 1279 § 1 (Attach. A (part)), 2007: Ord. 1198 § 1, 2003: Ord. 638 § 7, 1970)
15.20.135Prohibited signs.
The following signs are prohibited in all districts within the City of Cle Elum except as specifically allowed as temporary signs:
A. Any sign not specifically listed as permitted in this chapter is prohibited unless otherwise provided by law;
B. Any sign which, by reason of its size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination may be confused with traffic control signs or signals, which determination shall be in the sole discretion of the responsible official;
C. Stationary motor vehicles, trailers and related devices used to circumvent the intent of this chapter;
D. Signs which are attached to utility poles, trees, fences, rocks or natural features and other similar objects which are not designed specifically for the installation of the sign;
E. Roof signs or signs projecting or installed above the eave lines of buildings;
F. All lighted signs which are adjacent to and directed toward a residential district and which detract from the welfare of the residential district;
G. Animated, moving, automatic changing copy, revolving, blinking or flashing signs, except public service signs such as those which only give the time, temperature and humidity, and digital message center signs providing emergency information, community information and information related to events and activities that help fund or otherwise support the designated American Red Cross Emergency Shelter;
H. Any sign or advertising display which obstructs in any way the vision of motorists entering or leaving public or private rights-of-way;
I. Signs extending over the public right-of-way and any sign placed within the right-of-way, with the exception of projecting signs, awning signs, and public benefit signs;
J. Off-premises signs, with the exception of public service signs controlled and installed by the City of Cle Elum and public benefit signs, as allowed in the entry commercial zone pursuant to Section 15.20.150;
K. Signs emitting pollutants such as smoke and sound;
L. Signs displaying unwarranted content (i.e., obscene language); and
M. Signs located within structural setbacks established by the zoning district, unless specifically authorized by this chapter.
(Ord. 1345 § 2, 2011; Ord. 1333 § 2, 2010; Ord. 1279 § 1 (Attach. A (part)), 2007: Ord. 1198 § 1, 2003)
15.20.140Residential areas.
The following signs shall be permitted in all residential zoning districts in the city:
A. A wall mounted or freestanding sign, not exceeding fifteen square feet in area, erected upon the premises of a church or other institution for the purposes of displaying the name of the institution and its activities or services. Freestanding signs shall not exceed six feet in height;
B. A land sales sign of twenty-five square feet or less, non-illuminated, advertising the sale or development of a subdivision containing an area of not less than seven lots, erected upon the property so developed and advertised for sale.
(Ord. 1279 § 1 (Attach. A (part)), 2007: Ord. 1198 § 1, 2003: Ord. 638 § 12, 1970)
15.20.150General commercial, entry commercial areas and public reserve.
In areas zoned general commercial, entry commercial and public reserve, the following regulations apply:
A. The aggregate sign area for any lot shall not exceed two square feet for each foot of street frontage. Aggregate sign area for corner lots shall not exceed one and one-half square foot for each foot of street frontage;
B. Projecting and awning signs are permitted. Sign size shall not exceed forty-five square feet of area and shall maintain a vertical clearance of ten feet from the bottom edge of the sign or awning to the sidewalk surface;
C. Wall signs are permitted. The size of a wall sign shall not exceed ten percent of the building facade on which they are located, and no more than two signs are permitted per facade. For buildings with multiple tenants, maximum sign size shall be based on that portion of the facade occupied by each individual tenant;
D. Freestanding signs are permitted. One freestanding sign is permitted per street frontage, provided that corner lots with less than eighty feet on each street shall be permitted only one freestanding sign. Freestanding signs shall not exceed two hundred square feet of total sign area, and no one face shall exceed one hundred square feet. The height for a freestanding sign shall not exceed thirty-five feet;
E. Off-premises signs are allowed in the entry commercial zone and shall be for directional purposes only.
1. Off-premises signs shall be permitted only for businesses located not more than one block off of First Street, or not more than one block off of the principal arterial serving the business, except for public benefit signs;
2. No off-premises sign shall exceed six feet in height;
3. Off-premises signs shall not exceed twenty-four square feet per sign face, and shall have no more than two faces;
4. Off-premises signs shall not be allowed within any right-of-way and must be located no further than five hundred feet from the exterior boundary of the parcel upon which the business is situated; provided, however, that this prohibition does not apply to public benefit signs;
5. Only one off-premise sign permitted per business or organization, with the exception of public benefit signs;
6. The sign copy of the off-premise sign shall be limited to copy, text and graphics of the business or facility benefiting from the off-premise sign;
7. A notarized agreement from the property owner on whose property the sign will be located is required as part of the application. At a minimum, the agreement shall address:
a. Final responsibility for maintenance, removal and nuisance/abatement issues will be that of the property owner upon which the off-premises sign is located;
b. The right of use of the off-premise sign is neither assignable nor transferable without sign permit approval from the City of Cle Elum; and
c. That the property owner upon which the sign is to be located authorizes the sign to be placed upon their property;
F. Sandwich boards and portable signs are allowed under the following conditions:
1. They shall not exceed two feet in overall width and four feet overall height;
2. Must be wind-firm in some acceptable manner;
3. May not obstruct more than twenty percent of a sidewalk or right-of-way. A minimum clearance of clear passage shall be six feet;
4. Shall not be placed in or on a street or alley right-of-way;
5. Shall be constructed of materials that are hard, durable, weather proof and permanent. Signs shall be constructed in an “A” frame fashion only. Copy and images shall only indicate the name and type of business. Changeable copy is not permitted except for hand drawn lettering or graphics such as a chalkboard;
6. Shall be allowed only immediately in front of the business being occupied. Provided that a property owner may grant another business owner the right to locate a sign on their property frontage if the businesses are located on the same block and not more than one sign is permitted;
7. Only one sign is permitted per lot, structure or business;
8. Shall not obstruct sight distance requirements on public streets; and
9. Shall be removed from public view during closed hours.
(Ord. 1345 § 3, 2011; Ord. 1333 § 3, 2010; Ord. 1279 § 1 (Attach. A (part)), 2007: Ord. 1198 § 1, 2003: Ord. 866 § 3, 1987: Ord. 855 § 1, 1986)
15.20.155Old Town commercial.
Signs in the Old Town commercial zone shall be permitted as follows:
A. All signs shall be consistent with the historical and pedestrian character of the district.
B. The aggregate sign area for any lot shall not exceed two square feet for each foot of street frontage. The permitted signs enumerated in this subsection shall be subject to the total aggregate sign area.
C. Wall signs are permitted provided they do not total an area more than ten percent of the building facade on which they are located. Each multi-tenant building may have one identification wall sign for each street frontage.
D. Projecting and awning signs shall not exceed forty-five square feet of area and shall maintain a vertical clearance of ten feet from the bottom edge of the sign or awning to the sidewalk surface.
E. Sandwich board signs are allowed under the following conditions:
4. Shall not be placed in or on the traveled or parking area of a street or alley right-of-way;
8. Shall not obstruct sight distance requirements on public streets;
F. Application of the specific sign standards in this section to individual signs may not be required if the applicant provides substantial evidence that the imposition of the standards will result in a sign that is less consistent with the historic character of the area.
(Ord. 1279 § 1 (Attach. A (part)), 2007: Ord. 1198 § 1, 2003)
15.20.160Industrial areas.
In areas which are zoned industrial, the following regulations apply:
A. The aggregate sign area for any lot shall not exceed one foot for each foot of street frontage. The permitted signs enumerated in this subsection shall be subject to the total aggregate sign area.
1. Wall signs are permitted but shall not total an area more than fifteen percent of the building facade on which they are located, and not exceed two signs per facade.
2. Each structure may have one freestanding sign per street frontage, provided that corner lots with less than eighty feet on each street shall be permitted only one freestanding sign. Freestanding signs shall not exceed one hundred square feet of total sign area, and no one face shall exceed fifty square feet. The maximum height for a freestanding sign shall not exceed the height of the building containing the activity being advertised and in no case shall exceed twenty-five feet. The width of the support system for a freestanding sign shall be a minimum of eighty percent of the width of the sign face.
B. Buildings having multiple occupancy will be allowed individual signs as set forth in subsection (A) of this section.
(Ord. 1279 § 1 (Attach. A (part)), 2007: Ord. 1198 § 1, 2003: Ord. 855 § 2, 1986)
15.20.165Business park areas.
Signs in the business park zone shall be permitted as follows:
A. The aggregate sign area for any lot shall not exceed one square foot for each foot of street frontage. The permitted signs enumerated in this subsection shall be subject to the total aggregate sign area.
B. Wall signs are permitted provided they do not total an area more than ten percent of the building facade on which they are located. Each multi-tenant building may have one identification wall sign for each street frontage.
C. Each building may have one freestanding sign per street frontage. The sign may not exceed a total of one hundred square feet for the total of all faces. No one face shall exceed fifty square feet in area. The sign shall not exceed fifteen feet in height. The width of the support system for a freestanding sign shall be a minimum of eighty percent of the width of the sign face.
15.20.167Lighting of signs.
A. Internal and exterior illuminated signs are allowed in all zones except R, RM and the Old Town commercial zoning district where only exterior and reverse internal illuminated signs are permitted provided, that awning signs may be internally illuminated.
B. No on ground lighting fixtures shall be permitted. Fixtures must be mounted to the bottom or top of the sign face and shall be shielded or mounted on curved standards to direct light to sign face only to minimize glare and off-sight lighting impacts. One mounted light shall be permitted per five square feet of sign area.
C. The illumination of signs shall not cause excessive light or glare that could result in the reduced visibility of official signs and approaching, merging or entering traffic.
D. Portable and temporary signs shall not be illuminated.
15.20.170Temporary signs.
Temporary signs are defined as signs announcing political candidacy, special events or any sign which becomes meaningless due to the passage of time for a period of one year or less. The following regulations apply to temporary signs:
A. Political signs shall be no larger than nine square feet.
B. Permission must be obtained from the appropriate property owner to erect a sign for which an individual seeks election to an office or position.
C. Political signs shall not be erected or displayed more than ninety days prior to an election.
D. Exterior political signs shall be removed not more than fifteen days following the applicable election or event date.
E. A deposit fee of fifty dollars shall be required for temporary signs with an expiration date such as an election date or an event date. Upon removal of any such signs by the applicant or his or her agent within the time period specified in this section, the deposit set forth in this section shall be returned.
F. Temporary promotional signs advertising specific events such as sales, grand openings and other similar activities are permitted. Signs shall remain in place no longer than fourteen days in any six-month period and shall comply with all other provisions of this code.
(Ord. 1279 § 1 (Attach. A (part)), 2007: Ord. 1198 § 1, 2003: Ord. 855 § 3, 1986)
15.20.175Nonconforming signs.
A. Existing signs that are nonconforming to the provisions of this chapter are permitted to continue subject to the provisions of subsection (B) of this section. Nonconforming signs may be replaced by a sign of the same type, size, dimensions and location without losing its nonconforming status. Sandwich board and temporary signs that are nonconforming are not permitted to be continued and shall be made conforming.
B. A nonconforming sign shall lose its nonconforming status it:
1. The sign is relocated; or
2. The structure or size of the sign is altered in any way. This section shall exclude normal and routine maintenance; or
3. The sign is not maintained consistent with Section 15.20.195.
(Ord. 1279 § 1 (Attach. A (part)), 2007: Ord. 1198 § 1, 2003: Ord. 866 § 4, 1987)
15.20.190Responsibility of owner.
This chapter shall not be construed to relieve or lessen the responsibility of any person owning or operating or installing any sign for damages to property or injuries to persons caused by the construction, maintenance or operation of any sign or any defect therein, nor shall the city or any agent thereof be held or construed as assuming any such liability or responsibility by reason of the permits, fees and inspections provided for in this chapter. The minimum safety requirements and regulations prescribed in this chapter shall not relieve the property owner nor the person constructing or maintaining a sign from the obligation of taking any additional steps necessary to make and keep the sign safe for persons and property. The city and other public agencies are not responsible for damage caused to signs overhanging the public right-of-way during maintenance operations or construction activities.
(Ord. 1279 § 1 (Attach. A (part)), 2007: Ord. 1198 § 1, 2003: Ord. 855 § 5, 1986; Ord. 638 § 14, 1970)
15.20.195Maintenance and safety.
All signs and components thereof must be maintained in good repair and in a safe, neat, clean and attractive condition. Signs that are a danger to the general public shall be repaired or removed at the direction of the city.
15.20.200Variances.
Variances to dimensional standards may be permitted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 17.85.
(Ord. 1279 § 1 (Attach. A (part)), 2007: Ord. 1198 § 1, 2003: Ord. 1116 § 1, 2000: Ord. 855 § 6, 1986; Ord. 648 § 1, 1971: Ord. 638 § 17, 1970)
15.20.210Violation – Penalty.
It is unlawful to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use or maintain any sign or structure in the city, or cause or permit the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this code. Each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this code is committed, continued, or permitted, and upon conviction of any such violation shall be punished as set forth in the applicable provisions of the Cle Elum Municipal Code.
(Ord. 1279 § 1 (Attach. A (part)), 2007: Ord. 1198 § 1, 2003: Ord. 855 §§ 7, 8, 1986; Ord. 638 § 15, 1970)