HomeMy WebLinkAboutO-1609 - Repeals and replaces Ch. 16.16, sign code; repeals subsections (6), (7) and (8) of Sec. 18.24.040, zoning (Repealed by 2131)CITY OF MARYSVILLE
Marysville,Washington
ORDINANCE NO.1609
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MARYSVILLE ENACTING A SIGN
CODE,REPEALING CHAPTER 16.16,AND SECTION 19.24.040
(6), (7),AND (8)OF THE MARYSVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARYSVILLE,WASHINGTON DO
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
section 1:Chapter 16.16 of the Marysville Municipal Code,
and all sections thereof,and Sections 19.24.040 (6), (7),and
(8),are hereby REPEALED for the reason that the same are super-
ceded by the provisions of this Ordinance.
Section 2:A new Chapter 16.16 of the Marysville Municipal
Code is hereby enacted to provide as follows:
CHAPTER 16.16 SIGN CODE
Section 16.16.010.Purpose.The purpose of this Chapter is
to protect the health,safety,property and welfare of the
citizens of the City of Marysville by establishing standards for
the structural design,placement,size and maintenance of all
signs and sign structures in the City.Furthermore,it is the
purpose of the regulations,standards and criteria of this
Chapter to permit and encourage the design of signs which are
responsive to the needs of the public in locating a business
establishment by identification,address and product and/or
services information.
The rapid economic development of the City has resulted in a
great increase in the'number of businesses located in the City,
with marked increase in the number and size of signs related to
those businesses.This proliferation of signs has resulted in a
reduced effectiveness of individual signs.As the number,size
and intensity of signs increase without regard to quality and
placement,the impact of the individual sign is diminished.
Lack of control of signs may cause potentially dangerous
conflicts between advertising signs and traffic control signs,
thus destroying the effectiveness of both.The great increase in
automotive traffic experienced within the City has greatly
aggravated this danger.
Furthermore,the uncontrolled use of signs and their shapes,
motion,colors,illumination and their insistent and distracting
demand for attention can be injurious to property values of both
business and residential areas of the City,and may seriously
Ordinance - I
detract from the enjoyment and pleasure of the natural beauty of
the City.
It is recognized that businesses have a right to identify
themselves and that this contributes to the economic wellbeing of
the community.However,it is felt that this right can be
exercised in such a way as to bring benefit to the public without
adversely affecting the economic welfare of businesses.The
responsible regulation of signs may,in fact,improve business
opportunity as a result of the increased attractiveness of the
City's environment.
section 16.16.020.Definitions.For the purpose of this
Chapter,the following definitions shall apply unless the context
or meaning clearly indicates otherwise:
1.Abandoned Siqn:A sign which no longer identifies
or advertises a bona fide business,lessor,service,owner,
product or activity,or for which no legal owner can be
found.
2.Awning Sign:The use of an awning attached to a
building for advertisement,identification,or promotional
purposes.Provided,that only that portion of the awning
which bears graphics,symbols and/or written copy shall be
construed as being a "sign."
3.Billboard:Billboard means an outdoor advertising
sign or poster panel which advertises products,businesses,
and/or services not connected with the site on which the
sign is located,and which sign is a substantial permanent
structure with display services of a type which are cus-
tomarily leased for commercial purposes.
4.Building Official:The Compliance Officer or
other City employee authorized by the Mayor to administer
and enforce this Chapter.
5.Comprehensive Design Plan:The integration into
one architectural design of the building,landscaping and
signs.
6.Clearance of a Sign:The smallest vertical
distance between the grade of the adjacent street or street
curb and the lowest point of any sign,including framework
and embellishments,extending over that grade.
7.Directional Sign:A single-or double-faced sign
not exceeding six (6)square feet in surface area per side
designed to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic
to an area,place or convenience.Advertising on said signs
shall be limited to incidental graphics such as trade names
and trademarks.For real estate signs see Subsection 24.
Ordinance - 2
,-;
8.Electrical Sign:A sign or sign structure in
which electrical wiring,connections or fixtures are used.
9.Facade:The entire building front,or street wall
face,including grade to the top of the parapet or eaves,
and the entire width of the building elevation.
10.Flashing Sign:A sign or a portion thereof which
changes light intensity or switches on and off in a constant
pattern,or contains motion or the optical illusion of
motion by use of electrical energy.
11-
monument
uprights
attached
Freestanding Sign:A permanent pole,ground
sign attached to the ground and supported by
or braces placed on or in the ground and not
to any building.
or
12.Ground Sign:A freestanding sign that is less
than five (5)feet in height.
13.Jncidental Sign:A small sign,emblem or decal
informing the public of goods,facilities or services
available on the premises,e.g.a credit card sign or a sign
indicating hours of business.such signs shall not exceed
two (2)square feet in size.
14.Indirect Lighting:Lighting displayed or
reflected on the surface or face of a sign which is not
inside the sign and not a part of the sign proper.
15.
canopy of
facade of
Marquee:A permanent roof-like structure or
rigid material supported by and extending from the
a building.
16.
five (5)
means of
Monument Sign:
feet above grade
a wide base.
A freestanding sign higher than
which is attached to the ground by
17.Multiple Occupancy Complex:A group of structures
each housing at least one retail business,office or
commercial venture,or a single structure or mall containing
more than one separate business entity with shared common
spaces,access points and/or parking facilities.For
purposes of this Chapter,a multiple-occupancy structure
with a single entrance shall be required to comply with
regulations for single-occupancy buildings.
18.Off-Premise Sign:An outdoor advertising,
informational,directional or identification sign which
relates to products,businesses,services or premises not
located on or otherwise directly associated with the site on
which the sign is erected.
Ordinance - 3
19.Pole Sign:Any freestanding sign more than five
(5)feet in height that does not meet the definition of
monument,ground or portable sign.These signs are composed
of the sign cabinet or base and the sign pole or pylon by
which it connects to the ground.
20.Political Sign:Any sign intended to promote an
individual or an issue on an election ballot to be voted
upon by the Marysville general electorate.
21.Portable Sign:Any sign which is designed to be
periodically transported either on a vehicle or on its own
wheels,and which is not designed to be permanently affixed
to the ground or to a structure.The removal of the wheels
from such a sign,or the attachment of such a sign tem-
porarily or permanently to the ground or to a structure,
does not,by itself,change the inherent portability which
was part of the original design of the sign,and does not
exempt it from this definition.See section 16.16.180.
22.Projecting Sign:A sign,other than a flat wall
sign,which is attached to and projects more than 12 inches
from a building wall or other structure not specifically
designed to support the sign.
23.Readerboard:
the letters are readily
be changed from time to
A sign or a part
replaceable such
time at will.
of a sign on which
that the copy can
24.Real Estate Sign:A sign erected by the owner,or
his agent,advertising the real estate upon which the sign
is located for rent,lease or sale,or directing interested
parties to said property.See Section 16.16.160.
25.Roof Sign:Any sign erected over or on the roof
of a building.
26.Sign:Any device,structure,fixture,placard,
painted surface,awning,banner or balloon using graphics,
lights,symbols,and/or written copy designed specifically
for the purpose of advertising,identifying or promoting the
interest of any person,institution,business,event,
product,goods or services,provided that the same is
visible from any street,way,sidewalk or parking area open
to the public.
27.Sign Area:The entire area of a sign on which
copy is to be placed.Sign structure,architectural
embellishments,framework and decorative features which
contain no written or advertising copy shall not be
included.Sign area shall be calculated by measuring the
perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of the module or
background containing the advertising or identifying
message;provided,that individual letters using a wall as
Ordinance - 4
the background,without added decoration or change in wall
color,shall have a sign area calculated by measuring the
perimeter enclosing each letter and totalling the square
footage thereof.For double-faced signs,total sign area
shall be calculated by measuring only one face.
28.Sign Height:The vertical distance from the
average elevation of the lot to the highest point of a sign
or any vertical projection thereof,including its supporting
columns.
29.Temporary or Special Event Sign:A non-permanent
sign intended for use for a short period of time,including
banners,pennants or advertising displays constructed of
canvas,fabric,wood,plastic,cardboard or wallboard,with
or without frame.Signs in this category include signs
painted on exterior window surfaces which are readily
removed by washing,and signs referred to in Section
16.16.190.
30.Wall Sign:A sign attached,painted onto or
erected parallel to and extended not more than one (1)foot
from the facade or face of any building to which it is
attached and supported throughout its entire length,with
the exposed face of the sign parallel to the plane of said
wall or facade.
Section 16.16.030.Signs Prohibited.The following
types of signs are prohibited in the City:
1.Portable readerboard signs.
2.Signs that create a safety hazard for pedestrians
or motorists,as determined by the Police Chief or Building
Official.
3.Signs located in or on public right-of-way.
PROVIDED,that awning signs and projecting signs may extend
over public right-of-way if they otherwise conform with this
Chapter.PROVIDED further,that certain real estate signs
are allowed on the periphery of public right-of-way pursuant
to Section 16.16.160.
4.Signs imitating or resembling official traffic or
government signs or signals,as determined by the Public
Works Director or Police Chief.
5.Signs attached to trees,utility poles,street
lights,or any public property without permission of the
government agency owning the same.
6.Signs placed on
parked or located for the
sign.See RCW 46.90.436.
Ordinance - 5
vehicles or trailers which are
primary purpose of displaying said
(This does not apply to signs or
lettering on buses,taxis,or vehicles operating during the
normal course of business,or vehicles which are advertising
themselves for sale.)
7.Signs over 32 square feet in area which rotate,or
have a part or parts in excess of such size which move or
revolve.
8.Displays of banners,clusters of flags,posters,
pennants,ribbons,streamers,strings of lights,spinners,
twirlers or propellers,flashing,rotating or blinking
lights,flares,balloons or inflated signs over 24 inches in
diameter,and similar devices of a carnival nature.
Provided,that certain signs and devices of this nature are
permitted on a limited basis pursuant to Section 16.16.190.
9.Searchlights and beacons,except as permitted for
special events pursuant to Section 16.16.190.
Section 16.16.040.Signs Exempt From This Chapter.The
following signs or displays are exempted from regulation under
this Chapter:
1.Regulatory,informational,identification or
directional signs installed by,or at the direction of,a
government entity.
2.Signs required by law.
3.Official public notices,official court notices or
official Sheriff's notices.
4.One off-premise identification sign at each entry
to the City,not exceeding three (3)square feet per face,
for any fraternal,civic or religious organization with an
established operation in the City.
5.Signs or displays not visible from streets,ways,
sidewalks or parking areas open to the public.
6.The flag of government or non-commercial institu-
tions such as schools.
7.Point-of-purchase advertising displays,such as
product dispensers.
8."No trespassing,""no dumping,""no parking,"
"private"and other informational warning signs which shall
not exceed six (6)square feet in surface area.
9.Structures intended for separate use such as phone
booths and recycling containers.
Ordinance - 6
10.Reasonable seasonal decorations within the
appropriate public holiday season,or civic festival season.
Such displays shall be removed promptly at the end of the
season.
11.
features
tion.
12.
13.
Sculptures,fountains,mosaics,murals and design
which do not incorporate advertising or identifica-
Postal signs.
Incidental signs.
14.All signs which are wholly within the interior
portion of a building,including interior window signs;
provided,that such signs shall not be exempt if they are in
one of the categories prohibited by Section 16.16.030.
Section 16.16.050.Permits Reguired.No sign,except for
those exempted in this Chapter,shall be erected,re-erected,
attached,structurally altered or relocated by any person,firm
or corporation without a sign permit issued by the City.In the
case of electric signs,compliance with the National Electrical
Code shall be included as a requirement of the sign permit.All
sign permits shall be issued by the Building Official.No permit
shall be required for repair,cleaning,repainting or other
normal maintenance,nor for changing the message on a sign
designed for changeable copy,as long as the sign structure is
not modified in any way.
Section 16.16.060.Signs Not Reguiring Permits,The
following types of signs are exempted from obtaining a sign
permit,but must be in conformance with all other requirements of
this Chapter:
1.Real estate signs meeting the requirements of
Section 16.16.160(1),(2)or (3).
2.Political signs meeting the requirements of
Section 16.16.170.
3.Temporary and special event signs meeting the
requirements of Section 16.16.190.
4.
feet per
occupant
Nonelectric signs not exceeding four (4)square
face which are limited in content to the name of
and address of the premises in residential zones.
5.On-premise directional signs,not exceeding six
(6)square feet per face,the sole purpose of which is to
provide for vehicular and pedestrian traffic direction.
Ordinance - 7
6.Up to two (2)on-premise permanent readerboard
signs not more than sixteen (16)square feet per face,for
each charitable or religious organization.
Section 16.16.070.Application For Permits.Applications
for sign permits shall be made to the Building Official upon
forms provided by the City.such applications shall require:
1.Name and address of the owner of the sign.
2.Street address or location of the property on
which the sign is to be located,together with the name and
address of the property owner.
3.The type of sign or sign structure as defined in
this Chapter.
4.A site plan showing the proposed location of the
sign,together with the locations and square footage areas
of all existing signs on the same premises.
5.Specifications and scale drawings showing the
materials,design,dimensions,structural supports and
electrical components of the proposed sign.
Section 16.16.080.Permit Fees.All applications for
permits shall be accompanied by payment of fees based upon the
following schedule:
1.On-premise signs:
$15.00 plus $1.00 for each
square foot of sign area.
2.Billboards:
$1.00 for each square foot of sign area.
3.
prior to
doubled.
If any sign is installed or placed on any property
receipt of a permit,the permit fee shall be
Section 16.16.090.Issuance of Permits;Inspection,The
Building Official shall issue a permit for erection,alteration
or relocation of a sign within thirty (30)days of receipt of a
valid application,provided that the sign complies with all
applicable laws and regulations of the City.In all applica-
tions,where a matter of interpretation arises,the more specific
definition or higher standard shall prevail.The Building
Official may suspend or revoke an issued permit for any false
statement or misrepresentation of fact in the application.If a
permit is denied,the permit fee will be refunded to the appli-
cant.A permit issued by the Building Official becomes null and
Ordinance - 8
void if work is not commenced within sixty (60)days of issuance
and is not completed within one hundred eighty (180)days of
issuance.Permits may be renewed one time with an additional
payment of one-half of the original fee.
Any person installing,altering or relocating a sign for
which a permit has been issued shall notify the Building Official
upon completion of the work.No sign shall be deemed approved
until the Building Official has conducted a final inspection and
indicated his approval on the face of the sign permit.
Section 16.16.100.Maintenance.All signs and components
thereof must be maintained in good repair and in a safe condi-
tion.
Section 16.16.110.Abandoned Signs.Abandoned signs shall
be removed by the property owner or lessee within sixty (60)days
after the business or service advertised by the sign is no longer
conducted on the premises.If the property owner or lessee fails
to remove it,the Building Official shall give the owner ten (10)
days written notice to remove it.Upon failure to comply with
this notice,the Building Official may remove the sign at cost to
the owner of the premises.The foundations and posts of a sign,
with all advertising copy removed,may remain on the premises for
up to three (3)years with the owner's written consent,on the
condition that the same must be continuously maintained pursuant
to Section 16.16.100.
Section 16.16.120.Illumination of Signs.The light
directed upon,or internal to,any sign shall be shaded,shielded
or directed so that the light intensity or brightness shall not
adversely affect surrounding or facing premises,or adversely
affect safe vision of operators of vehicles moving on public or
private roads,highways or parking areas,or adversely affect
safe vision of pedestrians on a public right-of-way.Light shall
not shine on,nor directly reflect into,residential structures.
No signs shall have blinking,flashing or fluttering lights,or
other illumination devices which have a changing light intensity
or brightness,or which are so constructed and operated as to
create an appearance or illusion of writing or printing in
motion.Provided,that certain illumination of this description
is permitted on a limited basis by Section 16.16.190.
Section 16.16.130.Height of Signs.No sign in a residen-
tial district shall extend more than 10 feet above the average
elevation of the lot.No sign in any business,commercial or in-
dustrial district shall extend more than 30 feet above the
average elevation of the lot,with the following exceptions:
1.In cases where height variances are granted by the
City Council for freestanding signs in the Freeway Service
Zone.
Ordinance - 9
2.In cases of billboards regulated by Section
16.16.200.
3.In cases of roof signs permitted in Section
16.16.210(3)(1).
Section 16.16.140.Design and construction Specifications.
1.Chapter 4 of the Uniform Sign Code,1985 Edition,
as adopted by the International Conference of Building
Officials,is hereby adopted by reference.Said Chapter
specifies design criteria,construction standards,require-
ments for materials,and limitations on the projection and
clearance of signs.
2.All freestanding monument and pole signs shall
have self-supporting structures erected on or permanently
attached to an adequate foundation approved by the Building
Official.
3.All portable signs on display shall be braced or
secured to prevent motion.
4.All signs abutting or extending over public right-
of-way shall be subject to review by the Police Chief and/or
Building Official for the purpose of determining that there
will be no hazards created for motorists or pedestrians.No
sign shall project within two (2)feet of the curb line.
Section 16.16.150.On-Premise Requirement.All signs,
except billboards,real estate,political and directional signs
meeting the requirements of this Chapter,shall be located on the
premises of the business being advertised.Provided,that
several businesses located contiguous to each other,but not
sharing a common property ownership,may choose to share a
freestanding sign located on the property of one of the busi-
nesses.
section 16.16.160.Real Estate Signs.
estate signs must be of a durable material.
real estate signs are permitted:
All exterior real
Only the following
1.Residential "For Sale or Rent"Signs.Signs
advertising residential property for sale or rent shall be
limited to one single-or double-faced sign per street
frontage.Such signs shall not exceed four (4)square feet
per face,and must be placed wholly on the subject property.
Such signs may remain up for one year or until the property
is sold or rented,whichever occurs first.A "sold"sign
may remain up for ten (10)days after the occupancy of
residential property.
2.Residential Directional Signs.Signs advertising
"open house"and the direction to a residence for sale or
ordinance -10
rent shall be limited to three (3)single-or double-faced
off-premise signs.Such signs may not exceed four (4)
square feet per face.Such signs are permitted only when a
real estate agent or seller is in attendance at the property
for sale,and not overnight.Such signs may be placed along
the periphery of public right-of-way,but shall not be
placed on a sidewalk or in any location where they would
cause a public hazard as determined by the Police Chief
and/or Building Official.
3.Commercial or Industrial "For Sale or Rent"Signs,
Signs advertising commercial or industrial property for sale
or rent shall be limited to one single-or double-faced sign
per street frontage.Signs may be displayed while the
property is actually for sale or rent.The signs shall not
exceed thirty-two (32)square feet per face.If freestand-
ing,the signs shall not exceed five (5)feet in height and
shall be located at least fifteen (15)feet from any
abutting interior property line and wholly on the property
for sale or rent.
4.Subdivision Signs.Signs advertising residential
sUbdivisions shall be limited to one single-or double-faced
sign per street frontage.Such signs shall not exceed
thirty-two (32)square feet per face and shall not exceed
twelve (12)feet in height.They shall be set back at least
ten (10)feet from any abutting interior property line and
shall be wholly on the property being subdivided and sold.
Section 16.16.170.Political Signs. Signs,posters or
bills promoting or publicizing candidates for public office or
issues that are to be voted upon in a primary,general or special
election may be displayed on private property in accordance with
the following restrictions:
1.Time Limitations.Political signs shall be
permitted only for a period of sixty (60)days preceding the
election and for a period of seven (7)days following such
election.
2.Prohibited on Public Property.It is unlawful for
any person to paste,paint,affix or fasten any political
sign on a utility pole or on any public right-of-way,
property,building or structure.
3.Responsibility for Compliance.It shall be
presumed that any violation of this Section was done at the
direction and request of the political candidate and/or
campaign director.
Section 16.16.180.Portable Signs.The following regula-
tions shall apply to all portable signs except in cases where
such signs are also included in more specific categories of this
Chapter:
Ordinance -II
1.Portable signs shall not exceed eight (8)square
feet per side.
2.No more than one (1)portable sign may be dis-
played per street frontage.
3.All portable signs shall be located on the
premises which they are advertising.
4.Portable signs shall be nonelectric.
5.Portable signs shall not be readerboards.
Section 16.16.190.Temporary and Special Event Signs.
Except as otherwise provided below for certain special categor-
ies,temporary and special event signs shall not exceed thirty-
two (32)square feet in area per face,and shall not be displayed
longer than thirty (30)days per calendar year.
1.Construction Signs.Construction signs identify
the architects,engineers,contractors or other individuals
or firm involved with the construction of a building and
announce the character of the building or the purpose for
which the building is intended.such signs may be displayed
only after a building permit is obtained and during the
period of construction on the construction site.Only one
(1)such sign is permitted per street frontage.No con-
struction sign shall exceed thirty-two (32)square feet per
face or twelve (12)feet in height,nor shall it be located
closer than ten (10)feet from an interior property line.
Construction signs shall be removed by the date of first
occupancy of the premises,or upon expiration of the
Building Permit,whichever first occurs.
2.Grand Opening Displays.Temporary signs,posters,
banners,strings of lights,clusters of flags,blinking
lights,balloons,searchlights and beacons are permitted for
a period not to exceed sixty (60)days per calendar year to
announce the opening of a completely new enterprise or the
opening of an enterprise under new ownership.All such
signs and materials shall be located on the premises being
advertised,and shall be completely removed immediately upon
expiration of said sixty-day period.
3.Special Sales and Events.Temporary signs,
posters,banners,strings of lights,clusters of flags,
balloons,searchlights and beacons are permitted for the
limited purpose of announcing a retail sale or special event
in business or commercial zones,but not on a routine basis.
All such advertising material shall be located on the
premises being advertised and shall be removed immediately
upon expiration of said special sale or event.
Ordinance - 12
4.Quitting Business Sales.Temporary signs,posters
and banners are permitted for a period of ninety (90)
continuous days for the purpose of advertising quitting
business sales,liquidation sales,or other events of a
similar nature which are authorized pursuant to Chapter 5.52
of the Marysville Municipal Code.All such signs shall be
located on the premises being advertised and shall be
removed immediately upon expiration of the 90 day period,or
conclusion of the sale,whichever occurs first.
Section 16.16.200.Billboards.
1.Permitted Zones.Billboards shall be per-mitted
only in those zones specified for said use in Section
19.16.010 of the Marysville Municipal Code.
2.Height.The maximum height of a billboard shall
not exceed thirty-five (35)feet from the ground level at
its base.
3.Size.The maximum sign dimensions for a billboard
shall be twelve (12)feet in height and twenty-five (25)
feet in length,excluding supports and foundations,for a
total maximum sign area of three hundred (300)square feet
per face.Billboards may be either single-or double-faced.
4.Location Restrictions.
a.
property
oriented
Billboards shall only be located on
abutting State Avenue,and shall be
towards State Avenue.
b.Billboards shall not be less than one
hundred (100)feet from an intersection;provided,
that a greater distance may be required if the
City finds that a specific billboard at a specific
location will obstruct or physically interfere
with a motorist's view of approaching,merging or
intersection traffic.
c.Billboards shall not be located on a
railroad right-of-way.
d.Billboards shall not be less than one
hundred (100)feet from any residential zone.
e.Billboards shall not be less than
fifteen (15)feet from the outside edge of the
public right-of-way.
f.A billboard shall not be located within
one thousand (1,000)feet of another billboard on
the same side of the street.Back-to-back and v-
Ordinance - 13
type sign structures shall be considered one (1)
sign structure.
g.Billboards shall not be permitted as
roof signs.
h.Billboards shall not block the public
visibility of anyon-premise signs or the visibil-
ity for motorists of any official traffic sign,
signal or device.
i.Billboards shall not block,obstruct or
detract from any unique scenic views enjoyed by
the public or by private parties,as determined by
the City Council.
5.Lighting.Lighting on billboards shall be for the
sole purpose of illuminating the advertising message on the
display surface,and shall not constitute any part of the
message itself,directly or indirectly.There shall be no
blinking,flashing or fluttering lights.All lighting shall
be directed towards the display surface and shall not create
a hazard to motorists or a nuisance to adjoining property
owners.
6.State Requirements.All billboards visible from
Interstate 5 shall comply with the requirements of RCW
47.42.
7.Business License.A business license as specified
in Chapter 5.02 of the Marysville Municipal Code shall be
required for each business owning one or more billboards
which are erected in the City.
8.Nonconforming Billboards.Billboards existing on
January 1,1981 which were in full compliance with all codes
and regulations of the City at said time,but which do not
comply with this Chapter,shall be regarded as nonconforming
billboards.said billboards shall be allowed to continue if
properly repaired and maintained.If such billboards are
structurally altered,relocated or replaced,they shall lose
their nonconforming status;further,such billboards shall
lose their nonconforming status if a change of use occurs on
the underlying property.A billboard without nonconforming
status shall immediately be removed or brought into com-
pliance with all current provisions of this Chapter.
Section 16.16.210.Sign Regulations by Zoning District,In
addition to all other provisions of this Chapter,the following
special regulations shall apply in each of the zoning districts
referred to below:
1.Residential Districts.
Ordinance - 14
a.The total combined area of all non-
exempt signs on any lot in a residential district
shall not exceed nine (9)square feet,except as
provided in subparagraphs g through j below.
b.All dwelling units in residential
districts shall display house numbers readable
from the street.
c.Illumination from or upon signs in
residential districts shall be shaded,shielded,
directed or reduced so that the light intensity or
brightness does not affect the enjoyment of
residential property in the vicinity in any
substantial way.
d.There shall be no freestanding pole
signs in residential districts.
e.There shall be no roof signs in
residential districts.
f.No permanent sign shall be located
closer than ten (10)feet to an internal property
line,or closer than ten (10)feet from the front
lot line unless attached to a fence.Signs which
are attached to fences shall not extend higher
than the fence.
g.Each entrance to a subdivision or
mUltiple family development may have an iden-
tification sign up to thirty-two (32)square feet
in area,per face,or two single-faced signs of
not more than fifteen (15)square feet each.
h.Home occupation and day-care signs shall
not exceed three (3)square feet per face and
shall be wall signs or ground signs.
i.Signs for conditional uses permitted in
residential districts shall be approved as part of
the applicable Conditional Use Permit,and shall
not be otherwise restricted by the provisions of
this Section.
j.Temporary sale signs (garage sale,
estate sale,etc.)may be displayed no more than
three (3)days prior to the event and shall be
removed 24 hours after the event is completed.
There shall be no more than two (2)such events
advertised for any residence per year,and no such
event shall continue for more than six (6)days
within a 15 day period.
Ordinance -15
2.Mobile/Manufactured Home Parks.
advertising devices shall be prohibited in
factured home park except:
Signs and
a mobile/manu-
a.One identifying sign up to fifteen (15)
square feet in area per face at each entrance to
the park,which may be illuminated,but not
flashing.
b.Directional and informational signs for
the convenience of tenants and the public relative
to parking,office,traffic movement,etc.
c.Real estate for sale or rent signs
pursuant to Section 16.16.160(1).
3.Business,commercial and Industrial Zones.
a.Freestanding,pole,ground and monument
signs,and temporary or portable signs which are
not attached to structures,shall comply with the
following size limitations:
i.For single occupancy buildings the
maximum total sign area permitted shall be
the greater of the following:
(1)Thirty-two (32)square feet,
counting only one side of double-faced
signs;or
(2)One (1)square foot for each
lineal foot of street frontage for the
first one hundred (100)feet,and one-
half (1/2)square foot for each lineal
foot of street frontage thereafter,not
to exceed two hundred (200)square feet
of sign area per street frontage.No
single sign face shall exceed seventy-
five (75)square feet.
~~.For multiple occupancy complexes
each business shall be permitted a wall sign
not to exceed one (1)square foot per lineal
foot of wall frontage to a maximum of thirty-
two (32)square feet;and if the complex has
a marquee,each business shall be permitted
one under-marquee sign not to exceed eight
(8)square feet in size and maintaining a
vertical clearance of eight (8)feet above
the sidewalk.Multiple occupancy complexes
shall be allowed one (1)freestanding sign
per street frontage which provides direct
access to the complex;said signs may be one
Ordinance - 16
(1)square foot in size for each lineal foot
of street frontage for the first one hundred
(100)feet,and one-half (1/2)square foot
for each lineal foot thereafter,not to
exceed a total of two hundred (200)square
feet of sign area per street frontage.No
single sign face shall exceed seventy-five
(75)square feet.
~~~.Freestanding signs shall not
exceed seventy-five (75)feet in area per
face,and shall not be closer than one
hundred (100)feet to another free-standing
sign on the same property.The base of such
a sign shall be set back from the property
line at least ten (10)feet.
b.Roof signs shall be permitted in any
business,commercial or industrial zone if the
height of the sign does not extend above a
necessary structural feature of the building;
PROVIDED,that roof signs in the area zoned in the
Freeway Service classification west of the
railroad tracks may extend 5 feet above the ridge
line of the roof.
c.Ground signs shall be set back a minimum
of ten (10)feet from the property line.
d.Projecting signs shall not project more
than six (6)feet from a building nor within two
(2)feet of the curb line,and shall not exceed
thirty-two (32)square feet per face.
e.Gasoline price signs shall be located no
closer than ten (10)feet from the front property
line and must be permanently anchored.such signs
may be freestanding or attached to canopy columns,
and shall not be portable.The sign area shall
not exceed twelve (12)square feet and no more
than one (1)such sign for each street frontage is
permitted.Gasoline price signs complying with
this section shall not be included in determining
the total sign area of a business.
f.Each business building shall display a
street address number identification sign readable
from the street.
Section 16.16.220.Nonconforming Signs.
1.Signs existing on or before July 1,1988 which do
not conform to the specific provisions of this Chapter,
shall be deemed to be legal nonconforming signs which are
Ordinance -17
exempt from the prOV1S10ns of this Chapter only on the
following conditions:
a.The sign was lawfully erected in full
compliance with all codes which were then ap-
plicable.
b.The sign does not endanger the public
health,safety or welfare.
c.The sign does not lose its nonconforming
status as provided in subsection 2 below.
PROVIDED,that nonconforming status shall not apply to
temporary,special event,real estate or portable signs,or
to any sign on public right-of-way.The nonconforming
status of billboards is regulated by Section 16.16.200(8).
PROVIDED further,that portable readerboard signs which meet
the nonconforming criteria specified above shall be granted
a phase-out period of twelve (12)months from July 1,1988,
or until they lose their nonconforming status as provided in
subsection 2 below,whichever occurs first.
2.A legal nonconforming sign may lose said designa-
tion if any of the following occur:
a.If the sign is not continuously main-
tained and repaired as required by Section
16.16.100 above.
b.If the sign structure is relocated or
replaced (not to include a mere change of adver-
tising copy).
c.If the structure or size of the sign is
altered in any way to make it more nonconforming
with the provisions of this Chapter.This does
not refer to a change of copy or normal main-
tenance.
d.If the sign suffers more than 50%
appraised damage or deterioration.
3.No sign permit shall be issued for property which
displays any nonconforming signs if the result of said
permit is to make the property more nonconforming in any
way.
Section 16.16.230.Comprehensive Design Plan Permits.
Application may be made to the City Council for special con-
sideration whereby deviations from the requirements and restric-
tions of this Chapter may be permitted when an applicant is using
a comprehensive design plan to integrate signs into the framework
Ordinance -18
of the building or buildings,landscaping,and other design
features of the property,utilizing an overall design theme.
Comprehensive design may be used on an existing building where
the facade is being altered,when there is new construction,or
in freestanding signs.These permits are not to be confused with
the procedures for obtaining variances for hardship or unusual
circumstances.Rather,these permits are based upon the ap-
plicant satisfying the City Council that an exceptional effort
has been made toward creating harmony between the sign,the
building and the site where it is located through use of a
consistent design theme which complements and enhances the
surrounding natural beauty of the area.The comprehensive design
plan shall be presented to the City Council with a narrative
describing the proposed plan.The City council shall assess the
applicant's information using the following criteria:
1.Whether the proposal manifests exceptional visual
harmony between the sign,buildings and other components of
the subject property through the use of a consistent design
theme;
2.Whether the sign or signs promote the planned land
use in the area of the subject property and enhance the
aesthetics of the surrounding area;
3.Whether the sign and its placement obstructs or
interferes with any other signs or property in the area or
obstructs natural scenic views;and
4.Whether the proposed plan is aesthetically
superior to what could be installed under existing criteria
in this Chapter.
Section 16.16.240.Variances.Any person may apply to the
City council for a variance from the requirements of this
Chapter.Variance applications shall be processed pursuant to
the procedures for zoning variances specified in Chapter 19.44 of
this Code.No application for a variance shall be granted unless
the City Council finds:
1.The variance shall not constitute a grant of
special privilege inconsistent with limitations in this
Chapter on the types of signs allowed in the same vicinity
and zone;that is,there shall be no "use variances"which
allow types of signs in any zone which would be otherwise
prohibited;and
2.The variance is necessary because of special
circumstances relating to the size,shape,topography,
location or surroundings of the subject property,to provide
it with use rights and privileges permitted to other
properties in the same vicinity and zone;and
Ordinance - 19
3.The granting of the variance will not be
materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to
property or improvements in the vicinity;and
4.The variance will not be contrary to the spirit
and purpose of this Chapter.
In granting a variance,the City Council may attach thereto
such conditions regarding the location,character and other
features of the proposed sign as it may deem necessary to carry
out the spirit and purpose of this Chapter in the public inter-
est.
section 16.16.250.Enforcement Procedures.
1.The Building Official shall have jurisdiction to
administratively enforce the provisions of this Chapter.
Upon presentation of proper credentials,the Building
Official or his duly authorized representative may,at all
reasonable times,enter upon any premise to inspect the same
for violations of this Chapter.All signs for which a
permit is required hereunder are subject to periodic
inspection by the Building Official.
2.The Building Official may use the following
administrative methods of enforcing the provisions of this
Chapter:
a.In cases where the Building Official
determines that a sign presents an immediate
threat to the safety of the pUblic,or a sign is
unlawfully located on public property,the
Building Official may order the sign to be
immediately removed by the owner or by the City at
the owner's cost.
b.In cases where a sign is erected or
installed without a permit in violation of this
Chapter,the Building Official shall give written
notice to the owner,to comply with the provisions
of this Chapter or remove the sign within forty-
eight (48)hours.Such notice shall be posted on
the property and hand delivered to the owner if
the address of the owner is known to be within the
City of Marysville.If compliance within forty-
eight (48)hours is not obtained,the Building
Official may order the sign to be removed by the
owner or by the City at the owner's cost.
c.In all other cases where the Building
Official identifies a violation of any provision
of this Chapter,he shall give ten (10)days
notice,in writing,by regular and certified mail,
to the owner to bring the sign into compliance
Ordinance - 20
with this Chapter or to remove it.Upon failure
to comply with said notice,the Building Official
may order the sign removed by the owner or by the
City at the owner's cost.
d.As used in this Section the term "owner"
shall refer to the owner of the sign in question;
PROVIDED,that if the Building Official is unable,
after reasonable efforts,to determine the
identity of the owner of the sign,the Building
Official may notify,instead,the owner of the
real property on which the sign is located,and
may rely upon the name and address of such owner
which appears in the records of the Snohomish
County Assessor.
Section 16.16.260.Appeals.Any aggrieved party may appeal
a decision or order of the Building Official under this Chapter
to the City Council.Appeals shall be filed with the City Clerk
within ten (10)days of the date of the Building Official's
decision.No fee shall be charged for such an appeal.
Section 16.16.270.Violations and Penalties.After the
administrative warning period referred to in Section 16.16.250
above has expired,any person,business or corporation violating
a provision of this Chapter shall be construed as having com-
mitted a civil infraction and,upon a finding of liability,shall
pay a civil penalty of not more than $250.00.Each day of
violation shall be considered a separate infraction.Any person,
firm or corporation interfering with the Building Official's
enforcement of this Chapter may be cited under the City's
criminal code for the offense of obstructing a public officer.
PASSED by the City Council and APPROVED by the Mayor this
23rd day of May,1988.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By!;j •.."%,C:=bt~y ~TGiy
Date of Publication:(by summary)
Effective Date:July 1,1988
Ordinance - 21
ATTEST:
BaQrCO~dCICLERK
C2--8-88