Ordinance No. 2024-27 Updating Bainbridge Island Sign Code (Approved 121024)Page 1 of 14
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-27
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Bainbridge Island, Washington, relating to the
regulation of signs erected within the City and repealing and replacing Chapter
15.08 of the Bainbridge Island Municipal Code (BIMC).
WHEREAS, in early 2023, the Bainbridge Island City Council requested that the City
Manager develop recommendations to address sandwich boards and temporary signs; and
WHEREAS, in April 2023, the City Manager requested staff to review the current sign
ordinance, take photos of examples, and develop background information; and
WHEREAS, since April 2023, the City Manager, staff, and City Attorney have worked
with members of the business and residential community to develop recommended amendments to
the Bainbridge Island Sign Code, BIMC 15.08, to address sandwich board signs and temporary
signs in compliance with the latest decisions of state and federal courts; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager has presented a recommendation to the City Council for
review and action; and
WHEREAS, after such review, the City Council has decided to repeal the current BIMC
15.08 and to replace it with BIMC 15.08 as attached to this ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAINBRIDGE
ISLAND, WASHINGTON, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Chapter 15.08 of the Bainbridge Island Municipal Code is hereby repealed in
its entirety and replaced as shown on Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and incorporated
herein by this reference.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force one hundred twenty (120) days
from its passage and publication as required by law.
PASSED by the City Council this 10th day of December 2024.
APPROVED by the Mayor this 10th day of December 2024.
Joe Deets, Mayor
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ATTEST/AUTHENTICATE:
Christine Brown, MMC, City Clerk
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: September 6, 2024
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: December 10, 2024
PUBLISHED: December 13, 2024
EFFECTIVE DATE: April 9, 2025
ORDINANCE NUMBER: 2024-27
Exhibit A – Chapter 15.08
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EXHIBIT A
Chapter 15.08 SIGN CODE
Sections:
15.08.010 Purpose.
15.08.020 Definitions.
15.08.030 Permits Required.
15.08.040 Permit Fees.
15.08.050 Signs not requiring a permit.
15.08.060 Prohibited signs.
15.08.070 Nonconforming signs.
15.08.080 Measurement of sign area.
15.08.090 Height of sign.
15.08.100 General regulations.
15.08.110 Commercial use signs.
15.08.115 Sandwich board signs.
15.08.120 Institutional or public use signs.
15.08.130 Residential use signs.
15.08.140 Temporary Signs
15.08.150 Sign variance.
15.08.160 Enforcement and penalties.
15.08.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is as follows:
A. To promote and protect the public welfare, health, and safety.
B. To encourage the installation of signs which harmonize with building design, natural
settings and other geographical characteristics of the locations in which they are
erected.
C. To create a more attractive economic and business climate.
D. To reduce distractions and obstructions from signs which would adversely affect traffic safety
and reduce hazards that may be caused by signs overhanging or projecting over or within public
rights-of-way.
15.08.020 Definitions.
A. “Awning or marquee sign” means a sign attached to a face or shelter, which face or shelter
extends (12 inches or more) in a direction perpendicular to the wall of the building and may
be supported by posts or the exterior wall of the building or any combination thereof.
B. “Banneret” means a small banner that is hung vertically from a freestanding support, i.e.,
curbside bannerets on light standards and bannerets in public squares.
C. “Banner” means a sign of flexible material designed to be displayed between two
supports or against another surface.
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D. “Changeable copy” means changes to the face or copy of changeable copy signs, digital
signs, electronic messaging signs, provided such changes do not change the material or
appearance of the sign as originally permitted by the City.
E. “Culturally, historically, or architecturally significant sign” means a sign with unique
local characteristics that may not fit other defined categories.
F. “Director” means the City’s Director of Planning and Community Development.
G. “Erect” means to build, construct, raise, assemble, create, alter, display, relocate, attach,
hang, place, suspend, affix, paint, draw, engrave, carve, cast, or in any other way bring into
being or establish, other than to replace changeable copy and other than in the course of
normal sign maintenance as described in this chapter.
H. “Facade sign” means any sign which is erected (including painted) on the wall of a building
or other structure, whose face is generally parallel to that wall or other structure and whose
face does not extend outward more than 12 inches in a direction perpendicular to that wall or
other structure.
I. “Facade” means the wall of a building or other structure whose face is generally parallel to
that wall or other structure.
J. “Freestanding sign” means a sign supported by one or more permanently affixed uprights,
poles, or braces in or on the ground, and not supported by a building.
K. “Grade” (adjacent ground elevation) means the computed average of the lowest and the
highest points of elevation of the original surface of the ground, or existing paving or
sidewalk within the area between the building and the property line, or when the property
line is more than five feet from the building, between the building and a line five feet from
the building. In the case of structures to be built over water or on the shoreline, “grade” shall
have the same meaning as “average grade level” as that term is defined in WAC 173-27-
030(3).
L. “Neon sign” means a sign illuminated in whole or part by gaseous tubes electrified by a
current.
M. “NC” means neighborhood centers.
N. “Portable sign” means a sign that is readily moveable, freestanding, and not permanently
affixed to the ground. “Portable signs” include sandwich board signs, signs mounted on
weighted bases, and other similar signs. “Portable signs” do not include sandwich board
signs regulated by BIMC 15.08.115 and temporary signs regulated by BIMC 15.08.140.
O. “Primary entrance” means the principal or main entrance of a building or structure which is
used by the majority of patrons to access the building or structure.
P. “Projecting/hanging sign” means a sign, which is attached to or supported by a wall or
suspended from the overhang of a building or other structure.
Q. “Repair” means the reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing sign for the purpose
of its maintenance.
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R.“Sandwich board sign” means a sign which consists of two panels hinged or attached at the
top or side, designed to be movable and stand on the ground.
S. “Sign” means any letter, figure, design, symbol, trademark or other device which is intended
to attract attention to any activity, service, place, political office, subject, firm, corporation
or merchandise, except traffic signs or signals, public or court notices, signs not visible from
the public right-of-way or adjacent properties, signs on moving vehicles, newspapers,
leaflets or other printed materials intended for individual use or individual distribution to
members of the public, government flags, flags and buntings exhibited to commemorate
national patriotic holidays.
T. “Street frontage” means that portion of any lot or building facing a street or sidewalk and with
direct access to that street or sidewalk.
U. “Temporary sign” means any sign that is used temporarily and is not permanently mounted,
painted, or otherwise affixed, including any poster, banner, placard, stake sign, or sign not
placed in the ground with concrete or other means to provide permanent support, stability,
and rot prevention. Temporary signs may only be made of non-durable materials including,
but not limited to, paper, corrugated board, flexible or foldable plastics, foamcore board,
vinyl canvas or vinyl mesh products of less than 20 oz. fabric, vinyl canvas and vinyl mesh
products without plasticizers, and signs painted or drawn with water soluble paints or chalks.
Signs made of any other materials shall be considered permanent and are subject to
permanent sign regulations.
V. “Two-sided” means a sign where only one face is visible from any viewing position.
W. “Window sign” means a sign placed inside a building within 15 feet of the window or on a
window and visible from the outside. This term does not include merchandise.
15.08.030 Permits required.
A. No signs, except those signs described in BIMC 15.08.050 and BIMC 15.08.140, shall be
erected without a valid sign permit.
B. Permit application requirements shall be determined by the director. For all permanent signs,
the application shall include a site plan showing the location of the signs, the position of
buildings and landscaped areas, the elevations of the signs, and the configuration and size of
the signs.
C. A valid sign permit is required before altering an existing sign or repairing a sign where the
repair exceeds 50 percent of the replacement cost.
D. Legally established signs that include changeable copy are exempt from permit requirements
for altering the changeable copy.
15.08.040 Permit fees. Permit fees shall be as established by the city council by resolution.
15.08.050 Signs not requiring a permit.
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The following signs shall not require a permit:
A. Signs installed by the City, County, State, or federal governmental agency for the protection
of the public health, safety, and general welfare.
B. Culturally, historically, or architecturally significant signs, existing at the time of passage of
the ordinance codified in this chapter and officially recognized by the city. Designation of
culturally, historically, or architecturally significant signs will be adopted by separate
resolution.
D. Any window sign four square feet or less in size; provided, that no single sign or combination
of signs shall exceed 25 percent of an individual window area.
E. Temporary signs described in BIMC 15.08.140.
15.08.060 Prohibited signs.
The following signs are prohibited:
A. Billboards, streamers, pennants, ribbons, spinners, or other similar devices.
B. Flashing signs, roof signs, signs containing moving parts or appearing to move, and signs
which sparkle or twinkle in the sunlight.
C. Signs advertising or identifying a business which is defunct.
D. Signs, except for traffic, regulatory, or informational signs, using the words “stop,”
“caution,” or “danger,” or incorporating red, amber, or green lights resembling traffic
signals, or resembling “stop” or “yield” signs in shape or color.
E. Signs mounted on stationary, unlicensed vehicles.
G. Illuminated features, on the exterior of a building, that call attention to the building or
product sold within the building. H. Any window sign(s) exceeding four square feet in area or exceeding 25 percent of an individual window area. I. Neon signs, except as permitted in BIMC 15.08.100.B. J. On-premises signs in the natural, conservancy, aquatic conservancy, and aquatic shoreline environments, except for navigation aids and public information. K. Signs attached or placed on trees, vegetation, or other natural features, except for memorial or species identification labels. L. Signs on or attached to any utility pole, traffic control device, lamp post, or any other public infrastructure, building, or structure, except bannerets. M. Any sign placed without the necessary permit or not in accordance with the size, place and manner limitations provided in this chapter. N. Any sign that:
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1. Is structurally, electrically, or otherwise unsafe; or 2. Constitutes a hazard, by design or placement, to public safety and health; or 3. Obstructs free entrance or exit from a door or window that is required to be in place by this code or the City; or
P. Signs placed on sidewalks, driveways, or other improved areas designed for vehicular,
bicycle, wheelchair, or pedestrian use, except as conditioned in a right-of-way use permit
issued by the City.
15.08.070 Nonconforming signs.
A. A nonconforming sign lawfully existing prior to July 26, 1993, may remain and be used
subject to the provisions of subsections B and C of this section.
B. A nonconforming sign cannot be enlarged, reworded, redesigned, or altered in any way
except to conform to this chapter. If the cost to repair a nonconforming sign exceeds 50 percent
of its replacement cost, the sign shall not be repaired except to conform to this chapter.
C. A sign replacing a nonconforming sign shall conform to this chapter.
15.08.080 Measurement of sign area.
Sign measurement shall be based upon the entire area of the sign, with a single continuous
perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of the sign surface. For freestanding signs, support
structures (providing that they are not signs) extending up to one foot above the signs shall not be
included in the calculation of the sign area. For signs which are a molded, cast, carved, or
otherwise integral part of a solid concrete, masonry, wood, or composite wall, foundation, fence,
or entry structure, the sign area shall be measured within a continuous perimeter enclosing the
extreme limits of the lettering and/or image.
15.08.90 Height of Sign
A. The height of any sign shall be measured from the grade adjacent to the sign.
B. The height of signs located within a marina shall not exceed 15 feet above the ordinary high
water mark.
C. Awning structures on which sign images are attached shall be subject to regulation under the
Uniform Building Code as adopted in Chapter 15.04 BIMC. 15.08.100 General regulations. A. Signs within the Shoreline Master Program Jurisdiction. 1. Sign permits shall be submitted for review and approval at the time of shoreline permit submittal. 2. All signs shall be located and designed to minimize interference with vistas, viewpoints, and visual access to the shoreline. 3. Overwater signs or signs on floats or pilings shall be prohibited, except when related to navigation or as approved as part of a water-dependent use. 4. Signs which impair visual access in view corridors are prohibited.
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5. Governmental signs indicating the public’s right of access to shoreline areas shall be installed and maintained in conspicuous locations at all points of access. Signs shall also indicate all limitations on use of such areas including use of fire, alcohol, jet skis, and other recreational equipment, as well as requirements regarding pets.
B. Illumination Standards.
1. Signs, except for facade or awning signs, shall only be illuminated externally by light
sources shielded so that the lamp is not visible from adjacent properties, the public
right-of-way or watercourses. Sign lighting shall conform to BIMC 18.15.040.
2. Lights illuminating a sign shall project illumination toward the face of the sign.
3. Signs shall not flash, rotate, or have motorized parts or exposed electrical wires.
4. Signs shall not be illuminated between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless the
premises on which they are located is open for business.
5. Up to three neon signs are allowed in commercial zones for each business; provided, that
they do not exceed four square feet for any individual sign. Total signage of all types
shall not exceed 25 percent of an individual window area. For each retail business that
has window area in excess of 100 square feet, an additional four square feet of neon sign
area is allowed. Neon signs are allowed only on properties zoned for commercial uses,
shall not be visible from the shoreline, and shall not flash.
6. One commercial use sign for theaters, including film or performing arts buildings that
were constructed prior to November 10, 1999, may be internally illuminated and may
include external unshielded neon lights.
7. Facade signs may be internally illuminated if:
a. The background does not emit light;
b. The background constitutes a minimum of 80 percent of the sign area; and c. The illumination source is shielded. C. Placement Standards.
1. Signs, including banners and temporary sign, shall not be mounted on roofs, extend
above the roof line, or be located more than 20 feet above the grade except for retail
businesses with a second-floor exterior entrance.
2. Signs projecting from a building shall not be less than eight feet above grade, unless
permitted by the city through an administrative variance procedure.
3. Freestanding signs shall not exceed five feet in height except in the Business/Industrial
and NC zones and except as regulated by BIMC 15.08.120.B. Supporting structures
(providing that they are not signs) for freestanding signs may extend one foot higher
than the height limit for freestanding signs. In the Business/Industrial and NC zones,
freestanding signs shall not exceed eight feet in height.
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D. Freestanding signs shall be located within a landscaped area that is twice the area of
the sign area, and the plantings or the landscaped area shall be located so as to shield
illumination sources.
E. All signs visible from Highway 305 must be in conformance with the standards of the
Scenic Vistas Act (Chapter 47.42 RCW and Chapter 468-66 WAC) that is incorporated
herein by this reference as well as the related Washington State Department of
Transportation (“WSDOT”) rules, regulations, and noncompliance penalties; provided, that
all signs within the city shall also be subject to any additional restrictions as provided in
this chapter. In the case of conflict between the requirements of the Scenic Vistas Act and
this chapter, the more restrictive requirement shall apply.
15.08.110 Commercial use signs.
In addition to the general regulations of this chapter, the following regulations shall apply
to all commercial use signs except commercial sandwich board signs regulated by BIMC
15.08.115 and commercial temporary signs regulated by BIMC 15.08.140. A. Facade Signs. 1. The total aggregate area of all facade signs on each wall shall not exceed 128 square feet.
2. Buildings may have one facade sign with a maximum area of 36 square feet for each
tenant. If the building has street frontage on two or more streets, has access from an alley
or parking area to the side or behind the building, or has retail uses on a second floor, a
facade sign for each tenant is allowed; provided, that no additional sign shall exceed 20
square feet in area, face the same street, alley, or parking area or be on the same floor as
another facade sign.
3. Facade signs shall be located less than 20 feet above grade except for retail businesses
with a second-floor exterior entrance.
4. A single directory, combining the name of the commercial complex and the individual
names of businesses located within, is allowed provided no other facade sign on the
building shall exceed 20 square feet in area except for retail businesses with a second-
floor exterior entrance may have a facade sign up to 36 square feet. The maximum sign
area for this directory is 48 square feet.
5. A single facade sign for a commercial complex is allowed at the primary entrance
instead of a directory, provided no other facade sign for building tenants shall exceed 20
square feet in area except for retail businesses with a second floor exterior entrance may
have a facade sign up to 36 square feet. The maximum area for this commercial complex
sign is 36 square feet.
6. There may be up to three facade sign(s) per tenant in the High School Road commercial
zone located more than 200 feet from the edge of any public right-of-way. No additional
sign shall exceed 20 square feet in area, face the same street, alley or parking area or be
on the same floor as another facade sign.
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B. Freestanding Signs.
1. No more than one freestanding sign shall be allowed per tenant. The sign shall not exceed
20 square feet on any single face or 40 square feet on two faces. No more than two
freestanding signs, regardless of the number of tenants, shall be allowed on any property.
2. A freestanding identification sign, for a commercial complex, with or without the
individual names of businesses located therein, with a maximum sign area of 40 square feet
on any single face and a total surface area of 60 square feet if two sided may be erected
facing each street frontage. No individual tenant freestanding signs may be erected on such
a property that contains this freestanding identification sign.
3. In the Business/Industrial zone, freestanding identification signs may be located on
adjacent Business/Industrial zoned properties if the signs contain directional information
to assist in locating the businesses listed and permission is obtained from the owner of the
property where the sign is located. The maximum sign area shall be 36 square feet. The
sign shall not be counted toward the maximum number of freestanding signs allowed.
C. An awning or marquee sign, not exceeding 20 square feet in area per commercial tenant,
is allowed instead of a facade sign. The lowest point of the awning or marquee is at least
eight feet above the sidewalk, and the awning shall have a dark background if illuminated
from behind.
D. Projecting or Hanging Signs.
1. A business may have one projecting sign, located at least eight feet above grade, with
a maximum area of five square feet for each side. The fixture used to suspend the
hanging sign must be included in the permit design and approved by the director, but
shall not be included in the total size of the sign.
2. Signs for theaters, including film or performing arts buildings, shall not exceed 80
square feet on a single face and 140 square feet on multiple faces and shall be located
at least 100 feet from any property zoned single- family.
15.08.115 Sandwich Board Signs.
A. All commercial and noncommercial sandwich board signs require a permit from the City as
provided in BIMC 15.08.030. All sandwich board signs shall prominently display, in font
no less than one inch in height, the permit identification or permit number issued by the
City.
B. Sandwich board signs shall not be located within public rights-of-way or on public
properties owned by the City of Bainbridge Island.
C. Sandwich board signs may be located on property outside of the public right-of-way and
not owned by the City of Bainbridge Island if all requirements of this section are met.
D. Sandwich board signs shall be a minimum of 36” in height and a maximum of 48” in
height. Each sign face shall not exceed six square feet in area.
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E. Sandwich board signs shall not be illuminated.
F. Each person, tenant, business, or entity shall be allowed no more than three sandwich board
signs. The signs do not need to be located on the same property as the person, tenant, or
business to which it relates is located.
G. Permission of the property owner is required before any sandwich board sign may be
located on any property. Evidence that such permission has been obtained must be
provided at the time a permit for the sandwich board sign is applied for from the City.
H. Sandwich board signs shall not be located within the site clearance area defined in BIMC
18.12.040.B.
15.08.120 Institutional or public use signs.
In addition to the general regulations of this chapter, public institutions or public entities:
A. May have a single sign, either facade-mounted or a freestanding identification sign, visible
from each street frontage;
B. May have one additional freestanding identification sign at the principal entrance not to
exceed a maximum height of six feet. The maximum sign area of any face shall be no
greater than 40 square feet;
15.08.130 Residential use signs.
In addition to the general regulations of this chapter, the following regulations shall apply to all
residential use signs.
A. Residential developments may have a single freestanding sign with a maximum sign area
of 10 square feet.
B. Home occupations, legally established, may have an identification sign as allowed in
BIMC 18.09.030.I.13.
C. Multifamily residential developments may have a directory sign, with a maximum sign
area of 20 square feet, at one vehicular entrance on each street frontage.
15.08.140 Temporary signs.
A. Temporary off-site commercial signs.
1. Commercial temporary signs may be no higher than24” above grade. each sign face
shall not exceed 24” in width and 9” in height.”
2. Commercial temporary signs may be displayed for a maximum of 36 days within a 12-
month period and shall prominently display the date on which the temporary sign was
posted.
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3. Commercial temporary signs advertising a specific event, meeting, or occurrence shall
be removed within 7 days after the event, meeting or occurrence, but in no event shall
the sign be displayed for more than 36 days.
4. Commercial temporary signs are prohibited within any park owned or maintained by the
City of Bainbridge Island.
5. Commercial temporary signs shall be located no further than two miles from the location
of the business they advertise.
B. Temporary noncommercial signs.
1. Temporary noncommercial signs may be displayed for a maximum of 36 days within a
12-month period, provided, that this limitation shall not apply to signs advertising a
candidate or candidates for public office for a specific election or relating to a specific
ballot proposition for a specific election. All noncommercial temporary signs that are
not related to a specific meeting, event, or occurrence shall prominently display the date
on which the temporary sign was first posted.
2. Temporary noncommercial signs advertising a specific event, meeting, or occurrence
shall be removed within 7 days after the event, meeting or occurrence, but in no event
shall the sign be displayed for more than 36 days except as provided in B.2 above.
3. Temporary noncommercial signs permitted by this section shall be freestanding and shall
not be higher than 24” above grade. Each sign face shall not exceed not exceed 24” in
width and 9” in height.
C. All temporary signs permitted by this section and located on private property may be located
on such property only with the permission of the property owner.
D. All temporary signs permitted by this section may be posted within public right-of-way only
if the sign does not interfere with sight distances and does not create a vehicular, cyclist,
wheelchair or pedestrian traffic obstruction or hazard, and permission to place the sign in the
right-of-way has been obtained from the abutting property owner. Contact information for the
owner of the sign (name, telephone number) must be included on all signs.
F. All temporary signs shall be regularly inspected by the owner to ensure that they have not
been damaged or destroyed by natural forces or vandalism. Damaged or destroyed signs
shall be immediately removed or repaired so as to avoid threats to public health and safety
or the accumulation of unclaimed refuse upon the public rights-of-way.
H. Temporary signs are exempt from BIMC 15.08.030.C, 15.08.040.E, and 15.08.090.B.1.
I. All signs visible from Highway 305 must be in conformance with the standards of the
Scenic Vistas Act (Chapter 47.42 RCW and Chapter 468-66 WAC) that is incorporated
herein by this reference as well as the related Washington State Department of
Transportation (“WSDOT”) rules, regulations, and noncompliance penalties; provided, that
all signs within the city shall also be subject to any additional restrictions as provided in this
chapter. In the case of conflict between the requirements of the Scenic Vistas Act and this
chapter, the more restrictive requirement shall apply.
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J. Temporary signs permitted by this section are prohibited in planters, medians, and other
landscaped areas in and along public rights-of-way maintained by the City so as not to
unreasonably interfere with landscape maintenance activities. Such areas include, but are
not limited to, planters, medians, and other landscaped areas in the following locations:
1. Winslow Way planters;
2. Madison Avenue between Winslow Way and Wyatt Way;
3. Wyatt Way between Grow Avenue and Madison Avenue (sidewalk plantings);
4. High School Road Roundabout;
5. High School Road between SR 305 and Ferncliff;
6. High School Road between Hildebrand and Madison Avenue;
7. Ericksen “park;”
8. Ericksen median islands;
9. Sportsman/New Brooklyn triangle;
10. Eagle Harbor bike lane median;
11. Blakely School Islands;
12. North Madison/Manitou triangle;
13. Ferncliff between High School Road and Wing Point;
14. Bjune planters near Community Center;
15. City maintained planters at Lynnwood Center;
16. Brien Drive planters;
17. Any other planters, medians, and other landscaped areas now or hereafter maintained by
the City of Bainbridge Island.
15.08.150 Sign variance.
A. A variance is the mechanism by which the city may grant relief from the provisions of this
chapter where practical difficulty renders compliance with the provisions of this chapter an
unnecessary hardship and where the hardship is a result of the physical characteristics of the
subject property. B. The variance procedure shall be administrative and determined by the director. 15.08.155 Certain Public Signs, Exempt.
The following signs are exempt from the requirements of this chapter: street signs and street
numbers, street address identification, temporary and permanent traffic control and pedestrian
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signs and signals meeting the requirements of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD), governmental directional or wayfinding signs, public and legal notices and warnings
required by this code, signs required by law, governmental flags, government project information
boards, illuminated construction project and event notice signs, portable changeable message
signs (PCMS), and notice of governmental and utility maintenance activities. 15.08.160 Enforcement and penalties.
A. Anyone violating or failing to comply with the provisions of this chapter shall, upon
conviction thereof, be punishable by fine of not more than $500.00, or by imprisonment for
not more than six months, or by both fine and imprisonment, and each day’s violation or
failure to comply shall constitute a separate offense.
B. In addition to any other sanction or remedial procedure which may be available, any person
failing to comply with a notice of violation or order issued by the building official, or failing
to comply with any other provision of this chapter, shall be subject to cumulative civil penalty
in the amount of $500.00 per day from the date set for compliance until compliance with
such notice of violation or order.
C. In addition to instituting criminal prosecution for violation of any of the provisions of this
chapter, the city, through the city attorney, may institute civil proceeding in the Bainbridge
Island municipal court or the superior court of the county to obtain a temporary restraining
order or injunction prohibiting violation of this chapter and to collect any fines, fees or
penalties due under the provisions of this chapter.
D. The city may remove and dispose of signs that it determines are a threat to public safety and
recover costs from the owner of the property on which the sign is located or the sign owner.
Within 10 days of removal of a sign, and upon payment of the costs of removal, the owner
may recover a sign. Any sandwich board sign or temporary sign posted in the public right-
of-way in violation of the regulations set forth in BIMC 15.08.115 or 15.08.140 constitutes
a trespass upon public property and is declared to be a public nuisance. Such signs shall be
subject to immediate abatement by removal. The city shall store such signs for a period of
90 days during which the sign owner may recover the sign from the city by presenting proof
of ownership. Signs not redeemed within 90 days may be destroyed by the city.
E. The city may also remove and dispose of sandwich board signs and temporary signs that are
located on private property without the permission of the property owner. Upon request of
the property owner and receipt of permission to enter the private property, the City may
remove the sign. The city shall store such signs for a period of 90 days during which the
sign owner may recover the sign from the city by presenting proof of ownership. Signs not
redeemed within 90 days may be destroyed by the city.