ORD 79-09 SIGN ORDINANCEIII.
SIGN ORDINANCE 79-9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STATEMENT OF POLICY
OVERRIDING SIGN REGULATIONS
A. Signs must comply with ordinance
B. Must not obstruct vision of vehicles
C. Only 1 sign per lot in SFR
D. Only 2 signs per business in commercial or
industrial zones
E. Number of signs in Zone of Special Significance
up to Council
F. Landscaping required for free standing signs
G. Landscaping must be maintained
H. Landscaping plans to be approved by City Engineer
I. No angle irons, guy wires or braces visible unless
integral part of designs
J. Signs shall comply to most restrictive limitations
of this ordinance
K. All signs shall comply unless exempted in IV.B - IVoM below
DEFINITIONS
A. General Definitions
1. Advertising Copy
2. Alteration
3. Automotive Fuel Price Sign
4. Awning and Marquee Sign
5. Banner Sign
6. Barber Pole Sign
7. Business Identification/Advertising Sign
8. Changeable Copy
9. Changing Copy
10. City Engineer
11. Clock
12. Construction Sign
13. Election Sign
14o Erect
15. Facade Sign
16. Facade
17. Free Standing Elevated Sign
18. Free Standing Ground Sign
19. Identification Signs
a. Commercial Identification Signs
b. Residential Identification Signs
20° Incidential Sign
21. Institutional Sign
22. Internally Illuminated Sign
23. Landscaping
24. Memorial Sign
25. Off-premises Sign
26. Off-premises Sign, Sale, Lease or Rent Signs
27. On-premises Directional Sign
28. On-premises Sale, Lease, or Rent Sign
29 Person
30 Projecting Sign
31 Public Service Sign
32 Repair
33 Sign
34 Externally Illuminated Sign
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IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
XI.
XII.
XIII.
XIV.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
35. Sidewalk
36. Sign Area
37° Street
38. Street Frontage
39. Substantial Repair
40. Supporting Structure
41. Supergraphic Signs
42. Temporary Sign
43. Thermometer
44. Window Sign
B. Prohibited Signs
1. Changing Image Sign
2. Moving Sign
3. Obscene Sign
4. Roof Sign
5. Externally Illuminated Sign with visible light source
6. Sign on a Natural Feature
7. Sign on Stationary Vehicle
EXCEPTIONS TO SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENT
SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENT
PERMIT APPLICATION PROCEDURES
A. Application Form
B. Permit Fees
C. Plan Check Fee
D. Refunds
E. Inspections
F. Reinspections/Reinspection Fees
G. Illuminated Signs - Electrical Permit Requirement
CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
SIGN ERECTION & MAINTENANCE
SIGN REMOVAL
A. Abandoned Signs
B. Non-conforming Signs
ENFORCEMENT
VARIANCES
VIOLATION & PENALTIES
CIVIL PENALTY
CIVIL ACTIONS
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CITY OF WINSLOW
ORDINANCE NO, 79 - 9
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ERECTION, REGULATION AND
PROHIBITION OF SIGNS WITHIN THE CITY OF WINSLOW AND
AMENDING EXISTING WINSLOW ORDINANCE NUMBERED69-16 .... ~/..,~
The City Council of the City of Winslow DO ORDAIN as
follows:
I. STATEMENT OF POLICY
A. The Winslow City Council has studied the abundance of
and variety of signs now existing within the Winslow
City limits and has become aware of the adverse
impact on community safety and appearance which the
unsupervised erection and maintenance of signs may
create. Consequently, in fulfillment of the mandate
of the Winslow Comprehensive Plan City of Winslow
Resolution 75-2, and in order to promote and
protect the public welfare, health and safety, to
improve the visual appearance of the City of Winslow,
to create a more attractive enconomic and business
climate, to reduce advertising distractions and
obstructions that may contribute to traffic
accidents, to reduce hazards that may be caused by
signs overhanging or projecting over public
rights-of-way, to relieve visual pollution and 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, the City Council of Winslow
adopts this sign regulation ordinance.
II. OVERRIDING SIGN REGULATIONS
A. No sign shall be permitted within the City of Winslow
except in conformity with the provisions of this Sign
Ordinance.
B. No sign shall be erected which shall obstruct the
vision of the operator of any vehicle, which shall be
of such intensity or brilliance or location as to
cause glare or to impair the vision of the operator
of any vehicle, or which in any other way shall
interfere with the safe operation of any vehicle.
C. No more than one (1) sign per lot shall be erected
any single-family residential. zone.
D. No more than two (2) signs per business or industry
per street frontage shall. be permitted in any
commercial or industrial zone.
E. The number of signs to be permitted per lot in any
zone of special significance shall be subject to the
discretion of those city off~.cials responsible for
the issuance of use permits for such areas..
F. Landscaping shall be used in conjunction with all
freestanding signs, except temporary, portable and
real estate signs, and may utilize shrubs and
plantings or decorative features such as concrete
bases, planter boxes, or ornaments expressing the
sign theme but not containing advertising copy. The
purpose of this landscaping requirement shall be to
encourage greenery wherever feasible to bring the
natural surroundings of the Northwest into the City
of Winslow, to provide protection for the sign pole
from vehicles, and to provide for as much area free
from pavement as is economically feasible and
desirable.
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G. Landscaping must be maintained, 8nd no dead shrubs,
broken parts, or cracked or chipped decorative
features shall be allowed to remain without repair.
H. All landscaping plans shall be approved by the City
Engineer, who will use the following guidelines in
h~s determinations:
!. Landscaping shall be encouraged to promote the
purpose described in paragraph II F. above.
2. Landscaping area shall be ~n proportion to the
size and height of the proposed sign an~ shall be
designed to give an overa]l balanced appearance.
3. When p]antings and shrubs are used, the planting
area should be at least one-half the area of the
sign.
4. Planrings and shrubs should be used whenever the
s]Ign design is appropriate, location and physical
properties of the lot are not a problem, and
planting area can be readily maintained.
5. Landscaping should be designed so as to protect
the sign from being hit by moving vehicles.
6. The City Engineer may offer advice regarding types
of plants and materials to be used, but may not
condition approval of the plan on the use of
those plants and materials.
I. When a projecting sign is used, no angle irons, guy
wires or braces shall be visible, except those that
are an integral part of the overall design such as
decorative metals or woods.
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J. The definitions and regulations relating to the signs
set forth in Section III herein are intended to
delineate those characteristics of signs which are
permissible under this ordinance. If any sign other
than a public service sign comes within more than one
definition contained in Section III, below, and if as
a result conflicting limitations apply, the sign
shall conform to the most restrictive limitations.
K. All signs regulated by this ordinance shall be
included in any determination of the number of signs
permitted on any property in accordance with
Paragraph II.B. through II.D above, except for the
signs listed in Paragraph IV.~ through IV.~. below.
III. DEFINITIONS
A. General Definitions
1. Advertising Copy - Any letters, figures, pictoral
matter, or any combination thereof which is
8isp!ayed or intended to be displayed for
advertising purposes.
2. Alteration - Any change in,
addition to,
of any sign
diminishing of or modification
structure or advert]sing other than changeable
copy as defined herein.
3. Automotive Fuel Price Sign - A sign advertising
the price of automotive fuel which is located on
the premises of an automobile service station. An
automotive fuel price sign may not exceed a
surface area of 12 square feet on any single side
nor a tota] surface area of 24 square feet. The
maximum number of automotive fuel signs which may
be erected at any time shall be 1 per street
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frontage per business. An automotive fuel price
sign shall not be an illuminated sign as defined
in this ordinance.
4. Awning and Marquee Sign - A sign attached to a
shelter, which shelter is supported by posts or
the exterior wall of a building or any comb]nation
thereof. Awning and marquee signs must be erected
such that the lowest point of the sign is a
minimum of 7 feet above the elevation of the
adjacent street or sidewalk. No sign may extend
more than 2 inches beyond the surface of the
shelter except those which are suspended below
it. No awning or marquee sign may exceed an area
of 25 square feet on any single side or a total
sign area of 50 square feet.
5. Banner Sign - A sign made of fabric and designed
to be displayed between two supporting structures
located on opposite sides of a public street.
Erection of a banner sign is a conditional use
subject to the provisions of Section VII of this
ordinance. In addition a banner sign may be
displayed for a maximum of 10 days in each
calendar year and shall be limited in location to
Winslow Way.
6. Barber Pole Sign - Any sign of the traditional
multi-color cylindrical pole design erected for
the purpose of advertising the location of a
barber shop. A barber pole sign may extend over
the adjacent street or sidewalk a maximum of 1
lineal foot. The highest point of the sign may
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not exceed ]4 feet from the elevation of the
adjacent street or sidewalk or 12 inches above the
roof of the building, if any, on which the sign is
erected, whichever is lower.
7. Business Identification and/or Advertising Sign -
A sign relating through its message and content to
a business, activity, use, product or service
available on the premises on which it is located,
including signs indicating the name of the person,
firm or corporation, or business occupying the
premises.
8. Changeable Copy - That portion of sign copy
consisting of individual interchangeable letters
and Dumbers which may be rearranged to spell new
words and to form new numbers on the sign face,
without reworking, repainting, or otherwise
altering the physical composition of the sign, for
the primary objective of ~]splaying frequently
changing advertising copy incident to the sign
owner's business.
9. Changing Copy Sign - A sign constructed so as to
display changing copy.
10. City Engineer - The City Engineer of the City of
Winslow or his authorized representative.
11. Clock - A device for measuring and informing the
public of the exact time of day to within a
tolerance of three minutes.
12. Construction Sign - A sign erected for the
purpose of announcing future building plans and
identifying the owner, architect, engineer,
building contractor and/or other persons
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responsible for the development of the site. A
construct]on sign may have a maximum total 8rea
of 8 square feet and may be erected only after a
building permit has been obtained. Only 1
construction sign per street frontage per
construction site shall be permitted, and such
sign must be removed immediately after the
structure is ready for use or occupancy.
13. Election Sign - A sign erected for the purpose of
announcing election issues and/or the name,
political party, and position of any candidate or
candidates running for public office. Election
signs must be removed within 7 days after the
final elect]on for the named candidate or
election issue for the calendar year, or within 7
days after any other political event in
connection with which they are erected.
14. Erect - 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 Sect]on VIII herein.
15. Facade Sign - Any sign which is erected
(including painted) on the wal] of a building or
other structure, wbose 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. The maximum total surface area of the
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sign shall be 15 percent of the area of the wall
on which the sign is to be erected up to a
maximum of 150 square feet. In commercial zones
the applicant may choose an alternative maximum
total surface area equal to 1 squsre foot for
each lineal foot of street frontage possessed by
the site on which the sign ]s to be erected up to
a maximum of 150 square feet.
16. Facade - The face of a building.
17. Free Standing Elevated Sign - A sign supported by
one or more uprights, poles, braces, in or on the
ground and which is not supported by a building,
the lowest point of which s].gn is more than 7
feet above the elevation of the adjacent street
or sidewalk. Free standing elevated signs must
be erected such that no portion of either the
sign or its supporting structure projects into or
over the street or sidewalk. The surface area of
the sign shall not exceed 25 square feet on any
single side nor a total surface area of 50 square
feet. The max]mum height of the sign cannot
exceed 15 feet from the elevation of the adjacent
street or sidewalk. No freestangling elevated
sign shall be located closer than 100 feet to any
other free standing sign on the same lot.
18. Free Standing Ground Sign - A sign supported by
one or more uprights, poles or braces in or on
the ground, and not supported by a building, the
base of which sign is no more than 12 inches
above the elevation of the adjacent street or
sidewalk and the highest point of which is no
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more than 5 feet above the elevation of the
adjacent street or sidewalk. Free standing
ground signs must be erected such that no portion
of either the sign or its supporting structure
projects ~nto or over the street or sidewalk.
The surface area of a free standing ground sign
shall not exceed 32 square feet on any single
side nor a total surface area of 64 square feet.
No freestanding ground sign shall be located
closer than 100 feet to any other free standing
sign on the same lot.
19. Identification Signs - Identification signs shall
be limited to the following categories:
a. Commercial Identification Signs
(1) Commercial, Complex Identification
Sign - A sign to identify the name of
a building or building complex
located on property zoned for
commercial. use as defined by the
zoning code of the City of Winslow
and on whose premises at least 2
occupants engage in separate
commercial uses. There may be 1
commercial complex identification
sign identifying the name of the
building or building complex at each
street front entrance to the building
or building complex.
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(2)
(3)
Commercial Tenant Identification Sign
- A sign which identifies the name,
occupation and/or service provided by
an occupant of a commercial building
or commercial building complex.
(a) There may be erected ]
commercial tenant
identification sign per tenant
at each street front entrance
to the commercial building or
commercial building complex in
which the tenant is located.
(b) Each individual tenant of the
commercial building or
commercial building complex may
erect on his individual
premises such other signs as
may be permitted under this
ordinance.
Area Limitations on Commercia]
Identification Signs - The commercial
complex identification sign allowed
at each street front entrance to the
commercial complex and the commercial
tenant identification signs which
would also be placed at each street
front entrance to the commercial
complex may be combined so as to
include all the information permitted
on all these signs in one sign.
Regardless of whether such signs are
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combined or are erected separately,
however, there shall be one maximum
sign area
commercial
sign and
applicable to the
complex identification
commercial tenant
identification signs placed at each
street front entrance to the
complex. This total maximum area
1imitation for all such signs located
at the street front entrance shall be
determined by the type of sign chosen
for the commercial complex
]dentificaion sign at that street
front entrance and the area
limitation placed on that type of
sign under the provisions of this
ordinance. Furthermore, should a
combination sign not be used, each
commercial tenant identification sign
shall be subject to the additional
area limitation of 1 square foot per
tenant per street frontage.
b. Residential Identification Signs - A sign
which identifies the name and/or occupation
of an occupant of a residential uDit.
Residential Identification signs are
limited to the following subcategories of
signs:
(1) Single-family
Identification Sign - A sign
identify the name and/or occupation
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Residential
to
(2)
(a)
(b)
of the occupants of a sing]e-family
residence or a duplex. The total
surface area of the sign cannot
exceed 16 square feet; no single side
can exceed 8 surface area of 8 square
feet. The max]mum number of
single-family residence signs which
may be erected at one time shall be 1
per lot.
Multi-family residential
identification sign - A sign to
identify the name of a multi-family
res]deDce. Multi-family residential
identification signs shall be subject
to the following limitations:
A multi-family residential
identificatin sign which is free
standing and elevated shall be
non-illuminated, shall have a
maximum total surface area of 16
square feet and shall have no
s].ngle side with a greater surface
area than 8 square feet. Its
highest point shall not exceed a
height of 12 feet from the
elevation of the adjacent street
or sidewalk.
A multi-family residential
i~entif]catjon sign which is
projecting shall have a maximum
total. surface area of 10 square
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(3)
(c)
(d)
(a)
feet, shall have no single side
with a surface area greater than 5
square feet and shall be
non-illuminated.
A multi-family residence
identification sign which is a
facade sign shall have a maximum
total surface of 10 square feet
and shall be non-illuminated.
There may be ] multi-family
residence sign identifying the
name of the multi-family residence
at each street front entrance to
the multi-family residence.
Multi-family Residential Tenant
Identification Sign - A sign to
identify the name and/or occupation
of a tenant of
residence.
There may be one
residence tenant
a multi-family
multi-family
identification
sign identifying the names and
occupations of all the individual
tenants of a building or building
complex at each
entrance to the
residence.
(b) Each individual
street front
multi-family
tenant
multi-family residence
permitted by law to
premises for a business,
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of a
who is
use his
commercial or industrial use, may
erect on his individual premises
such other signs as may be
permitted on the premises of a
single-family residence.
(c) Permanent Area Identification Sign
- A sign erected for the purpose
of identifying the name of a
specific geographical area.
20. Incidental Sign - A small sign, less than 2
square feet ]n surface area, of a non-advertising
nature intended for the convenience of the
public, including but not limited to restroom
signs, address numbers, hours of operation,
entrance and exit signs, telephone signs, menus,
credit card signs and gasoline pump displays.
2]. Institutional Sign - A sign erected for the
purpose of identifying educational, civic and
religious institutions. The total surface area
of an institutional sign shall be limited to 20
square feet.
22. Internally Illuminated Sign - Any sign designed
to give forth artificial light by v]rture of a
light source contained within and covered by the
face of the sign. Such light source may have a
maximum total wattage of 5 watts per square foot
of sign area illuminated by the light source.
The light emitted from the sign must be constant
in duration and of unchanging intensity other
than when the sign is turned on or off not more
than once an hour.
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23. Landscaping - Any material used as a decorative
feature, such as concrete bases, planter boxes,
pole covers, decorative framing, and shrubbery or
planting materials, used in conjunction with a
sign, which expresses the theme of the sign, but
does not contaiD advertising copy.
24. Memorial Sign - A sign or tablet erected on the
surface of a building or other structure which is
erected for the purpose of commemorating the
services of an individual or the happening of an
event at or ]D connect]on with the location of
the sign. A memorial sign shall not be
illuminated and shall be flush with the surface
of the building or other structure on which it is
erected.
25. Off-Premises Sign - A s~gn other than an
off-premises sale, lease or rent sign, stating
the name and location of a business, service, or
other facility, which sign is erected for the
purpose of advertising and directing pedestrian
or vehicular traffic to a business, facility or
service located on other premises. An
off-premises sign shall not exceed a surface area
of 2 square feet on any single side nor a total
surface area of 4 square feet. These signs shall
not be illuminated and shall be limited in number
to a maximum of 2 per business at any given time.
26. Off-Premises Sign, Sale Lease or Rent Signs - Any
sign erected for the purpose of announcing the
location and availability for sale, lease or rent
of property other than that on which the sign is
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located. The maximum total surface area of
off-premises sale or ].ease signs shall be 12
square feet with no single side having a surface
area greater than 6 square feet. These signs
shall not be illuminated and shall be limited to
a maximum number of 5 per business at any given
time. These signs shall be ~isplayed ~uring
daylight hours only and shall be removed
immediately upon the sale, ]ease or rental of the
property.
27. On-Premises Directional Sign - A sign erected on
a piece of property for the purpose of directing
the pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic which
occurs on that property. An on-premises
direct]onal sign shall not exceed a surface area
of 2 square feet on any single side nor a total
surface area of 4 square feet.
28. On-Premises Sale, Lease or Rent Sign - Any sign
erected for the purpose of announcing the
availability for sale, lease or rent of the
property on which it is located. On-premises
sale, lease or rent signs shall be classified
into the following categories and shall be
subject to the following limitations:
a. On-Premises Sale, Lease or Rent Sign for an
InNiv]dual or Double Unit (i.e., Duplex).
An on-premises sale, lease or rent sign for
an individual or double unit shall have a
maximum total surface area of 3 square
feet. The sign must be removed immediately
upon the sale, leasing, or rental of the
property.
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b. On-Premises Sale, Lease or Rent Sign for
Other than an Individual or Double Unit.
An on-premises sale, lease or rent sign for
other than an individual or double unit
shall have a maximum total surface area of
32 square feet. There may be 1 such sign
erected at each vehicular access to the
property, which sign shall be permitted to
stand for a 12 month period or until the
entire unit has been sold, leased or rented
whichever period of time is shorter. If
the property remains entirely or partially
unsold after the 12 month period, the
appl].cant must apply for a new sign permit.
29. Person - Any person, firm, partnership,
association, corporation, company, institution or
organization of any kind.
30. Projecting Sign - A sign which is attached to or
supported by a wall or overhang of a building or
other structure other than an awning or marquee
and which extends beyond the wall surface more
than 12 inches in any direction. Projecting
signs must be erected such that the lowest point
of the sign is a minimum of 7 feet above the
elevation of the a~jacent street or sidewalk.
The sign shall not exceed a surface area of 25
square feet on any single side nor a total
surface area of 50 square feet.
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31. Public Service Signs - Any sign erected by a
public agency for the purpose of advertising the
existence of public or private services or for
the purpose of disseminating to the public
information relating to public health and
safety. The characteristics of all public
service signs shall be left to the discretion of
the public agency responsible for their erect]on.
32. Repair - The reconstruction or renewal of any
part of an existing sign for the purpose of its
maintenance.
33. Sign - Any letter, figure, design, symbol,
trademark or other device displayed outside of
any building, on the exterior of any building or
within 3 feet of an exterior window of any
building, which is intended to attract attention
to any activity, service, place, political
office, issue to be voted on, subject, firm,
corporation or merchandise. The word "sign" as
used in this ordinance shall include the sign
frame but shall not include official traffic
signs or signals, public or court notices,
government flags, signs not visible from the
public right-of-way, signs on moving vehicles,
newspapers, leaflets or other printed materials
intended for individual use or individual
distribution to members of the public.
34. Sign Externally Illuminated by Hidden Light
Source - Any sign designed to give forth
artificial light by virtue of the reflection of
light derived from a light source which is
shielded, outside the face of the sign and not
visible to pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Such
light source may have a maximum total wattage of
5 watts per square foot of sign area illuminated
by the light source. The light reflected from
the sign must be constant in duration and of
unchanging intensity other than when the sign is
turned on or off not more than once per hour. No
sign shall be considered to be illuminated as
defined herein if it merely reflects light from
an unrelated light source such as a street light.
35. Sidewalk - A pedestrian route commonly open to
public use which is adjacent to a street and
located on public property.
36. Sign Area - The entire background of all faces of
a sign upon which information of any kind can be
displayed including the frame but not other
supporting structures, except that the area of
advertising affixed directly to a building
without any background, other than the building,
shall be the area contained in the least
geometric figure enclosing all portions of the
information displayed. In computing total sign
area for a sign which displays a clock or
thermometer, no sign area shall be included for
the face of any clock or thermometer which is
completely free of advertising copy.
37. Street - A vehicular or pedestrian route on a
public right-of-way.
38. Street Frontage - That portion of any lot or
building facing a street or sidewalk and with
direct access to the street or sidewalk.
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39. Substantial Repair - The reconstruction or
renewal of any part of an existing sign for the
purpose of its maintenance if such reconstruction
or renewal encompasses:
a. More than 20% of the advertising copy
(other than changeable copy as defined
herein) of the sign as measured by the sign
area.
b. A cost of more than 50% of the original
value of the sign; or
c. The relocation of the sign.
40. Supporting Structure - Any structure other than
the sign frame which supports or is capable of
supporting any sign defined in this ordinance.
41. Supergraphic Signs - Signs which are
characterized by an artistic design theme which
exceeds the size limits of this orainance by
continuing the design beyond the actual
boundaries of the sign message. The erection of
a supergraphic sign is a conditional use subject
to the provisions of Section VIII of this sign
ordinance. In addition, that portion of a
supergraphic sign which contains letters ana
symbols must conform to the size ]im~tations
herein.
42. Temporary Sign - Any sign other than an e]ectlon
sign, sale lease or rent sign or public service
sign whose content is related to an event,
activity, commodity or service which will end or
cease to be available withn a limited period of
time. No temporary sign shall be displayed for
more than 30 days out of every 180 days.
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43. Thermometer - A device for measuring and
informing the public of the correct air
temperature to within a tolerance of 1 degree
Cels]us or 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
44. Window Sign - A sign placed inside a building and
located within 3 feet of one of its windows which
is visible from the public right of way. This
term does not include merchandise located within
3 feet of a window.
B. Prohibited Signs
Prohibited signs include but are not limited to the
following:
1. Changing Image Sign - A sign other than a
changing copy sign which changes images or
background or appears to change image or
background by means of electrical, kinetic, solar
or mechanical energy or optical illusion and
whose frequent change of image or background is
itself intended to attract attention to the sign.
2. Moving Sign - A sign other than a changing copy
sign which moves or appears to move in any way.
These signs include but are not limited to moving
signs powered by mechanical, electrical or
pressurized devices as well as the following:
signs which contain or consist of pennants,
ribbons, flags, streamers, strings or light
bulbs, flashing lights, beacons, blinkers,
spinners, sequin studded materials or other
devices capable of reflecting light and which are
capable of sparodic or sustained movement.
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IV.
3. Obscene Sign - Any sign whose content or subject
matter constitutes obscenity as defined by law.
4. Roof Sign - A sign erected upon or supported by a
roof or parapet of a building and which extends
above the roof line more than 12 inches.
5. Sign Externally Illuminated by a Visible Light
Source - Any sign designed to give forth
artificial light by virture of light derived from
a light source which is unshielded or otherwise
visible to pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic
and is outside the face of the sign, including
but not limited to signs illuminated by bare
light bulbs or gaseous tubes.
6. Sign on a Natural Feature - Any sign erected on a
tree, rock or other natural feature.
7. Sign on a Stationary Vehicle - Any sign affixed
to or located on a vehicle which is stationary
and which is not a currenty licensed vehicle.
EXCEPTIONS TO SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENT
No sign permit shall be required for signs falling within
at ]east one of the following categories:
A. Automotive fuel price sign.
B. Barber pole sign.
C. Clock with no advertising on its face.
D. A facade sign which has a maximum total surface area
of 8 square feet and is WOOdeD.
E. Incidental sign.
F. Memorial sign.
VI.
G. A single-tenant identification sign identifying both
the building or building complex and its individual
tenants, which sign is lim]tea in area to a maximum
total surface area of 16 square feet with no single
side of the sign exceeding a surface area of 8 square
feet.
H. Any sign not visible from the right-of-way.
I. Public service sign.
J. Temporary sign.
K. Thermometer with no advertising on its face.
L. A win~ow sign.
M. Elect]on sign.
SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENT
A. After the effective date of this ordinance, any
person who desires to erect any sign other than those
described in Section IV above, shall first be
required to obtain a sign permit from the City
Engineer.
B. In addition, sign permits shall be required for the
re-erection, alteration or substantial repair of any
sign now existing in the City of Winslow except that
normal maintenance as described in Section VIII
here]n, shall not require the issuance of a sign
permit.
PERMIT APPLICATION PROCEDURES
A. Application for a sign permit shall be made to the
City Engineer on forms provided by the building
department. The City Engineer shall have discretion
to prepare forms requesting pertinent information
from the permit applicants and shall have discretion
to request plans and information additional to those
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requested in the application form where such
information is necessary to a proper evaluation
of the permit application.
B. An application for a sign permit shall be accompanied
by a permit application fee. The application permit
fee shall be two dollars per square foot of the sign
area of the proposed sign or $10.00, whichever amount
is larger. Such permit fee may be waived by the City
Engineer where the sign to be erected will replace a
sign which does not conform to the provisions of this
ordinance or where the work to be done on an existing
sign will bring that sign into conformity with the
provisions of this erdinance.
C. Plan Check Fee. A plan check fee may be required for
all signs for which permit application is made under
this ordinance. Said plan check fee shall be sixty-five
percent (65%) of the permit fee as established in VI B.
The plan check fee may be waived by the City Engineer
where the sign to be erected will replace an existing
sign which does not conform to the provisions of this
ordinance or where the work to be done on an existing
sign will bring that sign into ccnformity with the
provisions of this ordinance.
D. If a permit for any sign is denied, the total permit
fee shall be refunded. The plan check fee, if
applicable, shall be non-refundable.
E. The City Engineer shall issue a sign permit to the
applicant upon a satisfactory showing that the
proposed sign conforms to the provisions of this
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ordinance. Within 15 days after the erection of
the sign the owner/applicant shall notify the City
Engineer that the work covered by his permit is
complete and ready for inspection. The City Engineer
shall then inspect the sign to ensure conformity with
the provisions of this ordinance. If the applicant
fails to erect and obtain the City Engineer's approval
of the sign within 120 days of the issuance of the
sign permit, the sign permit shall lapse.
F. If the City Engineer is required to reinspect a sign
installation or modification due to no fault of his
own; a reinspection fee will be charged equal to 50
percent of the permit fee.
G. All illuminated signs require an additional permit
which is to be procured directly from the State
Electrical Inspector, in ~ccordance with his
established permit fee schedule.
VII. CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
Because of their size and unique characteristics, certain
designated signs shall be coDsidered a conditional use. Such
signs may be erected only after the issuance of both a
Conditional Use Permit and a Sign Permit. Ccnditional Use
Permits shall be issued for these signs only after satisfactory
completion of the following review process:
A. Applicants shall at the request of the City Engineer
submit such plans, statements, and documents as is
reasonably required for evaluation of the proposed
sign.
B. The City Engineer, after reviewing all information,
shall impose such conditions on the erection of the
sign as he deems necessary to protect the health,
safety, welfare and rights of persons. Such conditions
may include the posting of bonds to insure continued
compliance with the conditions of the use permit.
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C. The Conditional Use Permit when issued shall contain
a written order of the required conditions and a
schedule for compliance.
D. If in the judgment of the City Engineer no conditions
could be imposed that would insure compatibility and
harmony of the proposed sign with the spirit of this
ordinance, and protect the health, we]face, safety
and rights of persons, the City Engineer may
determine that a Conditional Use Permit not be issued.
VIII. SIGN ERECTION AND MAINTENANCE
A. No sign, whether new or existing, shall hereafter be
erected or altered, except in conformity with the
provesons of the ordinance. However, notwithstanding
any provisions contained herein, the sign must be
kept clean, neatly painted, in good mechanical repair
and free from all hazards, such as, but not l~mited
to, faulty wiring and loose fastenings, and must be
maintained at all times in such safe condition so as
not to be detrimeDtal to the public health and
safety. Normal maintenance as described in the
second sentence herein shall not require the issuance
of a sign permit.
B. In the event of a violation of the foregoing
provisions, the City Engineer shall give written
notice, specifying the violat]on, to the holder of
the sign permit, or, if no permit exists, to the
named owner of the land where the sign is erected, to
correct said violation or remove such sign within 30
days. In the event the vlo]atlon is not corrected
within 30 days, the City Engineer shall thereupon
revoke the sign permit, if one has been issued,
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IX.
remove, or cause removal of such sign, and shall
assess all costs and expense incurred in said removal
against the named owner of the sign and/or named
owner of the land.
SIGN REMOVAL
A. Abandoned Signs
Any sign existing on or after the effective date of
this ordinance which no longer advertises an existing
business conducted by the advertiser or product sold
by the advertiser shall be deeme~ abandoned and shall
be removed after writteD notice as provided herein.
The City Engineer, upon determining that such sign
exists, shall notify in writing the holder of the
sign permit if such can be found, or, if no permit
exists, the owner of the sign or the record owner of
the land where the sign is erected, if such can be
found, to remove the sign within 30 days from the
date of such notice. Upon application, the City
Engineer may extend the time for removal for a period
not to exceed 90 days provided the sign is covered so
that the sign copy is not visible, If the sign is
not removed within the prescribed time, the City
Engineer shall remove or cause removal of such sign,
and shall assess all costs and expenses incurred in
said removal against the person des]gnatea in the
written notice of removal.
B. Non-Conforming Signs
In the event of any of the occurrences set forth
~mmediately below, any sign existing at the effective
date of this ordinance which does not conform to the
provisions of this ordinance shall be immediately
removed or immediately brought into compliance with
the provisions of this ordinance.
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1. The sign structure or business name is changed or
is altered in any way er more than 20 percent of
the advertising copy, as measured by the sign
area, is altered, or changed, except that the
changeable copy of a changing copy sign shall not
be iDcluded in the 20 percent figure described
above, or
2. The sign is damaged in excess of 50 percent of
the original value of the sign, or
3. The sign is relocated, or
4. The sign is replaced.
If the sign owner or record owner of the property
on which the sign is located elects to bring the
sign into conformity with the provisions of this
ordinance, he must obtain a valid sign permit as
set forth in Paragraph VI above.
If the sign owner or record owner of the land on
which the sign is located fails to remove the
sign or take steps to bring it into conformity
with this ordinance as soon as is reasonably
possible but in no event more than 14 days after
occurrence of one of the four events listed
above, the City Engineer shall give written
notice to the sign owner or landowner of his
intention to remove or cause removal of the sign
on a date certain, not more than 10 days later,
and shall thereafter be authorized to remove or
cause removal of the sign at the expense of the
sign owner or landowner.
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If the City Engineer
regulated by this
non-conforming sign,
shall find that any sign
ordinance, including any
is unsafe or not properly
secured, he shall give written notice to the sign
permit holder, the owner of the sign or the record
owner of the land on which the sign is erected, who
shall remove or repair the said sign within 10 days
from the date of said notice. If the sign is not
removed or repaired, the City Engineer shall revoke
the permit issued for such sign, if one has been
issued, shall remove said sign and shall assess all
costs and expenses incurred in removal against the
person designated in the written notice of removal.
The City Engineer may cause any sign which is a
source of immediate peril to persons or property to
be removed summarily and without notice. All costs
and expenses incurred in such summary removal of the
sign shall be assessed against the sign permit
holder, the owner of the sign and/or the record owner
of the premises on which the sign is located.
ENFORCEMENT
A. Responsibility. The ultimate responsibility for any
sign shall be borne by the legal owner of the
property on which said sign is located. The City
Engineer may require when necessary that the property
owner or agent be party to or applicant for any
required sign permit.
B. Authority. The City Engineer ~s hereby 8uthorize~
and directed to enforce all provisions of this
ordinance and is hereby empowered to promulgate such
rules and regulations as may from time to time be
necessary to accomplish the purpose of this ordinance.
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C. Inspections. All signs controlled by this ordinance
shall be subject to periodic inspection by the City
Engineer. The City Engineer shall keep records
reflecting inspection dates and results thereof.
D. Right of Entry. Whenever necessary to make an
inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this
ordinance, or whenever the City Engineer has
reasonable cause to believe that there exists any
sign or any condition which makes such sign unsafe,
the City Engineer may enter the premises or building
oD which such sign is located at all reasonable times
to inspect the sign or to perform any duty imposed on
him by this ordinance; provided, that if such
building or premises on which the sign is located be
occupied, be shall first present proper credentials
and request entry; and if such building or premises
be unoccupied, he shal~ first make a reasonable
effort to locate the owner or other persons having
charge or control of the building or premises and
request entry. If such entry is refused, the City
Engineer shall have recourse to every remedy provided
by law to secure entry.
No owner or occupant or any other person having
charge, care or control of any building or premises
shall fail or neglect, after proper request is made
as provided herein, to promptly permit entry therein
by the City Engineer for the purpose of inspection
and examination pursuant to this ordinance. Any
person violating this section shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor.
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XI. VARIANCES
A. Procedure
Any person feeling aggrieved by any decision of the
City Engineer as to the application of the provisions
of this ordinance may petition for a variance
therefrom. All petitions for variances from the
provisions of this ordinance shall be filed with the
city on forms provided and shall be accompanied by a
fi].ing fee of $50.00. Within 30 days after receipt
thereof, the City shall refer the matter to the
Hearing Examiner for a public hearing. Upon
completion of the public hearing, the Hearing
Examiner shall make findings, conclusions and a
decision on the petition. In those instances where
the decision of the City Engineer is upheld, the
Hearing Examiner shall have discretion to assess
against the petitioner the actual cost of the public
hesring.
Any decision of the Hearing Examiner shall be final
unless within 10 days after filing said decision, the
decision is appealed to the City Council. Upon the
filing of any notice of appeal, the decision of the
Hearing Examiner, together with the complete record
thereof, shall be transmitted to the City Council
which shall at a public meeting, either regularly
scheduled or specially called, within 30 days after
filing of the Notice of Appeal, review the decision
of the Hearing Examiner. The City Council may
affirm, disaffirm and modify or refer back for
further proceedings any decision of the Hearing
Examiner. Any decision of the City Council shall be
- 31 -
final unless an adverse party, within 10 days after
such decis]on is made, makes application to the
Superior Court for Kitsap County for writ of
certiorair, a writ of prohibition, or a writ of
mandamus. All costs of copying documents and
transcribing the proceedings shall be paid for by the
appellant.
B. Criteria for Award of Variance
Variances may be granted provided that the applicant
can establish that he meets all of the following
criteria:
1. The strict application of the provisions of this
ordinance significantly interferes with a
reasonable permitted use of his property.
2. The hardship described in Paragraph XI B ! above
results from the existence of unique physical
attributes of his property such as its location
or natural features and Noes not result from deed
restrictions, the applicant's own actions or
other factors unrelated to unique physical
attributes of the property.
3. The design of the sign will be compatible with
other permitted activities in the area and will
not cause adverse effects to adjacent properties.
4. The variance authorized does not constitute a
grant of special privilege not enjoyed by other
properties in the area.
5. The variance provides for the minimum deviation
from the provisions of this ordinance necessary
to afford the applicant relief.
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6. The public interest will suffer no substantial
detrimental effect.
7. The proposed sign is in conformity with the
spirit and intent of this sign ordinance and does
not conflict with the statement of policy set
forth in Section I of this ordinance.
XII. VIOLATION AND PENALTIES
Anyone violating or failing to comply with the provisions
of this ordinance shall upon conviction thereof, be punishable
by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00), or
by imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or by both fine and
imprisonment, ann each day's violation of failure to comply
shall constitute a separate offense.
XIII. CIVIL PENALTY
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
ordinance, shall be subject to cumulative civil penalty in the
amount of ten dollars ($10.00) per day from the date set for
compliance until such violation is corrected or such notice of
violat]on or order is complied with.
XIV. CIVIL ACTIONS
In addition to instituting criminal prosecution for
violation of any of the provisions, hereunder, the City,
through the City Attorney, may institute civil proceedings
Winslow Municipal Court or the Superior Court of Kitsap County
to obtain a temporary restraining order or injunction
prohibiting violation of this ordinance and to collect any
fines, fees or penalties due under the provisions of this
ordinance.
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XV. SEVERABILITY
It is the intention of the City Council that each
separate provision of this ordinance shall be deemed
independent of all other provisions here]n, and it is further
the intention of the City Council that if any provision of this
ordinance be declare~ invalid, a]] other prov].s]ons hereof
shall remain valid and enforceable.
XVI. EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall be ~n full force 8nd shall take
effect 5 days after its publication as required by law.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Winslow, Washington
this 19th day of March, 1979.
ALICE B. TAWRES~
ATTEST:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ROBERT W. MCKISSON
OF MCKISSON, LEHNE AND ASSOCIATES
CITY ATTORNEYS
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