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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2039 Sign Regulations II. III. IV. ORDINANCE NO. 2d3~ AN ORDINANCE REGULATING SIGNS WITHIN THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND; PROVIDING FOR SIGN PE~ITS ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES: AND ADDING A NEW CHAPTER TO TITLE 17 OF THE PORT TOWNSEND MUNICIPAL CODE. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, IN REGULAR SESSION ASSEMBLED, DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: There is added to Title 17 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code, a new Chapter as follows: Statement of Purpose of Sign Ordinance Word Definitions Applicable to Sign Ordinance Sign Regulations A. Signs Within National Historic District (see map page for boundary). B. Sign Regulations by Zoning District 1. Residential (R-l, R-2, R-3, R-lA) 2. Commerical Business Districts (C-l, C-2, C-3) 3. Industrial Zones (M-l, M-2) C. General Provisions 1. Clearance and Sign Distance 2. Lighting or Illumination Concerns 3. Structural Requirements 4. Materials 5. Exposed Angle Irons and Guy Wires 6. Lands caping 7. Maintenance Requirements D. Exemptions and Prohibited Signs Special Category Signs A. Real Estate Signs B. Political Signs C. Parking Lot Identification Signs D. Community Announcement Signs E. Home Occupation Signs F. Housing Complex Identification Signs k1- VI. G. Neighborhood Identification Signs Conditional Use Signs I. Garage or Rummage Sale Signs J. Special Purpose Signs K. Abandoned Signs L. Traffic Control a~nd Directional Signs Permit RequireMents A. Application Process for Permit B. Permit Fees C. Permit Enforcement 1. Permanent Sticker 2. Special Use Permit 3. Appeals Variances 5. Ordinance Interpretation Administration and Enforcement A. Removal of Signs B. Penalties C. Nonconforming Signs D. Liability E. Severability -2- '' Io Statement of Purpose of Sign Ordinance Section 1 The purpose of this Ordinance is to improve the quality of living and business environment in the City of Port Townsend. It is to promote and protect the public welfare, health and safety by regulating existing and proposed advertising and display signs of all types. It is intended to enhance the natural beauty of the City, create a more attractive economic and business climate, and encourage installation of appropriate advertising and display signs that harmonize with buildings, natural settings, and other signs in the area. It is further intended hereby to reduce signs or advertising distractions and obstructions that may contribute to traffic accidents; reduce hazards that may be caused by signs overhanging or projecting over public right-of-ways or private property; promote proper maintenance, eliminate of clutter, and encourage thoughtful placement designed to fit within the different land use zones; and preserve and protect the view of the sea, and the mountains, and the historic qualities of the city. Section 2 Signs complementing the aesthetic appeal and nationally recognized historic significance of Port Townsend, as provided for by Ordinance, will form a key part of the overall visual attractiveness of the City and thereby contribute to the economic well-being of Port Townsend. Section 3 This Ordinance shall not regulate traffic and directional signs installed by a government entity; signs not intended to be viewed from and not readable from a public right-of-way; window merchandise displays,point-of-purchase advertising displays, such as project dispensers; national flags and flags of political subdivisions; symbolic flags of an institution; legal notices required by law; barber poles; historic site plaques; gravestones; structures intended for a separate use, such as phone booths, containers and recycling containers; lettering or symbols painted directly onto or mounted magnetically onto an operable motor vehicle operating in the normal course of business. Section 4 NATIONAL HISTORIC DISTRICT: The people of Port Townsend are proud of its National Historic District. Our national govern- ment declared Fort Worden and the District as two of the few National Landmarks in the State of Washington. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has assisted the City with a sign pro- vision for the Historic District. Signs within the boundaries of the National Historic District are encouraged to be of appropriate graphic design that attracts business and contributes to the quality of the historic environment. Signs have a legitimate function and Place. They provide necessary information and dire- tions. Smaller well-designed-signs attract the eye; large, garish, obstrusive signs cause visual pollution. Well-designed signs compliment each other and attract attention; poorly designed signs compete with each other and cause visual confusion. Signs should be pedestrian-oriented in size and shape. Signs should be flush with the wall, since these compliment architecture more effectively than do projecting signs, except symbolic three-dimensional signs (like barber poles) are encouraged. Preservation of commercial and display graphics painted on sides of certain buildings in the District shall be encouraged. Signs made of wood are preferred. Lettering on signs should be routed, applied or painted on the surface on the signing material. Lettering styles used during the period in which a building was built are appropriate to its signage. Simple lettering applied to glass should be enoouraged. II. Word Definitions Applicable to Sign Ordinance Section 5 For the purpose of this Ordinance, the following defini- tions shall apply: 1. Abandoned Sign: A sign that no longer correctly identifies, exhorts, or advertises any person, business, lessor, owner, product, or activity conducted or available on or off the premises on which such sign is located. 2. Awning Sign:- See canopy sign. 3. Banner Sign: Any sign intended to be hung, with or without framing, and possessing characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentations applied to fabric or similar material. Flags insignias, awning.signs, posters, and temporary signs, treated elsewhere in this Ordinance, shall not be ~considered banner signs. 4. Bench Sign: A sign located on any part of the surface of a bench or seat placed on or adjacent to a public right-of-way. 5. Billboard Sign: Outdoor advertising signs containing a message, commercial or otherwise,' unrelated to any use or acti- vity on the property on which the sign is located, but not inclu- ding directional signs as defined herein. 6. Bulletin Sign: to wall or building. A single faced sign attached flat e canopy. Canopy Sign: Any sign erected upon or aginst a (See wall signs) 8. Commemorative Plaque: A memorial plaque or plate, with engraved or cast lettering that is permanently affixed to or near the structure or object it is intended to commemorate. 9. Construction Sign: An information sign which iden- tifies the architect, engineers, contractors and other individuals, or firms involved with the construction of a building or announc- ing the character of the building or enterprise, which is displayed furing the building construction period. -4- 10. Directional Sign: A sign which contains specific directional information and contains no advertising information. 11. Directory Sign: A sign on which the names and loca- tions of occupants or uses of a building are given. This shall include signs for office buildings, church directories and multiple signs for malls, arcades, and similar commercial buildings. 12. Flashing Sign: A sign or a portion thereof which changes light intensity or switches on and off in a constant pattern, or uses electrical energy to provide motion or the optical illusion of motion. 13. Freestanding Sign: A sign supported Solely by uprights or braces placed on or in the ground. See Pole Sign. 14. Grade: The average elevation as measured at the ground level in the immediate vicinity of the sign. 15. Illuminated Sign: Any Sign internally illuminated in any manner by an artificial light source. ~ndirectly illuminated signs shall not be included in this d~finition. 16. Incidental Sign: A small information sign two (2) square feet or less in area which pertains to goods~ products, services or facilities which are available on the premise where the sign occurs, and intended primarily for the convenience of the public while on that premise. 17. Integral Sign: Any memorial sign or tablet or name of or date of erection of a building; cut into any masonry surface or; constructed of bronze or wood material mounted on the face of a building. 18. Marquee: A permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the building .and projecting over ~unIi~c oF p~iVate property. 19. Multiple-Building Complex: A group of structures housing at least one retail business, office, commercial venture or independent or separate part of a business or a single struc- ture containing more than one business with separating walls and at least one outside access for each business which shares a common lot, access and/or parking facility. 20. Multiple-Tenant Building: A single structure housing more than one retail business, office or commercial venture, which does not incorporate a separare outside access for each enterprise; but not including residential apartment buildings. 21. Murals: See wall signs. 22. Nonconforming Signs: Any sign located within the City on the date of adoption of the Ordinance, which does not conform with the provisions of this Ordinance, but which did conform to all applicable laws in effect on the date the sign was originally erected. -5- 23. Pole Sign: Any freestanding sign composed of a sign cabinet or base and the sign pole or pylon by which it connects to the ground. 24. Political Sign: Any sign intended to promote an individual or an issue on an election ballot to be voted upon by the ~eneral electorate. 25. Portable Sign: Any moveable sign, such as a sandwich board sign, which is capable of being moved easily and is not permanently affixed to the ground or'a Structure or building. 26. Premise: The real estate which is involved by the sign or signs mentioned in this Ordinance. 27. Projecting Sign: A sign which is attached to and projects from a structure or building face further than one foot. 28. Readerboard: A sign face consisting of tracks to hold readily changeable letters. 29. Real Estate Signs: A portable or freestanding sign erected by the owner, or his agent, advertising the real estate upon which the sign is located for rent, lease, or sale, or One directing to said property. 30. Revolving Sign: A sign which rotates or ~urns in motion in a circular pattern. 31. Roof Sign: A sign erected upon or above a roof of a building or structure. 32. Sandwich Board Sign: See portable sign. 33. Sign: Any object or structure, other than flags or government and seasonal decorations, displaying any letters or symbols, which is intended to or does attract attention to any privately owned, semi-public or public property or premise, and which is visible from any property, or from any right-of way open to ~he public. 34. Sign Area: The entire area of a sign on which the .copy is to be placed including both sides Of a double-faced sign shall in included. Sign structure, architectural embellishments, framework and decorative features which contain no written or advertising copies shall not be included. Sign areas shall be calculated by measuring the perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of the module or background containing the advertising or identifying message; provided, however, that individual letters using a wall or window as the background, without added decoration or change in wall collor, shall have sign area calculated by measuring the perimeter enclosing each work and totalling the square footage thereof. 35. Sign Face: lettering. The surface of a sign upon which there is 36. Sign Height: The vertical distance from grade to the highest point of a sign or any projection thereof. 37. Sign Structure: Any structure which supports or is capable of supporting any sign as defined in this Ordinance. A sign structure may be a single pole or may or may not be an integral part of a building. Structures which perform a separate use, such as a telephone booth, bus shelter, Goodwill container, etc;, shall not be considered a sign structure. 38. Street: A public right-of-way. 39. Street Frontage: The linear frontage of a single parcel of property abuttiKg a public street or streets. 40. Temporary Construction Sign: A sign erected and maintained on premise undergoing construction, by an architect, general contractor, subcontractor, and/or material suppliers upon which property such individual is furnishing labor or materials. 41. Temporary Sign: Any sign or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, paper, cardboard, or other light materials, with or without frames, intended to be displayed for a limited time only. Signs painted upon window surfaces which are readily removed by washing shall be considered temporary signs. ~ 42.. 'Trailer Sign: A sign used for advertising purposes mounted on a vehicle normally licensed by the State of Washington as a trailer. 43. Wall Sign: A sign painted on the wall of any building or one supported by such wall or building and which displays only one advertising surface. Murals and awning signs shall be considered wall signs for the purpose of this definition. 44. Window Sign: A sign placed upon the interior or exterior surface of a window, or placed inside the window within three (3) feet of the window, which faces the outside and which is intended to be seen primarily from the exterior. III. Sign Regulations Section 6 The following sign regulations shall apply to commerical historic districts: 1. A maximum of 40 square feet of total signage is allowed for each main entrance. (one per store front) This includes "wall" or bulletin" signs, window signs, both sided of a "projecting" sign, "awning", "directional: and incidental signs. The above shall pertain to the entire second story as well. 2. Signa~e shall not be permitted on or above the cornice line of any building. 3. Signage pertaining to a ground level business shall not be permitted above the sills of the second floor. -7- 4. Rear entrance shall be no more than 4 square feet. 5. No signage shall be directed toward the'water unless the building has a water side entrance. 6. Projecting signs shall be no more than 12 square feet per side and shall project no more than 4 feet from the building. They shall hang at least 8 feet above the sidewalk and at least 6 inches from the vertical wall. 7. Only one (1) projecting sign shall be allowed for each entry. 8. Should more than one business share an entry, an additional 6 square feet may be added to total signage for a multiple tenant directory. 9. Sandwich board/sidewalk signs (where allowed) shall be no more than 8 square feet per face (side) and no more than 3 feet wide in any direction and not more than 5 feet tall, and must be constructed so as to withstand strong wind or pedestrian impact without falling over. A clearance of 30 inches from any part of a portable sign to any other vertical object; i.~e., trees, poles, trash recepticals, other portable signs, shall be maintained, unless the sign abuts flushly with another object, in which case combined widths shall not exceed a total of 3 feet in width. Portable signs must be kept a minimum of 30 inches from the street edge of a street curb. 10. Preservation of commercial and displaY graphics painted on sides of certain buildings in the District shall be encouraged. 11. Backlighting of signing material and neon signs shall be no more than 10% of total allowed signage. Moving and flashing signs shall be prohibited. Subdued spotlighting of signs shall be encouraged. Section 7 Additional Sign Regulations by Zoning Districts: In addition to the other provisions of this Ordinance, the following regulations will also apply in each of the various zoning districts: 1. Residential Districts (R-i, R-2, R-3, R-iA) No electric signs (internally-lighted) are permitted, and there shall be no more than one identification sign per street frontage for each property, and one per entrance to a subdivision. No pole signs or freestanding signs may exceed six (6) feet in height. No off-premises signs, except real estate direction signs a~e permitted. Sign area for identification signs for non-residential uses allowed in the residential zones, multi-family compleXes, and subdivision indentification signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet. In addition, city halls, community centers, schools, and churches are permitted one readerboard sign, not to exceed twenty-four (24) square feet. Home occupational signs may not exceed three (3) square feet and must be wall-mounted signs. Signs for conditional uses which may be permitted in the residential zones, such as hospitals, clinics, and bed and breakfast inns must be approved with a conditional use permit Where one is required. Freestanding signs must be set back at least ten (10) feet from the property line. Total signage allowed for bed and breakfast inns mayhnot exceed twenty-four (24) square feet. -8- 2. Commerical Business Districts (C-i, C-2, C-3) On-premise signs only are permitted, except off- premises directional signs that are allowed under Section 10 of this Ordinance, and real estate signs. Each commercial parking lot may have one identification sign per street frontage not to exceed six (6) square feet in area. Projecting signs may not project more than four (4) feet from the building and may not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area. Permanent signs installed in windows shall be considered part of the total sign area allowed for that business; except credit card information and hours of operations shall be treated as incidental signs. All freestanding signs shall be set back from the property line at least five (5) feet for single business bUildings, and ten (10) feet for multiple-building complexes. For single business buildings, total sign area shall not exceed a total allowable signage limit of one hundred (100) square feet. Each multiple tenant building shall be permitted one freestanding sign per street frontage. Each business within a multiple tenant building shall be permitted a wall sign, up to a maximum of thirty-two (32) square feet. Regardless of building or street frontage, each business shall be permitted at least thirty-two square feet of sign area. Wall signs may not cover more than seventy percent (70%) of the lineal frontage of the wall. Each business-in a multiple business comPlex shall be considered as a separate buSiness for signage purposes. 3. Industrial zones (M-i, M-2) On-premise signs only are permitted, except 6fl- premise directional signs that are allowed under Section 10 of this Ordinance, and real estate signs. Parking identification signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet. Each complex shall be permitted one freestanding sign per street frontage, not to exceed ten (10) feet in height, nor thirty-two (32) square feet in sign area. All freestanding signs must be set back at least ten (%0) feet from the property line. One directory sign is permitted for each street frontage, not to exceed thirty-six (36) square feet. Each business shall be permitted a total allowable sign limit of one hundred sixty (160) square feet. Wall signs may not cover more than seventy percent (70%) of the lineal wall frontage. Approval for signs in the industrial zone area should be incorporated with the building permit approval when possible. Each business in a multiple business complex shall be considered as a separate buSiness for signage purposes. Section 8 General Provisions The following provisions shall apply to all zoning districts and to all signs regulated by this Ordinance, subject however to the specific regulations in each zoning district: I. Clearance and Sight Distance: Marquees or projecting signs which project over areas where motor trucks may be required to pass beneath them shall maintain a minimum vertical clearance ~f fifteen (15) feet. No marquee or projecting sign may project closer than two (2) feet from the curb line of the street. Signs must meet vehicular sight distance requirements established by the Public Works Director. All projecting signs must maintain a minimum of eight (8) feet of vertical clearance over pedestrian ways. -9- 2. Lighting: Sign lighting is illumination from within the sign or from external sources such as floodlighting. The light directly on, or internal to, any sign shall be so 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 pedestrians on a Public right-of- way. Light shall not shine on, nor reflect onto, residential structures. No sign shall have blinking, flashing or fluttering lights, or other illumination devices which have a changing light intensity or brightness. Beacon lights or moving lights shall not be permitted for advertising purposes. 3. Structural Requirements: The structure and installation of all signs within the City shall be governed by the latest adopted edition of the Uniform Building Code as reflected in Chapter 16.04 of the Port Townsend Code. 4. Sign Materials: Materials of construction of signs shall be of the quality and grade as specified for signs in the Uniform Building Code. 5. Exposed Angle Irons and Guy Wires: No angle irons guy wires or braces used in conjunction with a projecting sign shall be visible, except those that are an integral part of the overall design, such as decorative metals or woods, or unless they are required for safety ~n which case they must be at least 8 feet above street level. 6. Landscaping: At the time of installation, all freestanding signs, pole signs, monument signs, and ground signs shall include land- scaping with barriers to prevent automobiles from hitting the sign structure and to improve the overall visual appearance of the structure. Landscaping shall be in proportion to the size and height of the sign, with a minimum of one (1) sauare ±oot of landscaping for ~ach square foot of sign area, and shall be maintained throughout the life of the sign. Dead shrubs, broken parts, cracked or extremely chipped material shall not be allowed to remain without repair. 7. Maintenance of Signs: Ail signs and components thereof must be maintained in good repair and in safe, neat, clean and attractive condition. Any sign not so maintained is in violation of this Ordinance and shall be subject to abatement as a public nuisance. Section 9 Exemptions and Prohibited Signs: 1. Exemptions The following types of signs are allowed in all areas without a sign permit, subject to the other require- ments of this Ordinance however, and the specific requirements of each zoning district: a. Special event signs are allowed if displayed no more than 45 days before the event and removed within 10 days after event. b. Non-electric signs not exceeding 3 square feet which are limited in content to the name of occupant and address of the premises in residential zones. c. Real estate signs not exceeding 5 square feet two sided in residential zones and 32 square feet in commercial zones. (See special regulations in ~ational Historic District, II.A, and Real Estate signs, IV.A.) d. Incidental signs not exceeding 2 square feet. e. On-premises directional signs, not exceeding 6 square feet, the sole purpose of which is to provide for vehicular and pedestrian traffic direction. f. Political signs. (See political signs, IV.B.) g. Temporary construction signs not exceeding 32 square feet to be removed no later than 45 days after completion of project. 2. Prohibited SiqRs This section shall not prohibit seasonal decora- tions or seasonal banners affixed to light poles by the municipal- ity or non-profit organizations. Nor shall it prohibit individual banners displayed by homeowners.for decorative purposes rather than informative or political messages containing no advertising. The following signs are prohibited within th~ City: a. Ail signs illuminated by, or containing blinking, revolving, flashing, intermittent or moving lights; provided that the moving hands of a clock otherwise allowed under this Ordinance shall not be prohibited. b. Ail roof mounted signs, including any signs painted directly on the roof surface. c. Signs or sign structures, which by coloring, shape working or location resemble or conflict with traffic control signs or devices. d. Signs that create a safety hazard for pedestrian or vehicular traffic. per side. ee Portable signs exceeding eight (8) square feet- f. Signs attached to, or placed on a vehicle or trailer parked on public or'private property; provided however, that this provision shall not be construed as prohibiting the identification of a firm or its products on a vehicle operating during the normal course of business. Franchised buses and taxis are exempt from this provision. -11- g. Off-premise signs except real estate directional signs, political signs, public service/civic event signs, garage sale signs. h. Signs attached to utility poles. i. Signs within the public right-of-way or upon public sidewalks except civic signs and signs which overhang the public right-of-way as allowed in the CBD district when approved by the City. j. Ail portable readerboard signs. k. Ail abandoned signs. O~dinance. Ail signs contrary to the provisions of this m. Bench signs. belt areas. Signs in City designated buffer zones or green o. Signs that display the symbol, slogan or trade- mark of national brands of soft drinks or other products that do not from the bulk of the business transactions on the premises shall be prohibited. IV. Special Category_ Signs Section 10 The following regulations shall apply to the special categories of signs set forth below, in addition to all the other requirements of this Ordinance which may be applicable: A. Real Estate Signs: Real Estate signs placed on public right-of-way or other public property shall require a permit. Off premise real estate directional signs will be prohibited in the National Historic District. In other districts such signs shall be limited to one sign of 3 square feet maximum, two sided, per piece of property for sale. Other real estate property for sale signs will be allowed. B. Political Signs: Political signs shall be allowed to be posted no more than 30 days prior to an election and shall be removed with ten (10) days after the final election involving the candidate or issue advertising by the sign. C. Parking Lot Identification Signs: A parking lot sign is a sign identifying an approved parking lot, its owner, operator, or name of the business provi- ding the lot. Regulations regarding the use of the lot may also be included. The total sign area for the parking lot identification signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet. Parking lot identifica- tion signs require sign permits and shall be located only on the lot or the premises of the business providing the lot. -12- D. Community Announcement Signs: Co~,uL,unity announcement signs three (]3) feet square or greater in size or those signs intended to b~ placed on or over public right-of-way. Such. signs shall be limited to ninety (90) square feet in size, provided however, that the ground clearance, vision clearance and methods of construction in suspension are approved by the building official, Erection of signs over public right-of-ways shall be by or under the supervision of the City, and all costs incurred by. the C~ty relating thereto shall be reimbursed to the City. Community annonncement signs shall be permitted in any zone district and shall be limited to a forty-two (~2) day display-. Signs shall be removed within forty-eight (48~ hours after events they announce. E. Home Occupation Signs: A home occupation sign is a sign identifying or adver- rising a home occupation, ~s~ally in a residential area. The total area of home occupation signs ~hall not exceed three (3) square feet. Home occupation signs require sign permits and shall be located only on the premises Go which they relate. Not subject to Planning Commission approval. F. Housing Complex Identification Signs: A housing complex identification sign ~s a s~gn iden- tifying or advertising a group of three or more dulplexes, a multi-family building or a group of multi-family buildings. The total area of housing complex idenfification signs shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in the R-2 residential zoning distriCts or R-.3 residential zoning districts. Housing comple~ identification signs require sign pe. rmits and shall be located only on the premises to which they relate. G. Neighborhood Identification Signs: A neighborhood identification sign is a sign identify- ing an approved subdivision within the City, The total sign area at each entrance of an approved subdivision shall not exceed fi~e. (5) square feet if the subdivision contains less than ten (10) lots or shall not exceed sixteen (16I square feet at each entrance if the subdivision contains ten ~10) or more lots. NeighborhOod identification signs require sign permits and, with the approval of the building official may be placed on a public ri. gkt-of-~way. H. Conditional Use Sign: A conditional use sign is a sign identifying or advertising a recreational facility or a conditional use as provided for in the zoning ordinance. No sign Shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area. All conditional use signs~ require sign permits and shall be located only on the premises to which they relate and permits shall be applied for concurrently with conditional use permit. I. Garage or Rummage Sale Signs: Garage or rummage sale signs located anywhere other than on private property sall require a limited sign permit, not subject to Planning Commission recommendation. Signs' must be removed with~ twenty-four (24) hours after the end of the sale, or at least the end of three (3) days whichever comes first. J. Special Purpose Sign: A special purpose sign is a temporary sign to be used less than sixty (60) consecutive days for a purpose not antici- pated by this Ordinance, but not in conflict with it, or in a unique situation as determined by the Building Official. The total area of all special purpose s~ns ~ntendedl to be displayed on any one premises shall be determined by the Building Official; provided, however, that the total area shall not exceed sixteen (16) sqaure feet. All special purpose signs shall require a sign permit, not subject to Planning Commission recommendation. K. Abandoned Signs: Abandoned signs shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premise upon which the sign is located within sixty (60) days after the business or service advertised by the sign is no longer conducted on the premise. If the owner of lessee fails to remove it, the enforcing official shall give the owner fifteen (15) days written notice to remove it. Upon failure to comply with this notice, the enforcing official may remove the sign at cost to the owner of the premise. V. Permit Requirements Section 11 No sign, except those exempted in Section Nine (9) shall be erected, reerected, attached, structurally-altered, or.relo- cated by any person, firm or corporation from and after the effec- tive date of this ordinance without a permit issued by the City. All permits for signs shall be issued by the Public Works Director, after Planning Commission approval, when required. No permit shall be required for repair, cleaning, repainting or other normal maintenance, not for changing the message on a sign designed for changeable copy, as long as the sign structure is not modified in any way. A. Applications: Applications for sign permits shall be made to the building official upon building permit forms provided by the City. Such application shall require: -14- performed. Name of business, address where work is to be 2. Name and title of applicant. 3. Name, address, telephone number of firm doing installation work. 4. Name and address of sign owner if other than business installing the sign. 5. One (1) site (plat) plan showing the location of the affected lot, building or buildings, and sign or signs, showing both existing signs and awnings and the proposed sign. 6. One (1) copy of a scale drawing of the proposed sign or sign revision, including size, height, copy, structural and footing details, materRal specifications, method of attachment, illumination, front and end views of awning and any other informa- tion required to insure compliance with appropriate laws. 7. Electrical load with name of electrical contrac- tor responsible for installation of service feed wires if other than sign contractor. (NOTE - Electric signs must conform to the National Electrical Code.) 8. An application for right-of-way permit if the sign or awning will extend over a public right-of-way. 9. Written consent of the owner of the building, structure, or property where the sign is to be erected. ~¢,~ B. Permit Fees: Permit fees shall be in accordance with -~ fee schedule passed by City Ordinance. Upon approval of plans and payment of the required fee, the Building Official shall issue the sign permit. Permits shall be numbered in the order of their issuance and shall disclose: 1. The type of sign as defined in this Ordinance. 2. The street address of the property upon which the sign will be installed. 3. The amount of the fee paid for the permit. 4. The date of issuance. 5. The name of the person 'or company installing the sign. 6. The name of the sign owner. C. Permit Enforcement 1. Permanent Sticker: With each permit issued, the Building Official shall issue a corresponding permanent sticker indicating the date of issuanCe, the na. me of the permittee, and their permit number. -15- It shall be the responsibility of the permittee or his agent to attach the label in a location on the sign(s) or sign structure(s) where it can be readily seen from the street. The absence of such label shall be prima facie evidence that the sign has been, or is being installed in violation of this Ordinance. 2. SpeCial Use Permit: · Special use permits allowed under certain conditions as defined in this Ordinance shall be considered by the Planning Commission upon'application to the Building Official. The Planning Commission shall require the necessary information to determine whether the special use being requested is in compliance with the terms and conditions outlined in this Ordinance. 3. Appeals: Any person may appeal any decision or order of the enforcement official to the City Council. 4. Variances: Any person may apply to the City Council for a variance from the requirements of this Ordinance. A variance may be granted by the City Council when the literal interpretation and strict application of the provisions and requirements would cause hardship because of unique or unusal conditions pertaining to the specific property in question. The variance will be pro- cessed in the same manner as zoning variances as described in the Zoning Code. The City Council may grant a variance from the provisions and/or the requirements of this Ordinance only where: a. The granting of the variance would not be materially detrimental to the property owners in the vicinity and the traveling public; and b. The granting of the variance would nOt be contrary to the objects of this Ordinance relating to the placement of signs and the reduction of clutter. 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 Ordinance in the public interest. 5. Interpretations: Where there is any dispute concerning the interpretation of this Ordinance, the decision of the enforcing official or body shall prevail, subject to appeal as provided herein. VI Administration and Enforcement Section 12 The enforcing official of this ~Ordinance shall be the person so designated by the Mayor who is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of this Ordinance. Upon presentation of proper credentials, the ~nforcing official or his duly authorized representative may enter at resonab~e times any ~ building, structure, or premise to perform any duty imposed upon him by this Ordinance. Signs for which a permit is required may be inspected periodically by the enforcing official or building official for compliance with this Ordinance. A. Removal of Signs: The enforcing official may order the removal of any sign erected or installed in violation of this Ordinance. He or she shall give thirty (30) days notice in writing, by certified letter, to the owner of such sign, or of the building, structure or premise on which such sign is located, to remove the sign or to bring it into compliance with this Ordinance. The enforcing official may order removal of the sign at the expense of the owner of the premise if he fails to comply with written order. If in his/her opinion the condition of the sign presents an immediate threat to the safety of the public, the enforcing official may cause immediate removal of the sign at the expense of the owner of the premise. B. Penalties: Any person found in violation of this Ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, shall be punish- able by a fine of not more than five hundred ($500) dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days or both. Each day of violation shall be considered a separate offense. C. Nonconforming Signs: Nonconforming signs which are legally installed prior to adoption of this Ordinance shall be allowed to continue in use so long as they are adequately maintained, are not relocated, are not structurally altered, or made more nonconforming in any way. D. Liability: This Ordinance shall not be constituted to relieve from or lesson the responsiblity of any person owning, building, altering, constructing, or removing or moving any sign in the City for damages to anyone injured or damaged either in person or property by any defect or action herein, nor shall the City, or any agent thereof, be held as assuming such liability by reason of permit or inspection authorizing herein or a certificate of inspection issued by the City or any of its agents. E. Severability: If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is, for any reason, held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof. Section 13 Effective Date: This Ordinance shall take effect upon its approval, passage and publication in the form and manner provided by law. -17- Read for the first, second and third times, approved and passed by the City Council for the City of Port Townsend and signed by the Mayor of the City on the ~7e~ day of ~ 1986. Ma~or,-Brent S~i~ley ~ Attest: Dave Grove, City Clerk Appr~/v~ed as ~o form: ./ ~'~'/ ~ Ke'i th ~ 'fHarpe~ City Attorney -18- L!YY 01x ]~6k% li/~!]~D SIGN PERMIT APPLICA%ION ii0 Under the terms of Ordinance No. permit to erect a sign. 2.0 The sign is to be permanent , the undersigned requests a temporary after completion. 3.0 The Sign is located in the Block No. , Lot(s) No. Addition. and faces Street. 4.0 The following required drawings are attached hereto: PLOT PLAN TYP. FRAMING DETAILS FRONT ELEV. 4.1 I plan to begin /~ / and complete by ___/ /__ 5.0 I hereby certify that I have studied those sections of the Uniform BuildinE Code and Sign Ordinance pertinent to the above project; that I understand the permit expires in six months unless work is started; that the permit has to be renewed each year until completion of the project; and that I hereby agree to abide by the ordinances, codes, and regulations applicable. 6.0 7.0 Name Address Phone # Date APPLICATION FEE: A fee of $ has been received. COUNCIL APPROVAL: (if required) The council took action on this application at its regular meeting held on / ./__with the following result: APPROVED__ DISAPPROVED__ 8.0 Mayor,City of Port Townsend Date CITY ENGINEERING or PUBLIC WORKS DEPT. The applicant has satisfied the requirements of the Codes of this City and-the requirements of this application and is hereby issued PERMIT NO. Building. Official Date