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Sign CodeChapter 15.24 SIGNS* Sections: 15.24.010 Intent. 15.24.020 Definitions and abbreviations. 15.24.030 Permits and fees required. 15.24.040 Permit – Requirements. 15.24.050 Permit – Applications. 15.24.060 Fee schedule. 15.24.070 Exemptions. 15.24.080 Prohibited signs. 15.24.090 Temporary signs. 15.24.100 Structural requirements. 15.24.110 Electrical requirements. 15.24.120 Illumination. 15.24.130 Maintenance. 15.24.140 Landscaping for freestanding and monument signs. 15.24.150 Inspection. 15.24.160 More restrictive provision to apply. 15.24.170 Buildings facing on two parallel streets or corner. 15.24.180 Signage on awnings and marquees. 15.24.190 District regulations. 15.24.195 Off-site banners. 15.24.197 Community signs. 15.24.200 Variances. 15.24.210 Legal nonconforming signs. 15.24.220 Repealed. 15.24.230 Administrator – Appointment – Powers and duties generally. 15.24.240 Administrator – Inspection authority. 15.24.250 Conflict and severability. 15.24.260 Repealed. 15.24.270 Removal of unlawful signs. 15.24.280 Sign area – Square footage maximums. 15.24.290 Grand opening/special event sign area. *Prior legislation: Ord. 324. 15.24.010 Intent. The intent of this chapter is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare by regulating the number, size, design, quality of materials, construction, location, electrification Page 1 of 15Document 02/16/2011http://nt5.scbbs.com/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=262969&infobase=yel... and maintenance of all signs and sign structures; to preserve and improve the appearance of the city as a place in which to live and as an attraction to nonresidents who come to visit or trade; to encourage sound signing practices as an aid to business and for public information but to prevent excessive and confusing signing displays. (Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.020 Definitions and abbreviations. For the purpose of this chapter, definitions as defined in Chapter 17.06 YMC and certain abbreviations, terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall be construed as specified in this section. “Abandoned sign” means any sign which is located on property which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of six months or more, or any sign which relates to any occupant or business unrelated to the present occupant or their business, or any sign which pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer applies. “Administrator” means the building official for the city of Yelm or his/her designee. “Advertising vehicles” means any vehicle or trailer on a public right-of-way which has attached thereto, or located thereon, any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property or any other premises. This provision is not to be construed as prohibiting the identification of a firm or its principal products on a vehicle operating during normal course of business. Franchised buses or taxis are exempt from this chapter. “Animated sign” means any sign which includes action or motion or the optical illusion of action or motion, or color changes of all or any part of the sign facing, requiring electrical energy, or set in motion by movement of the atmosphere. Excluded from the definition are public service signs, changing message center signs, searchlights and flags. “Awning” means a shelter supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building. “Bulletin board (reader board)” means a sign so designed that the message may be changed by removal or addition of specially designed letters that attach to the face of the sign. “Changing message center signs” means an electronically or electrically controlled sign where different automatic changing messages are shown on the same lamp bank. “Construction sign” means any sign used to identify the architects, engineers, contractors or other individuals or firms involved with the construction of a building and announce the character of the building or the purpose for which the building is intended. “Flashing sign” means any sign which contains an intermittent or flashing light source or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light by means of animation or an externally mounted intermittent light source. Excluded from the definition are public service and changing message center signs. “Freestanding sign” means any sign which is supported by one or more uprights, poles or braces in or upon the ground. “Garage sale signs” (i.e., yard sales, moving sales, patio sales) means temporary signs used to announce a sale of used items. “Grade” means the elevation or level of the street closest to the sign to which reference is made, as measured at the street’s centerline, or the relative ground level in the immediate vicinity of the sign. Page 2 of 15Document 02/16/2011http://nt5.scbbs.com/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=262969&infobase=yel... “Grand opening displays” means temporary signs, posters, banners, strings of lights, clusters of flags, balloons and searchlights used to announce the opening of a completely new enterprise or the opening of an enterprise under new management. “Height” or “height of sign” means the vertical distance from the grade to the highest point of a sign or any vertical projection thereof, including its supporting columns. “Landscaping” means any material used as a decorative feature, such as shrubbery or planting materials, planter boxes, concrete bases, brick work, decorative framing or pole covers, used in conjunction with a sign which expresses the theme of the sign and related structure but does not contain advertising copy. “Legal nonconforming sign” means a sign which: 1.On the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter was lawfully maintained and had been lawfully erected in accordance with the provisions of any prior sign ordinance or code but which sign does not conform to the applicable limitations established by this chapter; or 2.On or after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter was lawfully maintained and erected in accordance with the provisions of this chapter but which sign, by reason of amendment of the ordinance codified in this chapter after the effective date thereof, does not conform to the applicable limitations established by the amendment of this chapter. "Major subdivision" means a subdivision with 25 or more lots required to have a connection to a neighborhood connector pursuant to YMC 16.16.060. “Mansard roof” means a sloped roof or roof-like facade architecturally able to be treated as a building wall. “Marquee” means a permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the building and projecting over public property. “Marquee sign” means any sign attached to or supported by a marquee. “Monument sign” means a ground-mounted sign which is higher than three feet above the average ground elevation and which is attached to the ground by means of a wide base of solid appearance. “Multiple-building complex” means a group of structures housing at least one retail business, office, commercial venture or independent or separate part of a business which shares the access and/or parking facilities. “Multiple-occupancy building” means a single structure housing more than one retail business, office or commercial venture. “Political sign” means a sign advertising a candidate or candidates for public elective office, or a political party, or signs urging a particular vote on a public issue decided by ballot. “Portable (mobile) sign” means a sign made of any material, which by its design, is readily movable and is equipped with wheels, casters or rollers or which is not permanently affixed to the ground, structure or building. (Also includes sidewalks or sandwich board signs, and signs mounted upon the tops of vehicles.) “Projecting sign” means a sign other than a flat wall sign, which is attached to and projects from a building wall or other structure not specifically designed to support the sign. Page 3 of 15Document 02/16/2011http://nt5.scbbs.com/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=262969&infobase=yel... “Public service signs” means an electronically or electrically controlled public service sign or portion of a larger sign which conveys only information such as time, date, temperature, atmospheric condition or general news information where different alternating copy changes are shown on the same lamp bank matrix. “Real estate or property for sale, rental or lease sign” means any sign pertaining to the sale, lease or rental of land or buildings. "Residential directional open house sign" means any sign meeting the definition of sandwich board signs with a sign face not greater than six feet square. “Roof sign” means any sign erected upon, against or directly above a roof or on top of or above the parapet of a building. "Sandwich board sign" means any sign on a self-supporting A-frame, not requiring attachment or ground penetration for any means of support. “Searchlight” means an apparatus containing an electric light and reflector on a swivel for projecting a far-reaching beam in any desired direction. Shopping Center. See “Multiple-building complex” above. “Sign” means any commercial communication device, structure or fixture that is extended to aid an establishment in identification and to advertise and/or promote a business, service, activity or interest. For the purpose of this chapter, a sign shall not be considered to be building or structural design, but shall be restricted solely to graphics, symbols or written copy that is meant to be used in the aforementioned way. “Sign area” means the entire area of a sign on which copy is to be placed. Only one side of a double- faced sign shall be included. The area of painted signs, individual letter signs, and other indirectly illuminated signs shall be calculated on the basis of the smallest rectangle, circle or spherical figure that will enclose the entire copy area of the sign. Any such calculation shall include the areas between letters and lines, as well as the areas of any devices, illuminated or nonilluminated, which are intended to attract attention. “Special event signs” means temporary signs used to announce a circus, a carnival, festivals, business activities or other similar events. “Structural alteration” means any action that changes the height, size, or shape of the sign or any action that affects the base or support(s) of the sign. “Temporary sign” means any sign, banner, pennant, valance, flags (not intended to include flags of any nation, state, city or other governmental agency, or nonprofit organization), searchlights, balloons or other air- or gas-filled figures or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other light materials, with or without frame, intended to be displayed for a limited period of time only. Different types of temporary signs included in this category are construction, grand opening displays, real estate, special event, political and garage sale. “Wall” means any member or group of members, which defines the exterior boundaries of a building and which has a slope of 60 degrees or greater with the horizontal plane. The height of a wall shall be measured as the two-dimensional height from the average finish grade of the particular architectural building elevation adjacent to the wall to the finish roof plane. Page 4 of 15Document 02/16/2011http://nt5.scbbs.com/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=262969&infobase=yel... "Wall sign" means any sign attached to or painted directly on the wall or erected against the wall of a building being parallel or approximately parallel to said wall; and does not exceed a distance of 15 inches from said wall. (Ord. 900 § 1, 2008; Ord. 812 § 2, 2004; Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.030 Permits and fees required. No sign permit shall be issued unless the sign installer has a valid Washington State contractor’s license; provided, however, an applicant may obtain a permit to install a sign on their own property without a state license. (Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.040 Permit – Requirements. No sign governed by the provisions of this code shall be erected, structurally altered or relocated by any person, firm or corporation after the date of adoption of this code without a permit issued by the city (with the exceptions as noted). No new permit is required for signs which have permits and which conform with the requirements of this code on the date of its adoption unless and until the sign is structurally altered or relocated. (Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.050 Permit – Applications. A.All signs regulated by this chapter shall require issuance of a sign permit by the administrator; provided, that real estate signs, political signs, and garage sale signs which meet the provisions of this chapter do not require issuance of a sign permit. B.Applications for permits shall contain the name and address of the owner and user of the sign, the name and address of the owner of the property on which the sign is to be located, the location of the sign structure, drawings or photographs showing the design and dimensions of the sign and details of its proposed placement and such other pertinent information as the administrator may require. C.Sign permits shall be issued no later than two weeks from the date of a complete application. (Ord. 812 § 3, 2004; Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.060 Fee schedule. Fees for sign permits shall be established by resolution of the city council. (Ord. 812 § 4, 2004; Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.070 Exemptions. The following signs do not require a sign permit, nor shall the area and number of such signs be included in the area and number of signs permitted for any site or use. This shall not be construed as relieving the owner of the sign from the responsibility of its erection and maintenance and its compliance with the provisions of this chapter or any other law or ordinance. A.The flag, emblem or insignia of a nation or other governmental unit or nonprofit organization, subject to the guidelines concerning its use set forth by the government or organization which it represents. B.Memorial signs or tablets, names of building, stained glass windows and dates of erection when cut into the surface or the facade of the building or when projecting not more than two inches. C.Traffic or other municipal signs, signs required by law or emergency, railroad crossing signs, legal notices, and any temporary or nonadvertising signs as may be authorized by the city council. D.Signs of public utility companies indicating danger or which serve as an aid to public safety or which show the location of underground facilities or of public telephones. Page 5 of 15Document 02/16/2011http://nt5.scbbs.com/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=262969&infobase=yel... E.Flush-mounted wall signs, used to identify the name and address of the occupant for each dwelling, provided the sign does not exceed two square feet in sign area. F.Signs located in the interior of any building or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building or group of buildings, which signs are designed and located to be viewed exclusively by patrons of such use or uses. G.One bulletin board not over 50 square feet in sign area for each public, charitable or religious institution where the same are located on the premises of said institution. An off-site sandwich board sign may be used as a directional sign during regular scheduled meetings or services. All other signs shall be subject to special events, YMC 15.24.090(C). H.Decorations. Such signs in the nature of decoration, clearly incidental and customary and commonly associated with any national, local or religious holiday. I.Painting, repainting or cleaning of an advertising structure or the changing of the advertising copy or message thereon shall not be considered an erection or alteration which requires a sign permit unless a structural change is made. J.Sculptures, fountains, mosaics and design features which do not incorporate advertising or identification. K."No trespassing," "no dumping," "no parking," "private," signs identifying essential public needs such as restrooms, entrance, exit, and telephone and other informational warning signs which do not exceed two square feet in surface area. L.City directional locator signs. (Ord. 900 § 2, 2008; Ord. 812 § 5, 2004; Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.080 Prohibited signs. Prohibited signs are subject to removal (except legal nonconforming signs as defined by this chapter) by the city at the owner’s or user’s expense. The following signs or displays are prohibited: A.Roof signs; B.Animated signs; C.Flashing signs; D.Portable signs, except as provided under temporary signs; E.Advertising vehicles; F.Signs which purport to be, or are, an imitation of, or resemble an official traffic sign or signal, or which bear the words “stop,” “caution,” “danger,” “warning,” or similar words; G.Signs which, by reason of their size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination may be confused with or construed as a traffic control sign, signal or device, or the light of an emergency or radio equipment vehicle; or which obstruct the visibility of traffic or street sign or signal device; H.Signs which are located upon or projecting over public streets, sidewalks, or rights-of-way, except as provided for awnings and marquees in YMC 15.24.280; I.Signs attached to utility poles; J.Off-premises signs; K.Strings of banners, pennants, and other graffiti-like material. (Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.090 Temporary signs. The following signs are classified as temporary (nonpermanent). Temporary signs are permitted subject to the applicable limitations: A.Construction Signs. Such signs may be displayed only after a building permit is obtained and Page 6 of 15Document 02/16/2011http://nt5.scbbs.com/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=262969&infobase=yel... during the period of construction on the construction site. Only one such sign is permitted per construction project for each public street upon which the project fronts. The applicable limits are as follows: 1.In all zones other than single-family residential zones, no construction sign shall exceed 32 square feet in sign area (printed copy on one side only) or 10 feet in height, nor be located closer than 10 feet from the property line or closer than 30 feet from the property line from the abutting owner. 2.In single-family residential zones, no construction sign shall exceed 32 square feet in sign area (printed copy on one side only) or 10 feet in height, nor be located closer than 10 feet from the property line of the abutting owner. B.Grand Opening Displays. Such temporary signs, posters, banners, strings of lights, clusters of flags, balloons or other air- or gas-filled figures, and searchlights are permitted on premises only and for a period of 14 days only to announce the opening of a completely new enterprise or the opening of an enterprise under new management. Square footage of allowable temporary sign area is provided in YMC 15.24.290. Sandwich board signs are permitted, provided each side does not exceed two and one- half feet by four feet. All such materials shall be removed immediately upon the expiration of 14 days. Search lights may be permitted by any business or enterprise, provided the beam of light does not flash against any building or does not sweep an arc of more than 45 degrees from vertical. C.Special Event Signs for Businesses and Organizations. Such temporary signs may be placed on premises only and shall not be larger than 20 square feet. Sandwich board signs are permitted, provided each side does not exceed two and one-half feet by four feet. Said signs shall not be posted or attached to telephone poles, power poles or other public utility facilities. Such signs may be permitted, on premises only and for a period of 14 days only. Special events are limited to four per year. The event committee for which the sign is displayed shall be responsible for its removal and subject to the penalties as provided in this code. Search lights may be permitted by any business or enterprise, provided the beam of light does not flash against any building or does not sweep an arc of more than 45 degrees from vertical. D.Real Estate Signs. All exterior real estate signs must be of wood or plastic or other durable material. The permitted signs, with applicable limits, are as follows: 1.Residential “for sale,” “open house” and “sold” signs: such signs shall be limited to one sign per street frontage not to exceed five square feet in sign area, placed wholly on the property for sale, and not to exceed a height of seven feet. 2.Residential directional “open house” signs advertising residential developments within the city of Yelm shall be permitted during daylight hours on weekends only and must be placed out of the way of pedestrian traffic. 3.Undeveloped commercial and industrial property “for sale or rent” signs: one sign per street frontage advertising undeveloped commercial and industrial property for sale or rent. The sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign area and 10 feet to top of sign. 4.Developed commercial and industrial property “for sale or rent” signs: one sign per street frontage advertising a commercial or industrial building for rent or sale is permitted while the building is actually for rent or sale. If one face of the building is less than 10 feet from the property line, the sign shall be placed on the building or in a window. The sign shall not exceed 10 feet to top of sign, if freestanding, shall be located more than 15 feet from any abutting property line and a public right-of-way line. Said sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign area. 5. Undeveloped residential property “for sale” signs: one on-premises sign per street frontage advertising undeveloped residential property for sale is permitted not exceeding 32 square feet in sign area. Said sign must be placed more than 30 feet from the abutting owner’s property line and may not exceed a height of 10 feet to top of sign. Page 7 of 15Document 02/16/2011http://nt5.scbbs.com/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=262969&infobase=yel... E.Political Signs. Political signs or posters shall not be larger than 10 square feet of sign area and shall not be posted or attached to telephone poles, power poles, or other public utility facilities. Such signs must be removed seven days after the election in which the candidate or issue advertised on a sign has been determined. The candidate or committee for which the sign is displayed shall be responsible for its removal and subject to the penalties as provided in this code. F.Garage Sale (Yard Sales, Moving Sales, Patio Sales). Such sign shall be limited to one sign on the premises. No such sign shall exceed four square feet in the sign area. The sign may be displayed only during the sale and must be removed the day the sale ends. The person or persons for which the sign is displayed shall be responsible for its removal and subject to the penalties as provided in this code. No individual shall be permitted to have more than two garage sales per calendar year and shall not exceed six combined days. G.Sandwich Board Signs. Businesses that cater to pedestrians such as restaurants, retail businesses that sell clothing, gifts, accessories, small markets, or other similar uses as determined by the administrator shall be allowed to have sandwich board signs. Such signs shall only be pedestrian- oriented in nature and businesses will only be allowed a maximum of one sandwich board sign. Sandwich board signs are subject to the following conditions: 1.Proof of liability insurance shall be furnished with the sign permit in the minimum aggregate sum of $500,000 and that the city of Yelm is named as an additional insured on such policy. 2.The area of the sandwich board shall not exceed six square feet per side in size and shall not be wider than two feet. 3.Sandwich boards shall be constructed out of materials able to withstand typical Northwest weather such as metal, finished wood, chalkboard, whiteboard, or plastic. Sandwich boards shall be maintained in a legible and intact manner. 4.Sandwich boards may only be displayed during business hours. If business hours continue past daylight hours, precautions should be taken to place the sign in a location where it is readily visible after dark. Sandwich boards shall not be wired for lighting. 5.Sandwich boards advertising businesses with buildings directly adjacent to a public sidewalk may be located in front of the building in which the business is located. 6.Sandwich boards advertising businesses in multiple-occupancy buildings may be located no further than 12 feet from the entrance of the business and must be located on a pedestrian pathway. 7.Sandwich boards shall not be placed in a location which is within the vision triangle or any location which will impede vehicular traffic. Further, such signs shall not be placed in a manner which will block or otherwise obstruct the safe use of sidewalks, building entrances or stairs by pedestrians, including pedestrians who are visually impaired or otherwise handicapped. H.Temporary Community Event Signs. Signs that promote a community event sanctioned by resolution of the city council and sponsored by a community-oriented nonprofit organization are allowed subject to the following conditions: 1.Each sign is no greater than two square feet in area. 2.The name, telephone number, and point of contact of the sponsoring organization is displayed on the sign in at least three-quarter inch letters on the face of the sign. 3.The signs are located entirely on private property outside the public right-of-way. 4.The signs may be placed no earlier than two weeks (14 calendar days) before the event. 5.All signs must be removed no later than two days after the event. (Ord. 812 § 6, 2004; Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). Page 8 of 15Document 02/16/2011http://nt5.scbbs.com/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=262969&infobase=yel... 15.24.100 Structural requirements. The structure and erection of signs or flag poles within the city shall be governed by the currently adopted building code. (Ord. 812 § 7, 2004; Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.110 Electrical requirements. Electrical requirements for signs within the city shall be regulated by the Department of Labor and Industries. (Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.120 Illumination. Illumination from or upon any sign shall be shaded, shielded, directed or reduced so as to avoid undue brightness, glare or reflection of light on private or public property in the surrounding area, and so as to avoid unreasonable distracting pedestrians or motorists. "Undue brightness" is illumination in excess of that which is reasonably necessary to make the sign reasonably visible to the average person on an adjacent street. (Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.130 Maintenance. All signs, including signs heretofore installed shall be constantly maintained in a state of security, safety, appearance and repair. If any sign is found not to be so maintained or is insecurely fastened or otherwise dangerous, it shall be the duty of the owner and/or occupant of the premises on which the sign is erected to repair or remove the sign within 15 days after receiving notice from the building official. The premises surrounding a freestanding sign shall be free and clear of rubbish and the landscaping area maintained in a tidy manner. (Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.140 Landscaping for freestanding and monument signs. All freestanding and monument signs shall include as part of their design landscaping about their base so as to improve the overall appearance of the installation. Landscaping areas shall consist of the following: 50 percent of the sign area of which 50 percent shrubs (minimum 50 percent flowering decorative shrubs), 50 percent groundcover, or cultivated flower beds (grass not allowed). (Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.150 Inspection. All sign users shall permit the periodic inspection of their sign by the city upon city request. (Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.160 More restrictive provision to apply. Whenever two provisions of this code overlap or conflict with regard to the size or placement of a sign, the more restrictive provision shall apply. For those buildings on the Yelm historic register, the historic name painted or affixed to the building shall not be included in the sign calculations. (Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.170 Buildings facing on two parallel streets or corner. A.Single- or multiple-occupancy buildings whose premises extend through a block to face onto parallel streets with customer entrances on each street are permitted signs per street frontage as per YMC 15.24.190; provided, however, that each sign is located on different street frontages and are separated more than 50 feet measured along the building frontage between the signs; provided, that if Page 9 of 15Document 02/16/2011http://nt5.scbbs.com/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=262969&infobase=yel... the building frontage is less than 50 feet, the signs shall be located no closer than the center point of each building face. B.Single- or multiple-occupancy buildings in the central business district which extend through a block to face onto an alley with a customer entrance are permitted 120 percent of the allowed sign area, per YMC 15.24.280, with a maximum 30 percent of area on the alley and a maximum 100 percent of area on the street frontage. C.Signage for buildings located on corner streets shall be permitted 150 percent of the allowed sign area, per YMC 15.24.280, with a maximum 100 percent of area on one street frontage. (Ord. 881 § 1, 2007; Ord. 812 § 8, 2004; Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.180 Signage on awnings and marquees. Signage will be allowed on awnings and marquees in commercial and industrial zones of the city. Such signage shall be limited to 30 percent coverage of the face of the marquee or one square foot for each lineal foot of the front of the marquee, whichever is less. The signage area shall be calculated on the basis of the smallest rectangle, circle or spherical figure that will enclose the entire copy area of the sign. Any such calculations shall include the areas between letters and lines as well as the areas of any devices which are intended to attract attention. Signage area shall be included in the overall calculation of total allowable for the building. (Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.190 District regulations. A.Size and Type. 1.Home Occupations. Home occupation signs relate to "home occupation" as defined in the zoning code. The sign shall be wall-mounted and shall not exceed four square feet in area, and cannot be internally illuminated, but may be indirectly illuminated. 2.Residential Subdivisions. Two signs identifying a subdivision may be permitted per entrance from an access street, provided said signs do not exceed 18 square feet in sign area each and five feet in height. Such signs can be monument, freestanding or fence-mounted. 3.Multifamily Complex. Each multifamily complex is permitted two signs per entrance from an access street identifying the complex, provided said signs do not exceed 18 square feet in sign area each and five feet in height. 4.Commercial, Industrial and Public Uses. a.Each single-occupancy building not in a multiple-building complex is permitted one monument or freestanding sign, per YMC 15.24.280 and one of any of the following signs: awning, marquee or wall, per YMC 15.24.280. b.Each multiple-occupancy building not in a multiple-building complex is permitted one monument or freestanding sign, plus one wall sign for primary exterior entrances as provided in YMC 15.24.280. c.Each building within a multiple-building complex is permitted one monument or freestanding sign per building, plus one wall sign for primary exterior entrances as provided in YMC 15.24.280. d.Each multiple-building complex is permitted two monument or freestanding signs per entrance per YMC 15.24.280. B.Location. Freestanding signs may be permitted anywhere on the premises except for within the sight triangle established by the Yelm building official. Monument signs can be located adjacent to property lines but not within the sight triangle established by the Yelm building official. Directory-type signs not to exceed six square feet in height are permitted only within multiple-building complexes such as business parks and governmental centers as an aid in client orientation. Page 10 of 15Document 02/16/2011http://nt5.scbbs.com/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=262969&infobase=yel... C.Wall Signs. The surface area of any building-mounted sign or canopy-mounted sign shall not exceed the figures derived from YMC 15.24.280. D.Illumination. Illumination, if used, shall be what is known as a white or yellow bulb and shall not be blinking, fluctuating or moving. Light rays shall shine only upon the sign or upon the property within the premises and shall not spill over the property lines, in any direction, except by indirect reflection. E.Corner Signs. Corner signs shall be permitted, subject to the following criteria: 1.If corner parcel with two street frontages and entrances on both streets and multibuilding complex, a monument sign placed at the corner of the property can be a two- or three-faced sign; or 2.If corner parcel with two street frontages and entrances on both streets and multibuilding complex, regular monument signs are permitted at each entrance. (Ord. 812 § 8, 2004; Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.195 Off-site banners. A.Banner installations shall be allowed at designated public areas as approved by the city. B.Written requests for the use of the banner locations shall be submitted to the community development department, using the form provided by the city. The request shall include pertinent information such as the nature of the event being advertised, the length of time the banner is to be hung, a description of the banner, who will install the banner, a contact person responsible for the banner and phone number of that person in case of emergency. C.Banners shall be used to advertise community interest events, and not for the advertising of the organization or its products. No requests shall be approved for banners advertising the following type of events: 1.Religious events; 2.Political events; 3.Commercial product sales or events. D.Installation of banners shall be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are limited to four events per year. Requests must be received three weeks prior to the date the banners will be installed. Banners shall be limited to a maximum time of two weeks beginning on a Monday. E.Community development staff will schedule the banner for the requested time providing there has not been prior written application for the same dates. F.Installation and removal of the banners shall be the sole responsibility of the applicant. Arrangements by the applicant must be made for the installation and removal of the banner by an installer approved by the city. G.Installation and removal of banners shall be coordinated with other applicants. H.Banners shall be no greater than 30 feet in width and no greater than three and one-half feet in height. The approved message shall appear on both sides of the banner. No greater than 15 percent of the sign area, per side, may include advertisement of the sign sponsor(s). I.Banners shall be designed and installed in accordance with guidelines prepared by the administrator. J.The applicant shall repair or remove their banner when notified by the administrator that the banner may pose a danger to public safety due to banner deterioration. If the applicant fails to remove the banner within five days, staff shall remove the banner or cause it to be removed, and will bill the applicant for the cost of removal. (Ord. 812 § 9, 2004; Ord. 626 § 1, 1998). 15.24.197 Community signs. Page 11 of 15Document 02/16/2011http://nt5.scbbs.com/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=262969&infobase=yel... A.Signs may be installed by the Yelm Chamber of Commerce on property owned by a civic organization or the city of Yelm or on property subject to an easement benefitting the Chamber of Commerce. The sign shall be limited to 12 square feet if a freestanding sign less than eight feet in height and 21 square feet if a monument sign. B.Signs located on the outfield fences of baseball fields owned and operated by civic organizations are allowed; provided, that such signs are primarily oriented towards the ballfield and are not intended to advertise off-site. C.City directional locator signs of a standard design and installed by the city of Yelm shall be allowed in the public street rights-of-way. Directional locator signs may be installed to direct traffic to: 1.Municipal buildings and services. 2.Community buildings and services. 3.Master planned communities or major subdivisions. (Ord. 900 § 3, 2008; Ord. 881 § 2, 2007; Ord. 812 § 10, 2004). 15.24.200 Variances. Variances from provisions of this chapter may be granted by the hearing examiner in accordance with Chapter 17.96 YMC. (Ord. 812 § 11, 2004; Ord. 754 § 5, 2002; Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.210 Legal nonconforming signs. A.Legal nonconforming signs are those signs which were lawful prior to the date of adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter, but which would be prohibited, regulated, or restricted under the terms of this chapter. 1.No such sign shall be changed in any manner that increases the noncompliance of such sign with the provisions of this chapter; 2.The burden of establishing a sign to be legally nonconforming under this section rests upon the person or persons, firm or corporation claiming nonconforming status for a sign; 3.A sign that is structurally altered must conform with all provisions of this chapter; 4.When a business or activity containing a legal nonconforming sign is enlarged or remodeled to a value of 60 percent or more of existing value of real property improvements, then such sign must be brought in conformity with all provisions of this chapter; 5.When a business or activity containing a legal nonconforming sign changes the sign face or name of the business, then such sign must be brought into conformance with all provisions of this chapter; B.Violation of the Chapter. Any violation of this chapter shall terminate the right to maintain a legal nonconforming sign. C.No persons shall maintain or permit to be maintained on any premises owned or controlled by him/her any sign which has been abandoned. D.The right to maintain any legal nonconforming sign shall terminate and shall cease to exist whenever the sign is: 1.Damaged or destroyed beyond 50 percent. The determination whether a sign is damaged or destroyed beyond 50 percent shall rest with the building official and shall be based upon the actual cost of replacing said sign; and/or 2.Structurally substandard under any applicable ordinance of the city to the extent that the sign becomes a hazard or danger. (Ord. 812 § 12, 2004; Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.220 Termination of signs. Page 12 of 15Document 02/16/2011http://nt5.scbbs.com/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=262969&infobase=yel... Repealed by Ord. 812. (Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.230 Administrator – Appointment – Powers and duties generally. The administrator is authorized to enforce and carry out all provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 812 § 14, 2004; Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.240 Administrator – Inspection authority. The administrator is empowered to enter or inspect any building, structure or premises in the city, upon which or in connection with which a sign, as defined by this code, is located, for the purpose of inspection of the sign, its structural and electrical connections and to ensure compliance with the provisions of this code. Such inspections shall be carried out during business hours unless an emergency exists. (Ord. 812 § 15, 2004; Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.250 Conflict and severability. If any provision of this code is found to be in conflict with any other provision of any zoning, building, fire, safety or health ordinance or code of the city, the provision which establishes the higher standard shall prevail. (Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.260 Violation – Penalty. Repealed by Ord. 874. (Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.270 Removal of unlawful signs. A.Any unlawful sign which has not been removed within 30 days after notice of violation may be removed by the city and the costs charged to the violator. If removal costs have not been paid and the sign reclaimed within 30 days of its removal by the city, the city may sell or otherwise dispose of the sign and apply the proceeds toward costs of removal. Any proceeds in excess of costs of removal shall be paid to the owner of the sign. B.Unlawful signs on public streets, sidewalks, rights-of-way, power poles, telephone poles, street signs, or other public property or which wheresoever located present an immediate and serious danger to the public because of their unsafe condition may be immediately removed by the administrator without prior notice. C.Any unlawful temporary or portable-type sign located on private property which has not been removed within 24 hours after notice of violation may be removed by the city. The sign may be reclaimed by the owner after a civil penalty of $100.00 has been paid. If the sign has not been reclaimed within 30 days of its removal by the city, the city may sell or otherwise dispose of the sign and apply the proceeds toward costs of the removal. Any proceeds in excess of costs of the removal shall be paid to the owner of the sign. D.The city or any of its agents shall not be liable for any damage to a sign when removed under this section. (Ord. 812 § 16, 2004; Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.280 Sign area – Square footage maximums. Bldg./Gross Floor Area Sign Height Sign Area (Per Side) Property Line Setback 5,000 sq. ft. or less FS – 8 ft. FS – 21 sq. ft. 5 ft. Page 13 of 15Document 02/16/2011http://nt5.scbbs.com/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=262969&infobase=yel... MS – 5 ft.MS – 42 sq. ft. 5,001 – 10,000 sq. ft.FS – 8 ft. MS – 5 ft. FS – 30 sq. ft. MS – 51 sq. ft. 5 ft. 10,001 – 35,000 sq. ft.FS – 10 ft. MS – 6 ft. FS – 36 sq. ft. MS – 51 sq. ft. 10 ft. 35,001 – 60,000 sq. ft.FS – 10 ft. MS – 6 ft. FS – 42 sq. ft. MS – 72 sq. ft. 10 ft. 60,001 – 75,000 sq. ft.FS – 15 ft. MS – 6 ft. FS – 75 sq. ft. MS – 90 sq. ft. 10 ft. 75,001 – 100,000 sq. ft. FS – 15 ft. MS – 6 ft. FS – 102 sq. ft. MS – 120 sq. ft. 15 ft. 100,000+ sq. ft.FS – 20 ft. MS – 6 ft. FS – 150 sq. ft. MS – 120 sq. ft. 15 ft. FS – Freestanding sign MS – Monument sign A.Flush-mounted wall signs: one square foot for each lineal foot of store (occupant) frontage (main point of entry). One identifier sign for businesses with a separate delivery access will be allowed, not to exceed two square feet. B.Marquee sign: one square foot for each lineal foot of the front of the marquee or 30 percent coverage of the face of the marquee, whichever is less. C.Awning: one square foot for each lineal foot of the front of the marquee or 30 percent coverage of the face of the marquee, whichever is less. D.Bonus Sign Area. Monument signs may be increased as follows: 1.Twenty percent when the sign for a multiple-occupancy building or multiple-building complex utilizes uniform coloring, material, and lettering for all establishments in the building or complex; 2.Ten percent when the sign is installed in a landscaped planter having an area four times the area of the sign. (Ord. 881 § 3, 2007; Ord. 812 § 17, 2004; Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 15.24.290 Grand opening/special event sign area. Bldg./Gross Floor Area Sign Area Property Line Setback 5,000 sq. ft. or less 16 sq. ft.5 ft. 5,001 – 10,000 sq. ft.20 sq. ft.5 ft. 10,001 – 35,000 sq. ft.25 sq. ft.10 ft. 35,001 – 60,000 sq. ft.30 sq. ft.10 ft. 60,001 – 75,000 sq. ft.40 sq. ft.10 ft. 75,001 – 100,000 sq. ft.50 sq. ft.15 ft. Page 14 of 15Document 02/16/2011http://nt5.scbbs.com/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=262969&infobase=yel... 100,000 + sq. ft.60 sq. ft.15 ft. (Ord. 576 § 1, 1996). 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