HomeMy WebLinkAbout111714_ra02Regular Agenda
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Philip Morley, County Administrator
FROM: Carl Smith, Director; Department of Community Development (DCD)
DATE: November 17, 2014
SUBJECT: Public hearing on proposed revisions to JCC 18.30.150- Signs
ATTACHMENTS: A) "Clean" version sign of the code and ordinance for adoption, without edit
marks showing, with proposed amendments recommended by the Planning
Commission and staff.
B) Sign code with proposed amendments recommended by staff with edit
marks showing.
C) Sign code with proposed amendments recommended by the Planning
Commission, with edits marks showing.
D) Findings and recommendation by the Planning Commission.
E) Public comments and response to public comments.
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
To hold a public hearing and potentially take action on proposed amendments to the County's sign
code, found at JCC 18.30.150. The public hearing was duly noticed in the County's newspaper of
record on November 5, 2014.
BACKGROUND:
Revisions to the County's sign regulations at JCC 18.30.150 have been needed since 2006, when a
citizen lawsuit was upheld by a Clallam County court decision that rendered a portion of the County's
sign code invalid. Work on revising the sign code has proceeded intermittently since then. The latest
sustained effort began in the fall of 2012. Since then the sign code has been addressed by the
Planning Commission and staff at 13 public meetings. Additionally, a Planning Commission public
hearing was conducted on May 7, 2014 and continued to June 18, 2014. One person made oral
comments at the public hearing and the same person made written comments. Following the close of
the public hearing on June 18, the Planning Commission voted 6 -0 to recommend certain sign code
revisions to the Board.
Subsequent to this action, staff from the Department of Community Development (DCD), Public
Works, and the Prosecutor's Office, and the County Administrator worked to develop certain proposed
additional amendments to the Planning Commission recommended draft. These revisions were
presented at the Board briefings of August 25, and October 20, 2014. These proposed amendments
are shown on Attachments B. The Planning Commission's recommended amendments are shown on
Attachment C.
Regular Agenda
ANALYSIS
The proposed amendments concern the following new or revised sections of the sign code: section 1:
purpose; section 2: applicability; section 3: definitions; section 4: exemptions; section 5: prohibited
signs; section 6: design standards; section 7: non - conforming signs; section 8: temporary signs;
section 9: signs along state highways; section 10: substitution.
The intention of the proposed amendments is stated in the new Section 1 "Purpose ":
"18.30.150 Signs
1) Purpose: These regulations are intended to balance the need to protect public safety and welfare, the
need for a well- maintained and attractive community, and the need for adequate methods of
communication through signs. Specific objectives are:
a. To allow for and encourage the effective use of signs;
b. To improve and maintain traffic and pedestrian safety by reducing distractions and hazards from
signs;
c. To maintain public and private property values, scenic resources and `rural character" in
accordance with the adopted comprehensive plan;
d. To ensure that the constitutionally guaranteed right of free expression is protected.
e. To disavow any regulatory distinctions or restrictions on speech based on the content of signs.
No part of this Section shall be construed to favor one type of speech over another and if any
provision of this Section is ambiguous, it shall be interpreted as to not regulate on the basis of
speech content."
Throughout the proposed amendments are provisions to protect constitutionally protected speech.
These provisions are identified in sections 18 and 19 of the proposed ordinance (Attachment A).
Other provisions will benefit sign users by providing for increased flexibility in the use of signs, a
greater number of signs that are exempt from a permit, an expanded allowance for signs in the public
right of way, (with specific limits for traffic safety and maintain aesthetics) and a limited allowance for
off -site commercial signs.
FISCAL IMPACT /COST- BENEFIT ANALYSIS:
There is no direct fiscal impact of conducting this public hearing or adopting amendments to the sign
code.
RECOMMENDATION:
Open the public hearing and receive public comment. Following the close of the public hearing,
discuss the proposed sign code amendments and take formal action on the proposed amendments.
REVIEWED BY:
*/.
Philip Morle4lunty
A
inistrator
Date
ATTACHMENT A
JEFFERSON COUNTY
STATE OF WASHINGTON
In the matter of amending the } Ordinance No.
Unified Development Code, JCC 18.30.150 }
Signs, to update certain provisions for clarity, }
effectiveness and provide for constitutionally }
protected speech }
WHEREAS, RCW Chapter 36.70A, et seq., also known as the Growth Management Act
( "GMA "), requires that counties planning under the GMA adopt development regulations
that are consistent with and implement their comprehensive plans; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners for Jefferson County, a municipal
corporation of the State of Washington, (hereinafter "the Board ") constitutes the legislative
body for Jefferson County; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson County adopted a GMA- derived Comprehensive Plan (CP) on
August 28, 1998 via Resolution No. 72 -98 and completed its required seven -year update
of said Comprehensive Plan via Ordinance No. 17- 1213 -04 on December 13, 2004; and
WHEREAS, the Unified Development Code (UDC) was originally adopted on December
18, 2000 as a development regulation required by the Growth Management Act (GMA), to
be effective January 16, 2001; and
WHEREAS, for proper citation in courts of law the UDC has been codified within the
Jefferson County Code (JCC) at Title 18; and
WHEREAS, the Board now amends Title 18 by the adoption of this ordinance and makes
the following findings of fact:
1. In September, 2006 a lawsuit was filed in Clallam County Superior Court by a
Jefferson County citizen challenging certain provisions of the sign ordinance,
codified as JCC 18.30.150 Signs. The Citizen's concerns centered on alleged
restrictions of free speech relating to political signs as outlined in JCC
18.30.150(2)(f).
2. In October of 2006, the Clallam County Superior Court issued an injunction
preventing Jefferson County from enforcing section 18.30.150(2)(f) of the Jefferson
County Code which currently states, 'Personal signs on private property displaying
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting 11/1212014 Page 1 of 44
personal messages such as "yard sale" or "no trespassing" or political signs not to
exceed eight square feet."
On April 23, 2008, staff of the Department of Community Development (DCD)
transmitted a staff report to the Planning Commission with recommendations for
revising the sign code.
4. On May 8, 2008, The Planning Commission held a public hearing on proposed amendments
to the sign code. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission voted to
recommend to the Board, certain amendments to the sign code. The vote for amendments
was not unanimous and a "minority report" was submitted to the Board, dated May 15,
2008.
5. On May 27, 2008, the proposed amendments voted for by the Planning Commission
majority were transmitted to the Board.
6. On June 16, 2008, the Board held a public hearing on the proposed sign code amendments.
Following the public hearing, the Board voted to remand the sign code back to staff and the
Planning Commission for additional work.
7. DCD sustained staffing losses as a result of the general economic recession that began in
2008, including a 20% reduction in their work week and permanent loss of positions, such
that for several years after 2008 staff resources were not available to devote to the sign code.
8. On May 21, 2012, the Board voted to put review and revision of the sign code on the
DCD's annual workplan for 2012. $10,000 was allocated from the County general
fund to retain professional services for this work.
9. Following the Board action of May 21, 2012, DCD staff continued work on the sign
code, under the permit application number: MLA12 -226, with the intention to
improve the code to be constitutionally defensible and to add additional clarifying
provisions.
10. To select a consultant, an informal "request for proposal" process was issued to three
firms selected from the County's small works roster. The selected consultant was
Aaland Planning Services. A contract with this firm was signed on August 13, 2012.
11. Following execution of the consultant contract, DCD staff worked with the
consultant to prepare proposed revisions to the sign code.
12. On November 27, 2012, proposed revisions to the sign code were the subject of a
public hearing before the Planning Commission. At the public hearing, public
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comments were received. The Planning Commission discussion at the hearing raised
certain questions and the Commission requested additional information, and did not
take a vote on the proposed sign code amendments.
13. In response to the comments and questions at the November 27, 2012 public hearing,
the consultant prepared a memo of issues dated December 31, 2012. This concluded
the consultant's work on the sign code.
14. DCD staff continued to work on potential revisions to the sign code with the
Planning Commission at the regular Planning Commission meetings of February 6,
March 6, May 1, June 6, July 17, August 7, October 2, November 6, and December
6, 2013; and at the regular meetings of January 15, and February 19, 2014. At the
meeting of February 19, the Planning Commission reached consensus on a draft sign
code to present for public hearing.
15. The SEPA Responsible Official for Jefferson County determined that existing
environmental documents provide adequate environmental review to satisfy the
requirements of WAC 197 -11 -600. This conclusion was memorialized via issuance of
a Determination of Non - Significance (DNS) on April 16, 2014.
16. The public hearing was duly noticed and conducted on May 7, 2014. One person
made verbal comments. In order to address those comments, the public hearing was
held open until a future date. Following the public hearing, one written comment
was received.
17. The time and date of the continuation of the public hearing was publically noticed
again and the continued public hearing conducted on June 18, 2014. There were no
additional oral or written comments. After closing of the public hearing, and
discussion, the Planning Commission voted 6 -0 to accept findings and conclusions
and recommend the sign code revisions to the Board.
18. Sign regulations, including the so- called "time, place and manner" regulations have
been consistently upheld by courts if certain requirements are met. For sign
regulations to be upheld as constitutional, court cases have tested them against the
following principles: they need to be (1) justified without reference to the content of
the regulated speech; (2) narrowly tailored to serve a significant government interest;
and (3) leave open ample alternative channels for communication of information.
19. Examples of how the proposed revised sign code satisfies this three -part test include:
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting 11/12/2014 Page of 44
a. The proposed sign code avoids content -based references, by removing any
connection between a particular category of sign and a size limit on that
sign category. Specifically any size limit for a sign will be based solely
upon design standards imposed by this sign code rather than the content of
a particular sign. Section 6.
b. Personal signs on private property, such as "yard sale," "no trespassing" or
those containing a political message no longer will have a size limit
specific to that content. Those specific types of signs have been deleted
from the sign code in favor of a more general category of exempt signs:
"noncommercial signs on private property." Section 4(f).
C. The design standards of the sign code rather than the content of the sign,
will determine the maximum size allowed for a particular sign. Section 6.
d. Definitions have been added to the sign code in Section 3 so as to give
precision to the regulators to know and understand what is or is not being
regulated and which rules apply, thus furthering the "narrow tailoring" of
this sign code to serve the significant governmental interests listed in
Section 1 and to also help prevent and prohibit arbitrary and capricious
implementation of this code by the regulators. Section 3.
e. By regulating the number, size and location of signs, this code serves
numerous significant governmental interests as laid out in Section 1 of the
code, among them, to improve and maintain vehicle and pedestrian traffic
safety by removing distractions and hazards that might arise from signs, to
maintain, where applicable, the rural character of Jefferson County, to
maintain the value of public and private property and to ensure free speech
is protected. Section 1.
f. The proposed sign code provides "ample alternative channels for
communication of information." Examples include:
A greater number of types of non - prohibited signs are exempt from
applying for and receiving a sign permit, although they must still
comply with other applicable provisions of the code. Section (2).
A greater number of types of moving signs are allowed. Section 5(c).
A new limited allowance for off -site signs is provided. Section 5(d).
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o Signs placed on utility poles are allowed, with permission of the
utility. Section 5(g)
o Certain signs may be placed in the public rights of way. Section 5(h).
o A new allowance for 'substitution ", whereby non - commercial signs
can be substituted for any commercial or other sign allowed by the
code. Section 10.
o Both the number of signs, and the size of signs may be increased, upon
a decision of the sign code Administrator that the increased size or
number will meet criteria set out in the "purpose" section. Section 1.
o Temporary signs are allowed in the public right of way.
20. The proposed sign code is consistent with the following sections of the County's
Comprehensive Plan:
Land Use and Rural Element:
Goal: LNG 4.0: Establish and maintain the size and configuration of the County's
Rural Village Centers and provide for the development of appropriately scaled
commercial uses.
Policy LNG 4.2: Encourage a variety of commercial, retail, professional, tourist -
related, community service, cottage industry, and residential uses, including
duplexes, triplexes and assisted living facilities, within the designated boundaries of
Rural Village Centers (RVC) at a scale appropriate to protect the rural character of
the natural neighborhood.
Policy LNG 4.6: Ensure visual compatibility of Rural Village Center commercial
infill development with the surrounding rural area, through the creation and
implementation of community based "rural character" design and development
standards. Uses within Rural Village Centers shall be scaled and sized to preserve
the natural character of the neighborhood.
Comprehensive Plan Appendix C — community involvement (excerpt)
Rural Aesthetics: Preserving views of natural beauty is key to maintaining rural
character. Development activities should at the least be buffered from view to
provide visual relief.
Rural Character: The size and scope of commercial developments should be
consistent with the small town, rural and agricultural character.
RCW 36.70A030(14) GMA definition of rural character (excemt):
"...rural character refers to the patterns of land use and development established by a
county in the rural element of its comprehensive plan:"
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a) In which open space, the natural landscape, and vegetation predominate over the
built environment.'....
21. Numerous federal and state cases have discussed the parameters of how local
governments may regulate the time, place and manner of the expression of
protected free speech. These cases (and the summaries of their holdings) assisted
the County in formulating this sign code:
a. Metromedia. 453 U.S. at 507 -08. and 511 -12. U.S. Supreme Court.
Regulating the size, height and location of signs is constitutional for
promoting traffic safety and community aesthetics. For the same reasons,
Billboards may be banned.
b. Collier vs. the City of Tacoma, 854 P2nd. 1046 (Washington 1993).
Time limits on political signs are permissible to advance aesthetic
interests.
C. National Advertising CO. v. Citv of Denver, 912 F.2' 405 (10`h Circuit
Court
Off premise signs may be banned.
d. Hill v. Colorado. 530 U.S. 703. 719 -21 (2000) U.S. Supreme Court.
A sign code is not content -based simply because an official must review
the content of the sign to determine which provisions of the code apply.
e. TWavers v. Vincent, U.S. Supreme Court.
Signs are content based if speech is regulated to favor some speech or
viewpoints at the expense of others.
G.K. Travel v. Citv of Lake Oswego, 436 F. 3d 1064 (9`h Circuit Court)
2006.
Exemptions from code requirements for certain categories of signs (for
instance public signs, legal notices, hospitals, etc) are not content- based,
and instead are based on certain types of speakers, and not the speech.
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g. Linmark Associates Inc., v. Township of Willingboro. 431 U.S. 85 (1977)
U.S. Supreme Court
Local government may not prohibit temporary real estate signs in
residential areas as it unduly restricts the flow of information.
h. South Suburban Housing Center v. Greater South Suburban Bd. of
Realtors. 935 F.2nd 868 (7' Circuit Court) 1991.
Restrictions on the size, placement and number of realty signs were upheld
to protect aesthetics of community.
22. The Board concurs with the Planning Commission recommendations. including
certain revisions as proposed by staff since the Planning Commission made its
recommendation, and finds that MLA12 -226 (sign code amendments) is consistent
with the Growth Management Act, the County Comprehensive Plan, County -wide
planning policies. However, since proposed revisions to the sign code have been
made by staff since the planning Commission Public hearing, without public input,
the Board finds that an additional public hearing is warranted and such public
hearing has been conducted prior to adoption of this Ordinance.
23. Adoption of this sign code by the Jefferson County Board furthers and promotes
the health, welfare and general safety of the citizens of this county and is hereby
enacted pursuant to the general police power granted by the State Constitution to
all local governments.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of County Commissioners for Jefferson County,
Washington, in regular session assembled, does hereby ordain as follows:
Section One: Jefferson County Code ( "JCC ") Section 18.30.150 is hereby repealed in its
entirety and replaced with a new Section 18.30.150, which is made Attachment "A" to
this Ordinance.
Section Two: If any portion of the new text of JCC 18.30.150 is held to be
unconstitutional or otherwise unlawful by a court of competent jurisdiction, the
remainder of JCC 18.30.150, as adopted here or as hereafter amended, shall remain valid
and in full force and effect.
Section Three: This Ordinance shall become effective upon adoption.
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Approved and signed this
Seal:
Attest:
Erin Lundgren
Clerk of the Board
Approved as to Form Only:
David Alvarez
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Page 8
day of November, 2014.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
John Austin, Chairman
Phil Johnson, Member
David Sullivan, Member
Board of County Commissioners Meeting 11/1212014 Page of 44
Attachment A
18.30.150 Signs.
1) Purpose: These regulations are intended to balance the need to protect public safety and
welfare, the need for a well- maintained and attractive community, and the need for adequate
methods of communication through signs. Specific objectives are:
a. To allow for and encourage the effective use of signs;
b. To improve and maintain traffic and pedestrian safety by reducing distractions and
hazards from signs;
c. To maintain public and private property values, scenic resources and 'rural character'
in accordance with the adopted comprehensive plan;
d. To ensure that the constitutionally guaranteed right of free expression is protected.
e. To disavow any regulatory distinctions or restrictions on speech based on the content
of signs. No part of this Section shall be construed to favor one type of speech over
another and if any provision of this Section is ambiguous, it shall be interpreted as to
not regulate on the basis of speech content.
2) Applicability: No sign shall hereafter be erected or used for any purpose or in any manner
except as permitted by the regulations of this Section or as specified elsewhere in this code. All
non - exempt signs shall be subject to review and approval and may require issuance of a sign
permit and or a building permit by the Administrator according to a Type I permit approval
process as specified in Chapter 18.40 JCC.
3) Definitions:
a ) "Abatement' means to repair, fix, rebuild, demolish and or remove any sign or sign structure to
remove any feature that is non - compliant with this Section.
b) "Abandoned sign" means any sign that, for a period of more than six (6) months, no longer
correctly identifies, exhorts, or advertises any person, business, product, event or activity
conducted or available on or off the premises on which the sign is located.
c) "Administrator" means the Planning Manager of the Jefferson County Department of
Community Development or his /her designee.
d) 'Banner Sign" means a temporary sign composed of lightweight, flexible, non -rigid material
either enclosed or not enclosed in a rigid frame.
e) 'Billboard sign" means any outdoor sign containing advertising which is not related to any use
or activity on the premises on which the sign is located, but not including directional signs as
defined in this title.
f) "Commercial sign" means signs that exhort a viewer to patronize a business.
g) "Community signs" mean signs which identify a recognized community or unincorporated
place.
Board of County Commissioners Meeting 1111212014 Page 9 of 44
h) "Directional sign" means a sign which serves solely to designate the location of any place, area,
organization, or businesses, whether on premises or off - premises.
i) "Changing message sign" means a type of "moving sign ", where only the display of words,
symbols, graphics or images can be electronically or mechanically changed by remote or
automatic means, and where the image and /or message remains fixed for at least 3 seconds,
and where only the changing message exhibits movement and where the brightness or
illuminance of the sign does not exceed 0.3 foot - candles above ambient light as measured
during the night between the hours of 10:00pm to 2:OOam using a foot - candle meter at a preset
distance depending on sign size. The measuring distance in feet shall be determined by the
product of the square root of the sign area and one hundred In addition, illuminated moving
signs with changing messages shall be equipped with automatic dimming technology which
automatically adjusts brightness due to ambient light conditions.
j) ) "Event signs' means signs and banners promoting public festivals, community or special
events, and grand openings.
k) "Foot- candle" means a unit of luminance or illumination, equal to one lumen incident per
square foot.
1) "Freestanding sign" means a sign which is supported by one or more permanent uprights, pole
or braces to the ground and which is not connected to a building. Freestanding signs include
"monument signs', meaning a sign attached to a solid base measuring 50% or more of the total
sign width and which connects the sign to the ground.
m) "Governmental sign" means a sign installed or placed by any political subdivision, municipal
corporation orjunior taxing district of the State or any entity having taxing authority granted to it
by state statute.
n) "Hand held sign" means a sign held or worn by a person.
o) "Moving sign" means signage that exhibits movement, including inflatable structures, fluttering
material, revolving or moving parts or lights to provide motion or the optical illusion of motion,
animation or changing images. Moving signs may employ one or more of the following
methods to provide motion or the illusion of motion: (a) naturally occurring energy, such as the
wind; (b) electrical energy, (c) mechanical energy, or (d) human power.
p) "Nonconforming sign" means any sign in existence within the County on the date of adoption of
the ordinance coded in this chapter which does not conform with the provisions of this
chapter, but which did conform to all applicable laws in effect on the date the sign was originally
erected.
q) "Noncommercial signs" means signs that do not exhort a viewerto patronize a business,
including, but not limited to, political signs as that term is defined in this section.
r) "On -site sign" means a sign relating, through its message and content, to an activity, use,
product, or service which is available on the premises on which the sign is erected.
Board of County Commissioners Meeting 11/12/2014 Page 10 of 44
s) "Off -site sign" means a sign relating, through its message and content, to an activity, use,
product, or service which is not available on the premises on which the sign is erected.
t) "Political sign" means any sign which serves to influence, is intended to influence, or appears to
be the type of sign which is commonly erected to influence the results of an election or ballot
proposition.
u) "Portable sign" means any sign which is not permanently affixed to the ground or a structure or
building. This definition includes movable reader boards, banners and sandwich boards that are
placed so as to be seen from private property or public right -of -ways.
v) "Projection sign" means a sign that is wholly or partly dependent upon a building for support and
which projects more than 12 inches from such building.
w) "Real estate sign" means a temporary sign which directs attention to the sale, lease, or rental of
a particular building, property, or premises, whether located at the premises to be sold, leased
or rented or not.
x) "Roof base" means the point at which the walls of a building meet the roof structure, excluding
any eves, parapets, cupolas, chimneys, towers, other projections, and any roof height caused
by the pitch of a roof.
y) "Sandwich board sign ": See "portable signs ".
z) "Sign" means any object, device, display or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors which is
used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution,
organization, business, product, service, event or location by any means, including words,
letters, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images. Excluded
from this definition are signs required by law, such as handicapped parking signs, and the flags
of national and state governments.
aa) "Subdivision real estate sign" means a temporary sign which directs attention to the sale,
lease or rental of more than one lot, house or premise within a subdivision.
bb) "Temporary sign" means a sign associated with a particular short term event or activity, such
as but not limited to; community festival, parade, grand opening, garage or rummage sale,
political campaign and real estate signs; which are to be removed within 10 days of when the
event or activity ends. For political signs, as that term is defined in this section, Election Day
shall be considered the measuring event. Temporary signs are limited to a maximum time of
not more than 180 days in any one calendar year, unless otherwise noted.
cc) "Wayfinding signs" means, upon its establishment by the County, a program of uniform signs
that are designed, installed and maintained by the County intended to assist the public in
finding goods, services, events and places. Private or publicentities may be approved to locate
their messages on the Wayfinding signs, upon payment of a fee intended to defray the cost of
the program.
dd) "Use" means the purpose that land or building orstructures now serve or for which they are or
may be occupied, maintained, arranged, designed, or intended.
Board of County Commissioners Meeting 11/12/2014 Page 11 of 44
4) Exemptions: The following signs are exempt from the requirements to apply for and receive a
land use sign permit or building permit; provided that exempt signs must meet all other applicable
requirements of Section 18.30.150, and any other applicable requirements of JCC 18.
a) Traffic and standardized public signs installed by a government entity;
b) Window and merchandise displays, point of purchase advertising displays such as product
dispensers, illuminated displays located inside buildings and barber poles;
c) National flags, flags of a political subdivision, and symbolic flags of an institution or business;
d) Legal notices required by law;
e) Historic site plaques and markers and gravestones;
f) Noncommercial signs on private property;
g) Structures with messages or lettering affixed and intended for separate use, such as recycling
containers and phone booths;
h) Real estate signs;
i) Signage of any kind affixed to any licensed motorized vehicle.
j) Seasonal displays or decorations, which are clearly incidental and customary and commonly
associated with any national or local event, occasion or holiday or religious or cultural observance.
k) Murals or signs consisting solely of paint or other colored media that is applied on existing
structures.
1) Portable signs.
m) Temporary signs.
5) Prohibited Signs. The following signs are prohibited:
a) Abandoned signs;
b) Billboard signs;
c) Moving signs, excepting signs where the movement is induced entirely by naturally occurring
causes, such as the wind or human power and also excepting signs that display changing
messages may be allowed pursuant to Section 18.30.150(6)(c).
d) Off -site signs which advertise a business; except as provided in Section 18.30.150(6)(m).
e) Signs or sign structures, which by coloring, shape, working, or location resemble or conflict with
traffic - control signs or devices;
f) Signs which impede or create a safety hazard for pedestrians or vehicular traffic; and
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g) Signs attached to utility poles or traffic signs, except with the permission of the utility or agency.
h) Signs shall not be placed in the public right -of -way, except for governmental signs, portable
signs and temporary signs as defined in Section 18.30.150(3) and as further regulated in Section
18.30.150(6) and 18.30.150(8).
i) Signs that are not in compliance with Section 18.30.150.
6) Design Standards. All signs must meet the following standards:
a) The illumination of signs shall be shaded, shielded, or directed so the light intensity or
brightness shall not adversely affect surrounding properties or public and private rights -of -way
or create a hazard or nuisance to the traveling public, or to surrounding properties.
b) No sign or part thereof shall consist of rotating, revolving, or moving parts; consist of banners,
streamers, or spinners; or involve flashing, blinking, or alternating lights, provided that
exceptions to this standard are temporary signs associated with local festivals, fairs, parades,
or special events pursuant to Section 18.30.150(8)(b); moving signs where the movement is
induced wholly by naturally occurring causes, such as wind or human power; and changing
message signs allowed pursuantto Section 18.30.150(6)(c).
c) Changing message signs are allowed only in rural commercial and rural industrial zones and
must be directed away from adjacent property zoned residential or open space, including
properties across a public right -of -way. No changing message sign may be located closer than
200 feet from property zoned residential or open space, as measured from the sign location to
the nearest property line of the residential or open space zoned property. Only one changing
message sign is allowed per property. Multitenant buildings on a single property are permitted a
single electronic changing message sign. Changing message sign displays must be turned off
between the hours of 10:00pm and 6:00am when located within 300 feet of a residentially
zoned property. All new applications for changing message signs must be certified in writing by
the sign manufacturer or installer to meet the illumination requirements of Section
18.30.150(3)(i). All existing changing message signs that are non - conforming with this Section
in regards to brightness and motion must be brought into conformance with the brightness and
hours of operation standards within five years of adoption of this code.
d) For any uses within any rural commercial, rural industrial, resource, public or UGA land use
district, the total square footage of signs shall not exceed 64 square feet; provided that any sign
size may be increased up to 50% larger than the standard size, upon approval of the
Administrator, based on a finding that the larger sign size is consistent with the provisions of
Section 18.30.150(1). Multitenant developments may have one freestanding sign for each
access point, commonly identifying the businesses within multitenant developments provided
such signs total no more than 64 square feet in aggregate. The maximum aggregate size for
projection signs placed on a building is limited to one percent of the floor areas of the building,
except that each occupant is allowed a sign of at least two square feet. In no case may an
individual occupant's sign be larger than 15 square feet. The size of signs in square footage
shall be calculated by the outside dimensions necessary to frame the information displayed.
Any sign projecting beyond six inches from a perpendicular wall shall be at least eight feet
above grade as measured from the ground to the bottom of the sign.
e) Signs for any use located in any rural residential district shall not exceed 32 square feet of total
sign area, with the exception of government signs, including community signs, which shall not
exceed 64 square feet; provided that, any sign size may be increased up to 50% larger than the
Board of County Commissioners Meeting 1111212014 Page 73 of 44
standard size, upon approval of the Administrator, based on a finding that the larger sign size is
consistent with the provisions of Section 18.30.150(1).
f) Uses located in any rural commercial, rural industrial, resource, public or UGA land use
districts shall have no more than two on -site signs, except as allowed in this Section for
multitenant developments; provided that the number of signs may be increased upon approval
of the Administrator, based on a finding that the increased number of signs is consistent with
provisions of Section 18.30.150(1). In no event shall the number of signs that maybe added
by the Administrator for a particular parcel exceed the lesser of four (4) signs OR the least
number of additional signs that would equal or exceed one hundred percent (100 %) of the
signs that may be lawfully placed at that parcel prior to the Administrator authorizing for the
first time any additional signs. While an applicant may make more than one request for bonus
signs, the maximum number of bonus signs available for authorization at a particular parcel
shall never exceed four (4) in addition to those lawfully allowed before the Administrator
authorized any bonus signs at that parcel.
g) All signs shall be maintained to be structurally sound, so as to not present a public hazard.
Pursuant to Section 18.30.150(5)(f), signs that present a public hazard are prohibited and shall
be subject to abatement.
h) The design of freestanding signs shall include measures to restrict vehicles from passing
beneath them. All freestanding pole signs or projecting signs shall provide pedestrian
clearance to a minimum of eight feet, as measured from the ground to the bottom of the sign,
where applicable.
i) No signs located on property immediately adjacent to bodies of water, other than those related
to water dependent uses, such as a marina, or noncommercial signs on private property, are
permitted to face waterward, excepting governmental signs and signs relating to safety
concerns, such as cable - crossing, construction- dredging, fuel area, etc.
j) No sign shall be placed in away as to obstruct a driver's vision of motor vehicle traffic,
bicyclists or pedestrians, or traffic signs.
k) Community Signs are permitted at each entrance to the community. Said signs are limited to
one per entrance, and may not exceed 64 square feet in area or eight feet in height as
measured from the ground to the top of the sign. Signs relating to clubs, societies, orders,
fraternities and the like shall be permitted as part of the community sign.
1) Portable sandwich board signs subject to the following criteria:
i) No more than two sandwich board signs may be erected per business;
ii) Sandwich board signs shall not exceed three feet in width and four feet in height, from the
ground to the top of the sign.
iii) Sandwich board signs shall be displayed during business hours only; and
iv) Sandwich board signs, where located on sidewalks, shall provide a minimum of 36" of
continuous horizontal clear space between the sign and any building or the edge of the
sidewalk, to provide for the free passage of pedestrian traffic.
v) Sandwich board signs shall have a maximum area per side of 12 square feet.
m) Off -site signs may only be allowed when they meet all of the following standards:
i) Are directional in nature as defined in Section 18.30.150(3)(h).
6
Board of County Commissioners Meeting 17/12/2014 Page 14 of 44
ii) Located on private property along a major or minor arterial;
iii) Located not less than 600 feet from an intersection; and
iv) No larger than 32 square feet for non - commercial signs and not more than six square
feet for commercial signs. Non - commercial signs, except for government signs, are
limited to a maximum height above ground of 8 feet, from the ground to the top of the
sign.
v) Only three off -site directional commercial signs per commercial destination may be
allowed; not more than 8 feet tall, as measured from the ground to the top of the sign;
not more than six square feet in sign area, and located not more than 1,320 linear feet
from the turn- off to the destination of the sign; and if applicable, one sign located at the
nearest "T "- intersection on the same road to the commercial destination.
n) Banner signs shall be no larger than 64 square feet and not placed on utility poles without the
permission of the utility. Banner signs placed over roadways, including the height above the
roadway, must have approval of the appropriate roadway managing agency.
o) Hand held signs shall not exceed 16 square feet, provided that the size may be increased up
to 50% larger than the standard size, upon approval of the Administrator, based on a finding
that the larger size is consistent with provisions of Section 18.30.150(1).
p) Unless otherwise stated in this Section, the maximum height in feet above the ground to the
top of the sign for any sign attached to a building on any parcel of land zoned rural
commercial, rural industrial, resource, public or UGA is the sum of the square root of the
maximum sign size in square feet for the sign type and the land use zone as identified in this
Section, plus the height of the building at the roof base. For example, for a building 20' high to
the roof base and an allowable sign size of 32 square feet, the maximum sign height would be:
square root of 32'= 5.6' + 20' = 25.6' above ground level.
q) Unless otherwise stated in this Section, the maximum height in feet above the ground for any
on -site sign not attached to a building on any parcel of land zoned rural commercial, rural
industrial, resource, or UGA is 35 feet from the ground to the top of the sign.
r) Unless otherwise stated in this Section, the maximum height in feet above the ground for any
sign in a rural residential zone is 8 feet from the ground to the top of the sign.
7) Nonconforming Signs. Legally established signs in place prior to the adoption of these standards
and not in conformance with these standards shall be considered legal, nonconforming signs, and
may remain as provided below:
a) Legal Nonconforming off -site signs shall be removed within five years of adoption of an
ordinance establishing a "+wayfinding sign" program, which is intended to provide off -site sign
locations where businesses can place signs. Until adoption of a wayfinding sign ordinance,
legal non -conforming signs must be continually maintained, not relocated, and not structurally
altered. Nonconforming off- site signs may be replaced by off -site directional signs as allowed
in Section 18.30.150(6)(m).
b) Legal Nonconforming on -site signs may remain provided they are continually maintained, not
relocated, and not structurally altered.
8) Temporary Signs. Temporary signs are exempt from the requirements to obtain a sign permit,
subject to the following standards:
a) Temporary signs shall be limited in size to 64 square feet; except that temporary signs in the
public right -of -way are subject to size and height limits of Section 18.30.150(8)(g) and shall not
obstruct safe visibility of any motorist or pedestrian traffic. Temporary signs shall be secured in
7
Board of County Commissioners Meeting 11/12/2014 Page 15 of 44
their location so as to not collapse, become airborne or otherwise cause a safety hazard.
Temporary signs, except for banner signs placed across roadways, and signs mounted within
the public right of way, shall not exceed 8 feet in height from the ground to the top of the sign.
b) Event Signs and banners promoting public festivals, community or special events, and grand
openings may be displayed for up to 30 days prior to the event and shall be removed no later
than 10 days after the event. The sponsoring entity is responsible for sign removal. Event
signs may be located 'off- site." To ensure consistency with this Section, "event' signs subject
to the requirements of JCC 8.20 shall be reviewed by the Administrator for a "special event
permit'.
c) Garage or rummage sale signs maybe displayed for up to seven days prior to the event and
shall be removed no later than one day after the event.
d) Political signs may be displayed upon the date of official filing of a candidate for elective office
or upon certification by the county of a ballot measure, and must be removed not later than 10
days after the final election for the candidate or ballot measure.
e) Real estate signs shall be may be displayed upon execution of a formal listing agreement
between seller and real estate agent, or a listing "for sale by owner ", and removed within 10
days of either: (1) the date the new owner or lessee takes possession of the property, or (2)
the date of the expiration of the listing and (3) shall not be more than 12 square feet in size
and not exceed 8 feet above existing grade, as measured from the ground to the top of the
sign.
f) Subdivision Real Estate Sales Signs. Real estate signs advertising the sale of lots or dwelling
units located within an approved subdivision shall be permitted; provided, that there shall be
no more than 1 sign per subdivision entrance, and each sign shall be no greater than 32
square feet in area and no greater than 8 feet in height, as measured from the ground to the
top of the sign. These signs shall be removed within 10 days following the initial sale of all lots
or dwelling units within the subdivision.
g) Temporary signs and portable signs in the public right -of -way, excepting governmental signs,
must not exceed 4 square feet in size, not exceed 3 feet above existing grade to the top of
the sign and must include the name and contact information of the party posting the sign and
must be removed by the party who posted the sign or their agent not later than 10 days after
the sign is no longer serving its purpose, including but not lirrited to; the end of the temporary
event, festival, election, or sale. All non - governmental signs in the public right of way are
limited to a maximum of 180 days per calendar year.
9) Signs along state highways. All signs along state highways in Jefferson County are also subject to
any sign regulations and permit requirements established by the State of Washington
10) Substitution. Noncommercial signs are allowed in all districts and may be substituted for any sign
expressly allowed under this code.
G:%PLANNING\JCC - UDC - Other Codes \UDC MASTER FOLDER \Signs \Sign Code 2014 \Updated approval docs\Clean sign code w PC &
staff edits 10- 27- 14.do"
0
Board of County Commissioners Meeting 11/12/2014 Page 16 of 44
ATTACHMENT B
Planning Commission Recommended Sian Code Update 6118114
10/20/14 BOCC Draft with staff and BOCC edits
18.30.150 Signs.
1) Purpose: These regulations are intended to balance the need to protect public safety and
welfare, the need for a well - maintained and attractive community, and the need for adequate
methods of communication through signs. Specific objectives are:
a. To allow for and encourage the effective use of signs;
b. To improve and maintain traffic and pedestrian safety by reducing distractions and
hazards from signs;
c. To maintain public and private property values, scenic resources and 'rural character"
in accordance with the adopted comprehensive plan;
d. To ensure that the constitutionally guaranteed right of free expression is protected.
e. To disavow any regulatory distinctions or restrictions on speech based on the content
of signs. No part of this Section shall be construed to favor one type of speech over
another and if any provision of this Section is ambiguous, it shall be interpreted as to
not regulate on the basis of speech content.
2) Applicability: No sign shall hereafter be erected or used for any purpose or in any manner
except as permitted by the regulations of this Section or as specified elsewhere in this code. All
non - exempt signs shall be subject to review and approval and may require issuance of a sign
permit and or a building permit by the Administrator according to a Type I permit approval
process as specified in Chapter 18.40 JCC.
3) Definitions:
a ) "Abatement' means to repair, fix, rebuild, demolish and or remove any sign or sign structure to
remove any feature that is non - compliant with this Section.
b) "Abandoned sign" means any sign that, for a period of more than six (6) months, no longer
correctly identifies, exhorts, or advertises any person, business, product, event or activity
conducted or available on or off the premises on which the sign is located-
c) "Administrator' means the Planning Manager of the Jefferson County Department of
Community Development or his/her designee.
d) "Banner Sign" means a temporary sign composed of lightweight, flexible, non -rigid material
either enclosed or not enclosed in a rigid frame.
e) 'Billboard sign" means any outdoor sign containing advertising which is not related to any use
or activity on the premises on which the sign is located, but not including directional signs as
defined in this title.
f) "Commercial sign' means signs that exhort a viewer to patronize a business.
g) "Community signs" mean signs which identify a recognized community or unincorporated
place.
Board of County Commissioners Meeting 1111212014 Page 17 of 44
hl'bassoonat sg¢ 'means a son whkh serves wlaty to eienta a the locaboa of any tall area
organization, or businesses, whether on premises or ef- premises.
if °Chagirg message sign' means a type of - moving sign', where only the Moody of words,
symbols, graphics or images can be electronically or mechanically changed by remote or
automatic means, and where Me image anchor message remains fixed for at least 3 assurance,
and where only the changing message exhibits movement and where the brightness or
illuminance of Me sign dead not esceed 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light as measured
during the night between the hours of f 0:O0pm o 2:00am using a Met counties meta at a preset
distance depending on sign size. The measuring distance in feet shall be determined W the
grodueethesquarerootof Neprmaidin thesignareaandonehundreal . Inaddhon,
illuminated moving signs with changing messages shall be equippedwth aUUmatic dimming
technologywh'hch autorne icaly adjusts brightness due to ambient light conditions
it )'Event signs' means signs and banners promoting publicfestivala community or special
events, and grand openings.
kh "Foot- candle' means a unit of luminance or illumination, equal to one lumen madent per
square foot.
1) - Freestanding sign'means a sign which is supported ay anentup�gbts, pole
or braces to the ground and which is not connected to a building. Freestanding sons include
whiMCOginga th si ntothd rail
rl "gGOVernmental sion' means a sign installed or placed by any cultural subdivision. municipal
corporation or anor fixing restrict of th Ethic or any entitV having taxim Outhl it
by state watute
nm)'Hand held sign" means a sign held or worn by persoe .
e- w}f'MONng sign" means signage that exhibits Movement, inch ding inflatable smcNres,
guttering mania 1, revolving or moving pants or lights tic produce motion or tlue optical illusion of
moGOn,anbnatonorchangingimeges. Moung eons may empoy orteor more of fhefMlnaing
methods o provide motion arms illusion of motion: (a) neurally occumiing energy, such same
wing (b) electrical energy, (c) mechani ®I energy, or (d) human power.
9Wp Noncoeorming sign" means any sign in existence within the County on the data of adoption
of Me ordinance codified in this chapter which does not came" with the proviaons of this
chapter, be which did conform to all applicable laws in effect on the data the sign was originally
erected.
pgy "Noncommercial woos" means signs that do Trot exhort a viewa to patronize a business,
including but not limited to Political signs as that ten is defined in this sec on -
al "O aster sign' means a sign relating, through is message and cahtee, to an activity , use,
prooll or service which is available on the promises on which the sign igaeedi
2
BpaNpfCOUnry CCmmissbrrersMre (In9 IWWOH Page is of 44
"Oflsga sign' means a sign relating, through its message and contan, to an activity use,
product or service which is not available on the premises on which the sign Is erected .
ttl 'ePohncal sign' means any sign which serves to influence is intended to influence or appears
to he the type of An which Is commonly eroded to influence 0e results of an election or ballot
proostsition
strj "Portable sign' means any sign which is not permanently And to the ground or a structure
or bolding. Tha definition Induces movable matter Wards, banners and sandwich boards that
are places so as to be seen tom public right-of -ways.
saw ProjeAW sign" means a sign that 6 wholly or partly dependent upon a Wildirgfor support
and which pmjeds more than 12 inches tom such building.
VA) -Real estate sign'rineams a Rmporery sign which directs Mention to the sale, lease, or
rental of a particular bung, properly, or premse _,,resold.
atwhicbthewallsmeettheroestmdure excludin a
Lowe other finfremstins and any roof rings caused by the oft
wpb "Sandwich board sgn": See "portable sgns '.
wt¢) "Sign' any object, device, display or sdgdure, or part thereof, situated Windows which is
used to adcertise, identify, display, direct or stlmd attention to an object, person, Institution,
oganizetcn, business, product service, event or location by any means, including words,
letters, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected Images. Excluded
from this definition are signs required by law, such as handicapped parking signs, and the flags
of national and state governments.
xy_aa)'Subdivision real estate sign' means a temporary sign which directs aflentlon to me sale,
lease or rental to mare than one lot, house or premise within a subdivision.
tabb) "Temporary sign" means aaenaWe a sign associated with a particular shod term event or
adivttv. such as but not limited b: community festival parade Grand opening awate or
nommache sale ochtical campaign and real estate sit na which are to be wlthn 10
days of when Me went or activity ends For golifical sums as that e 9defined in his
section election day shall be considered the me ng event N impuadisFUSeferalNWed
—h w is days '41 - any 42 mis, A A a. a ratings, that to Bassist 16 neted.Temoorary aiwm are IimRed b a marimum lime d nd more than i!m
as in any o
calendarvear unkssdherwix noted.
_) "Wayfnding signs" means, upon RS establishment by the County, a program of uniform
signs that are designed, installed and maintain l by the County intended to assist the public in
finding goads, services, events and paces. Private or public toddles may be approved to locate
their messages on the Wayfntling signs, upon payment of a fee intendetl to call the cost of
the pmgrem.
Board Of county Cwnmiwioners Meeting 1 IlIV2014 Page 79 of 00
dgllAkfa) ° Use" means the purpose mat land or building or structures now sere orfor whidl they
are or may be occupied maintained emerged designed, or intended
4) Exempdons: Thef ilbwing signs are exemptimm the requirements to apply for and receive a
land use sign permit or building parent provided mat exempt sgns must meet all other appl cable
requirenrents of Section 18.30.150, and any other applicable raguirements of JCC 18.
a) Traffic and standardized publb signs instilled by government entity;
b) Window and merchandise displays, point d purchase advedimig displays such as produG
dispensers, illuminated displays located inside buildings and barber pages;',
c) National flues, flags of a political subdiNsion, and symbolic flags of an institution or business;
d) Legal notices required by law;
e) Hstoric site plaques and markers and gravestones;
t) Nancanmerrial signs on private properly;
g) Smlpblres with messages or lettering affixed and intended for separate use such as recycling
containers and phone booths;
h) Real estate sane;
b Signage of any kind affixed to any licensed motorized veMGe..
j) Seasonal displays or decorations, which are clearly inddental and customary and commonly
associated with any national or local event, occasion or holiday or religious or cultural observance
kj Murals or sgre consisting solely of paint or other colored media that is applied on existing
structures.
Ij Portable signs.
mn) Temporary signs.
5) Prohibited! Signs. The fallowing signs are prohibited:
a) Abandoned signs,
bj Billboard signs;
C) Moving signs, excepting signs where me movement is induced entirely by naturally occurring
causes such as me wind a human powerand also excepting signs that display changing
messages may be allowed pursuant to Section 18.30.150(e)(c).
M Off -slte signs which advertise a business; except as profited! in Section 1830.150do m).
4
Boats)fCOUnryCwnmi5vwers MeeNg 11 /1212014 page 20 of
e) Signs or sign Meatuses, which by coloring, shape, wonting, or location resemble or confiic with
traficcorerol
signs or devices',
0 Signs which impede or ceae a safety hazard for pedestrians or vehicular traffic; and
g) Signs atleched to utility poles or traffic signs, except with the permission of Me utility or agency.
h) Sig ns shall net be rerhof -way
banned on, And q do - lis aigrwfor novemmental sans comes sans and temporary
Sans as defined In Sector. ,L_id as further regulated In erewdedwSed'on
18.30.150081 and 18.30.150(81. - _
sue. `on; ^ ^ve^_
(1) 11) Se -'Ors g
I) Signs that are not In mawl ran with Sedlon 18.30.15(.
8) Design Standards All signs must meet the following standards:
a) The illumination of signs shall be shatleq shielded, ch direde so the light Intensity or
brightness shall not adversely affect surrounding propedies or public and private rightsei -way
or create a hezaN or nuisance to Me traveling public, or to surrounding befilperibes.
Id No sign or part thereof shall consist of rotating, revolving, or moving pads; consist a banners,
gre er ers, or spnne a or involve flash'ng, bunting or alternating fights, provided that
exceptions M this staMxd are temporary signs assodated with love l festivals, fairs, parades,
or special events pursuant to Section 18.30.150(8)(b); moving signs where the movement is
induced wholly by harings recumng causes, such as wind or human power, and changing
message signs allowed pursuant to Session 18.30.150(8)(c).
c) Charging message signs are allowed any in mr_al commeraal antl rural awa industrial zones
and must be directed away from adjacent property zoned residential or open space, including
Armanges across a public rightoa -way. No changing message sign may be located closer than
200 bet from property zonetl residential or open space, as measured from the sign location to
300 and of a residentially
mug be certified in writing by
mares g Section
h- conforming with this Section
vance with Me brightness and
code.
d) For any uses will any mr_'al commercial.a mlindustral resource ouic or W land use
district, Me total square footage of signs shall not excead 84 square feet; provel Mat any sign
size may be increaesd W to 500A lager than the standard gze, upon approval of Me
Administrator, based on a finding Mat Me lager sign size is consistent wiM the provisions of
Section 18.30.150(1). Multgenant developments may have one freestanding sign for each
access point, commonly certifying Me businesses within maidservant developments provided
such signsumil no morethan 64 square feat in aggregate. The maximum aggregate size far
projection signs placed on a building is limited he one percent of the floor areas of Me building,
except that each occupant is allowed a sign of g least two square feet In no case may an
Ill County CanmiuimrerMee(ing 11111 014 Pope 27 of 44
individual occupant's sign be larger than 15 square feet. The she of signs in squaremodoe
shall be calculated by the outside dimensions necessary to frame Me information displayed.
Any sign projecting beyond six inches from a perpendicular wall shall be at least eight feet
above press as measured from the ground to the bMtom of the sign .
e)Oga glnsfor any use located in any rural residential tierict shall not exceed 32 square
feet of lMSI son area, with Vie exception M government signs including community signs,
which shall not exceed 84 square f s, Maned that any sign size may W increased up to
50% larger Man Me Marked size, upon approval of Me Administrator, baser on a finding that
Me larger son size's consistent with the provisions M Section 18.30.150(1),
Q Uses located in any rural oommemial.e rui indunnal rsource.oubhc or JendU Aland
use dispute shall haw no more than two gnsito signs, except as allowed in t is Section for
mullitenand developments; provided Mat the number of signs may be increased upon approval
of Me Administrator, bawd on a finding that the increased number of sign s consistent with
provsio(s of Section 18.30.150(1). In no event shall Me numberof signs Mat may be atltletl
by Me Administrator for a particular parcel exceed the lesser of four (4) signs OR the least
umber Madditional sons that would curial or exceed one hundred percent (100 %) of the
sons Mat may he lawfully glared at that Oared odor to Me Administrator ariMooz ng for Me
first trim additional sans. While an aopipant ma makgm m wan, one request for bonus
signs Me maximum number M bonus signs availablar for authaizat on are particular name
shall never exceed four 4) In addition to those lawfully allowed before the Administrator
authorized any bonus s ons at that cancel.
g) All signs shall W maintained M he Mucturaly sound, so as to not present a public hazard!
Punsriantto Secion 1830.150(5)(1) signs that present a public hzzand cue prohibRed and shall
be subject to abatement.
h) The design of freestanding signs shall include measures to restrict vehicles from passing
beneath them. All freestanding pole signs or projecting sons shall provide pedestrian
clearance to a minimum of eight feet, as measured from Me ground to the hotMm of Me sign,
whereappleable.
it No signs locatetl on property immediately adjacent to bodies of water, other Man those related
to w lardependent uses, such as a marina, are penmitted to face seaward, excepting signs
relafng to safely concerns, such as cable-crossing, construcVoirdretlging, fuel area, etc.
d No sign shall be placed in away as to obstruct a covers vision of motor vehicle users,
bicycles or pedestrians, or traffic signs.
k) Communitywtjm Su ss mpermMed MeacheMranteto Memm unity. Studsignsare
linitetl to onre reentrance, and may not exceed 64 square feet in area or eightfeet in height
as measured from the ground to the top of the son. Signs relating to clubs, societies, orders ,
fraternities and the like shall be permitted as pad of the community sign.
I) Portable sandvlM brand signs subject to the followng criteria:
1) No more than two sandwich board sgns maybe erected par business;
ii) Sandwich boom signs shall not exceed three met in width and four fast in hegMLcMlBes
feaFiaaaMpir the nde to Me n
iii) Sandwich board signs shall be displayed during business hours only and
Board OfCimm Canmisiori MeeNg 11 11212014 Poi of"
1Sandwich board signs, where located on sidewalks, shall provide a minimum of 36" of
continuous honzantal clear apace betvreen Me sign and any building or the edge of the
sitlewalk, to drool for the free pasage N pedestrian traffic.
iv)v) Sandvdch bead smir s shall have a maximum area her side of 12 square feet.
m) M site sins may only be allowed when they meet all of the following standards
it Are direpional in nature as defined in Section 1830.15o(3)(h).
ii) Located on private property along a major or minor internal,
iip Located not less than 800 feet from an iMersecal and
iv) No larger Man 32 square feel for non- commerdal signs and not more than
feet Nr commercial siuns._NOnmmmeri algjppy, gcept for Aovemment f
n) Bannerml shall be no largerthan 64 squaremet and not placed on utility poleswdthoutthe
permission of the utility. Banner signs all over readwevs intludina the height above the
roadviday, mug him approssal of the inappopram roadway
o) Hand hold signs shall not exceed 16 square feet provided Met the size may be increased up
to 50% larger than the standard size, upon approval of the Administrator, based on a
finding that the larger size Is consistent with previsions of Section 18.30.150(1).
a) Unless otherwise stated In this Section the mammurn height in feMafKye the around for any
sign affaMed to a builtlho o reel of land zoned mrel commercial mre1'ndustral
resaurte. oulAb a UGA is the sum of the square root of the maximum sign
feet for the sign Noe and Me land use zone as identified in this Section. Plus Me final of
the I'
.For example fora'
321b -Id 20 high t the of line and an allowable sign size of 32 Abuse fe t si51Bn
the maximum sign height would be souare root of 32'= 5.6 +2§20' = 4125 6 above
ground level.
Unless otherwise stated in this Se sgcn the height i feet abuse the ground f
on- site sign not aftaUled to a bolding on gy camel of land zoned cormneeal industrial,
wheal or UGA is M feet from the around to the tap of Me sign
r) Unless otherwise M Lin this Section the maximum might in feet abuse the around for any
van in a rural reardentiad zone is 8 big from the ground to Me top the sign
]) Nonconforming Stine. Legally established signs in place prior to the adoption of these standards
and not in conformance with these standards shall be borial legal, noncorrtorming signs, and
may remain as smatterer below:
a) Label Nonconforming off-site signs shall be removetl within fwe years of adoption of an
ordinance establishing a Wayrmding sign" program, which is intended to provide off - site -sign
locafions wherebuanesces can place signs. Until adoption of a waynnding sign ordnance ,
legal not coMomling signs must be contumely maintained, not narrated and not structurally
altered. Nonconforming off- site signs may be replaced by off-she tractional signs as allowed
in Section 18.30.1501 .
Bead ofCayi Cwnmormserz Meeting IIIIVM14 Poi of 41
b) Legal Wiconpurraing ornate signs may remain provided May are cominually maintained, not
relocated, and not strucMrelly altered.
8) Temporary Signs. Temporary signs are exempt from the requirements to obtain a Mn permit .
subject to the following standards'
LTemseary, signs shall W limited In size to 3284 square feet except that temporary signs in the
Public"ht of-way are sudect t nit of Section 1830150 'lTwandshallnotobstructsafe
visibllily of any motorist or pedestrian traffic. Temporary signs shall be secured in their location so
as to not collapse, become airborne or otherwise cause a safety in T
excel for banner suns Placed across roedwevs. shall not eased Biers[ in %M We
mound to Me too drive ail
A) Atu APR other Re road temporary , im, may hu, , vo's"d Rol his, has 49 Way, in F 'Ry
12 GazRAWt w month Par In
LEvent Signs and harmers promoting publicfestivals, community or special events, and grand
openings nay be ysalavatl for ve to
30 daps Psoring tha epem and shall be removed ov laterthan signs m 0 be located afte o event
The nsunwdng emity is responsible for sign removal. Event signs may uiements of JCC
To ensure persistency with this Section "event" signs subject to the requirements m JCC
&20 shall be reviewed by the Administrator for a "for u t event permit". sally cl Game removed latent ane ne day diplayed vent. Seven days prior M Me event and
shall be remgvetl no IatetlM1an one tlav after me event
djd) Prolitical signs may be dsolaved upon the date of otfdal filing of a candidate for
elective office or upon certfcation by the county of a ballot measure and must be removed
not later Man 10 days after the (coal occur for the candidate or ballot measure.
ajee) Real estate signs shall be may be displayed upon erewNon of a formal lis4ng
agreement beMsen seller and real estate agent, or a listing Yor sale W owner. and removed
within seveato days of either (1) the date the new owner or lessee takes possession of Me
property, or (2) the tlme of the extensor athe listing and (3) shall not be rmre than 12
square feet in size and not exceed 8feet above existing grade, as measured from Me ground
W Me top of the sign.
QaSubdsysion Real Estate Sales Signs. Real estate signs adverbial the sale of lots or dwelling
units located within a subdivision shall be permitted provided, that Mere shall he no mom
than 1 sign per subtlrviston entrance, and each sign shall be no greater than 32 actions feat in
assa and no greater than 8 feet In height, as measured from Me ground to the top of Me sign.
These signs shall be removed within sevesato days following Me initial san of all lots or
dwelling units within Mee subdivision.
eg) Iluzjb r gnsantl Mables ns
terms adidefthadheal "n the pubis rightof -way, excepting
governmentalsons , mu0notexceed4squamf insite ,notexceed3testaboveexisting
grade to the tap ctthe sign and must' data of made and Must peg ng the R removed by the path who posted the sign or
their agent not laterMan 4 l0 days �flerthe lion is no longer serving im
Boats of counycommissioners Meenng ll /1212014 Puri of 44
including bar not lil to the end ofthe temporary ei ferstwal alection.
Purpose sale..
9iaw All Icall year. l sans n the oublb doM ctwav ere I'rtitetl m a
reeinfurn of 80tl I tl
9) Signs along Rate highways. All signs along slate highways in Jefferson County are also subject to
dr sign regulations and permtl requirements estabalred by the Salida of Washington
10) Substitution. floncommerctal signs are allowed in all districts and may be substituted nor any sign
expressly allowed under this code.
GUIANNINGLICC - uOL- OMrCOM1VWWMVIER FOLCfM4pMG18^ COfatnt <WplepJapprwgltl^uWC lemmmeMWepn
mtea161811mNnppo-ao-ll BCCV aretlaeee
Sonalofcounry Cemmmurners Meeting 1 71WO0 pose 25 of"
ATTACHMENIC
Plsmfm COmmissron Recommended Sun Code Update
6/19/14
18.30.1495igns.
Purpose. lieses regulations intended to bahance Me need to o a Public artery and
wafers me need for a v211 -ma ntarretl and aflraNve community and the need for adequate
methods a common cation throuoM1 sons 8oeufic ob'ecfyes are:
a. To allow for and enmuMe the enecuve use of signs.
b To improve and maintain IMMo and pedestrian safety by reducing diaraclons and
hazards from signs'
To maintain oubfic antl pmate oropeM values. scenic resources antl'rurel character in
accordance win the adopted comorehenswe man'.
d To ensure that Me constitutionally guaranteed not a free expression is ranteaed.
e To Eai any regulatory diameters or masers on ageach based on the content of
sans No Padof Mis Sect ion shall he mm9nmdMtavor oneMmta Ar over
another and if am provision of this Section is ambiguous. 0 shall be interpreted as to not
regulate on the basis a speech content.
21 AediadiliN: No sign shad hereafter be ereotad or used for any purpose or in any manner
except as permitted by Me regulations of this semwen or as specified elsewhere in tons code. All
nonexempt signs subject to Mis section shall bs subject to revland approval and may
require issuance do sign worth and or a bridling permit bythe administremr according to a
Type I permit approval process as specified in Chapter 18.4 JCC. Thin Amn R stralor may we ve
Qpli
31 Detectors
a)'Abste ni means to repair. Tw. rebuiM. tlemolisM1 antl or remove anv sign or Sion Muaure to
moneys nvfeaure that is non- comPliantwith this Section
b) Abandoned sign' means any son that, for a period of more than six (6) months no longer
correctly identifies, exhorts or advertises any person. business product, event or actyitv
conducted or available on or off the Premises on which Me sons to ®tab
1'Administrator merans the Planning Manager of the Jefferson County Discernment of Community
Development or roamer designee.
tl `Banner Sian' i rs mm osetl Immerged, flexible no cal
either sea a aa rigid s
Bo4rd ofCounttrCommasonee Meeting 111121M 14 Page 26 of ee
e
sl n means any ouWoor sian motaininq advedisim
w iM is not mlawd
to m v u
amvM on
Me green ses on v io the sign is lom[etl nut nM including a wional
siam as
defined In
MIS tale.
n'Commerdal
sign" means signs roar exM1Od a viewer to oatmnize
a business.
"f mmudy
signs"" mean signs idenbN a rec n
etl ommuniN O
red
oleo
aM `IMQCinndi Sion" magna a son Whits senres aoleN to damnpe eMe =wn of any Place area
anizatpn or businesses. whMber on- premises or g f- premises.
M `EeWealccha esi n of`m v whereon) Me
dlsglav MWQMS. symbols.aranhie4orimaaest onbeelectron ®livormecbani ®Ilv
Manaenb mmote or awomadc means, and whet me Imd eanNor me me rHnal n sfixed for
at st3 nds and whem mly the Manin e ibi6 mowmnt and wbe e
bnoMneas or illuminanm of Me aian tloes trot exceatl o 3 fmtcantlles ebmre ambient IiaM ae
measured dunina Me nigM between Me hour of 10 Wpm to 2 00a using a foot - candle peter at
cede Mina on n size. The me distance In all be detarmi
Nesauam rootMMe Pmdudof Mesian area am one hundred. InaddNm illuminatedmowng
Wns with chanono messaaes shall be eouipodWth automatic dimming nolo whits
dutomafcally adiuOs bmMness due to ambient IOM mndMona
"Event siqps and bnn 'n blicfei Is wmmunbo(swcial events
and gtantl- ocemnas
k) "FPM -motile means a una of luminance or illumination equal to one lumen incpent wr muare
foot.
h "Fmestendno sign" means a spn whiM is suomded by PermaneM uonohts pole or bmce to the
Around and whiM is not m netted M a buildim
ml "Hand held Spn' n6 s a sign held uwpm by a pefeon
n)'MOvino sign' means sianaae Mat eMibi6 movement indudna inflatable stmdures, fi�e ng
t Iwnq or mmim paM or liaMs W omide mA o l 'llu f motion
animbonorch Maing sions =v employ one or more& the followna methWs
W =Ade motion "e illusion of motion '. (a) naWmliv occurrmo energy such as the wind rb
eledncel enemy. td mecM1an'ol enemy or ld) human power
o'NanmNa ' mws my wn W exlstenca vriMlnllro CduM an date of d
the ordinaom codified in this chaoter whits does not eoMm wits the wov'a'ons of this chapter
but Mi did wM M all appl ble R hg d WM II
BmMWCmnW COmmisskners Meeting 11 112/ 14 POW27 of 44
) 'Noncommercial Mat does not export to pateronizal a loudness
'O ite all means a sign poll throuth ' to t to
Product or sterace vidich Is available on tM1e premises on wFi tlt the s'an eregeit
rl `(tsRatle s'on' means a sign relatino through its messaoe and Content to an aclivily . use
product or scare which Is not avallabk on the Clemises on which the sign S small
a) "Portable sign" means any sign which is not oermenentiv affixed b the around or a structure or
building . This definition includes movable reader boards, banners and sandwich boards net are
placed so as to be seen from public riots -of -ways.
t Pro'eseion son' means a sion met is wholiv or mi tle onal upon a buindirm for sunhart and
wAlch oroegs more man 12 supper; from such building
u) 'Real astate sign" means a tempo2N sign which directs apartment to the sale. lease or re Mil
of a Particular building orooeM, or Peeples upon which it is dimlaved.
N "SandMan board sign"'. See "portable signs ".
w) "Sign "means any board device . al lay Cr structure or pad thereof situated outsiders whim is
used to advertise. idenGN dil direct or Arad adendon to an dbleq cerson. I option .
and sate governments
X) "Subdivision real astala sign' means a temoorery son whltlr share anendon to the sale
IeaseorreMaltomore Nanonebt. house vuhm asubdivision.
YI "Tam o2 s ble si nintendetl for use r Red number
of pave willun any 12 wnaecNive mpnMS'. not to exceetl 0.5 dava. unless omerwies oared.
zl'Wayfindam sagns'nsians. upon its eslablu ment "a County a proomm of uniform sides
that ale designee ltgalletl antl mainta'netl bvthe COUnN "ntentlerl to assid the publ'c'n find rw
quoi sennows e i and places. Private or public enables may be approved to lopte their
Poo an the
ndin s pent of "tenced to defra the rust 0 the
aa) "Use- means the purpose that land or building or structures now serve orfor which they are
ormavideaccamosed,maintained . amended des fined mintended
4)Exemptions. The following signs are exempt ham the rem,irem eMTaa mrandreceiv9al d
use not or building Perini[ provided that expert signs must meet all others lioablere
of Section 18 30.150, and other applicable occur amends of JCc 18.
tabard o/CoaaryCommionversMil 11112/X10 PagePb of 44
(a) Traffic and efandaMized pubic signs installed by government entoi.
(b) Window and merchandise displays, point of purchase advertising displays such as produot
dispensers noes Iluninamc! displays Ncatetl insde buildings and barberpoleS
(p& National nags, nags of a polmcal subdiNsion, and symbolic nags of an institution or
business,
(d) Legal notices required! by law;
(e) Historic site plaques and modem and gravestones;
(f) Amaaal Nonwmmemial -sgns on pleats property
(g) Structures with measaces or leffenrin afted and intended br separate use such as
recycling conminere and phone booths;
(h) Real estate signs;
f95anage of any k'ntl efibed roans licensed motadzel veh'de Nag tleeep
Magma 101Y graph "Noed ease A Factor Van dR AP OMO-0 A the Parmill DOWARP M :wQ q A As
M Temaerawsiems. Seasonal dispms or dernmtlone which are clearly inadental and
customary and commonly associates with any national pr local event pmas on or M1CI'tlavor
minions or cultural obseryarnm
fk) Murals or signs consaYng solely of Daunt or colored media Nails applied on excel no
strut res
(h Portable sans.
(in) Signs 'n the pubic doing of way,
(m Temporary sons
5) Prohibited Signs. The following signs are prohibited.
(a) Abandoned signs;
(b) BNbow%,jlagoa,
(C) FAaehrrg� revaNYpgw Mrsowng signs, excepting shpts where Ne movement a induced
entirely by naturally occurring causes. such a3 New'nd or human Dower and al ®excentno
d s la cM1an in allowatl u o Seclion 18.39.159 c
BoaMOICOUnryCOmmisvonerS Meeting 11112IM14 PrW29 of 44
on 0&site signs which advertise a business; except as proudest in Section 18 30.15o(fil(m1.
(e) Signs or sign structures, which by entering, shape, working, or location resernble or wittier
(Nth tr2fi4wnhd signs or devices;
in Signs which impede or real a safety record fir pedestrians or vehicular traffic l and
(g) Signs attached to utility pales or baffle signs except with the permission ofthe dilAV or
seem..
Or Sans placedwithin Publicrahts-of- was exceptasallowedWSecton183l (61
Exemofroms: Section 1830.150(8) Total Signs
(I) Signs nor in compliance with Section 1830.1 W.
Wj OOcagn Standards At signs had meat the following standards'.
aTh@Itinnination of signs shop be shaded, shaped or directed w the light adonsdy or
brightness shad not advarsety affect surrounding plopedies or public and private rights -of-
way of reate a haaaN or nulsenca to the trevenlg public or to surrounding propwties,
in
iig]_No sign or NO thereof shall consist of rotating, revolving, or moving pads, consist of
banners, streamers, or spinners or involve flashing, blinking, or alternating Igh1a tirovitled
at.Iraeexceptiols to phis standard areis tenpo2ry signs associated with local festivals,
faits, parades, or special events pumuaM to swsesffen Section - 18.301 W l81(bl: 4#4-9
causasgea- movingd or rwherememovement Is Inducetl wholly bynaWe S gwumrw
causes uuh .3 n ones allowetl
pursuant to section 18.30 150 (8) (c).
b) Signalize antl ngmber shall be regNMetl as foibwa'.
�P good 19 are Ill A Me lids, sholl no��
L
For any use within any COMMernal or industrial
froard of CountrCommosiorenMeetiny ll /1212014 Page 30 of 40
On are signs for any use located in any most residental Metal shall net exceed 32 square
feet of total son area. WM Yoe excenron of commundv signs, which shag note Age d 54
Ouare last, provided Use any sitin size my be iincreased up fo 5M larder than M e
Standard size poop agIXOVa MM i Adel ustraMr tatted on a findlon Mat Me larl all
see is cans aentwiM Me pmwsions of Section f 8.3C.lWl1
e)g)__Uses located In amf rural commeraal or industrial land use districts; shall have no more
Man two aa- eremiaeanu�- I(gs signs, except as allowed in his session for muMitenand
developments' provided Nat the number of sions may be increased upon aooroyal of the
Administrator based on a finding Nat the increased number Of along is consistent wdh the
wovlarore 0 Section 18 30 15011),
&J_AII signs shall be seatiaunael mainta it ec to be GrucluralN sound intact secured in
their places and not present a oublichazam. Pursuant to Section 18 30.1 W l51tfi Signs Nat
pre ssr:a public hazaN
of p lh" WArta shall be subjerh W abatement.
kogb_The design of freestanding agog shall include measures to result vehiGea from passing
beneath them,
wefla: All freestanding pole agns or prolecong signs shall provide pedestian clearance to a
minimum of eight f eel, from Ne orountl to Ne bottom of Ne son where applicable.
BoazdofCounmCommWWners Mecrwg 1111212014 Page 31 of 44
j NO signs etl med tel tl' bcd of . other than those related
to water dependent uses, such as a manna, are permitted to face seaward, erimil gsigns
relating to safety concerns, such as cable - crossing, construction- dredging, fuel area, etc.
e4hL_No sign shall be placed in a tvay as to obstruct a cinneCir vision of motor vanes haffic.
bitbalists or Pedestrians or saffic signs iAAI;M�Me
lewl-
dar� R#Pr its A lin The More' HY GRUb R mildew his for ; an Fall Pv.d s the, may h.
N Communev Signs
permitted at each entra os to the community. Sad signs are limited M one per entrance, and
may not exceed 64 square test in area or eight feet in hi as measured fmm Me ground to
the too of the sion. Signs relatug to clubs, sociaties, notes. aratemthes and the We shah be
permitted as part of Me communny %n.
on[ena
ON MGM than 0.10 iwei an heed QqR, may hp Slashed per has wilial
Sandi Gh h A 3P9 6 9RI Gas' not by is"Kad R Pelf I � F"d F Me of y wy sees appaiii hy me
1-flani a, Rh deparlifni
II Parable sandwiT beam suns are wti ect to the following aihard
d No more than two sandwich board ions may be al ger busness
ill Sandwich board suns shall not exceed four feat in heuM or three has In width'.
hit S anal board suns shall be dleolaved donne di suess hours only '. and
why Sandwich bo rd signs where located on seawall all arcral a minimum of "of
sidereal a al t horizontal dear soave ssageeo Me aian antl env buidino or Me edge ache
s tlewalk. to provide for Me Mee passage of oede5lnan traffic.
Wa
i)
BoaMOfCounlyCOmmissiMers MeeNlg I IPV2014 Page 32 of 41
(1)
(2)
(3)
N
Ill (M-sits some may only the slowed when the meet all mthefollowed standards A
iJ Are tlireaional in naWreas tlermeO in Semign 183o.18g1311h1.
i) Locamul on pnwde property along a major or mina where,
li) Locafetlnm less mereman 800feetfroman intemection ;antl
lNO larger than 42 2 square feet for non- comMeml signs and not lamer than sx
§RURM—fieet fa mmmemial signs.
yp only Nam off-site mmmerdal sons per commeroial destination may Wallowed: notmore
Man 8 feettall. as measured from the ground to the Mg of the sign: and Imated not more
Man 1.32 imarfeet hors the turn off to the destination of the sign
rg' Banner suns no la erthen r2 64 square fibi and not plamed on utility
ogles without the permission athe milts.
elk) Hand held signs shall net exceed Q 16 seuare feat: Provided that the see maybe
ed up to er Man the standard see upon approval ot Me Administrator based
on a footed that Me lamer sire is conai&ent with Me aoNSions of Section 18.30.150111.
51958) Nonconforming Signs. Legally established signs in place entree Me adoption of these
standards and not in conformance with these standards shell be considered legal, nonconforming
signs, and may remain as provided below:
a) Leoal Nonconforming off -des signs shall be removed within rase years of adoption of
the go Rame n ordinance establishing a mdi s n mwfichi
intendetl m aovitle effsite sign locationswdere businesses sun place signs. Jhiaeeda. Undl
Men, sutlm ages must be continually maintained, not relocated, and not sbucWmlly elteretl.
Nonconforming off{neakaes site signs may be replaced by off -site directional signs as allowed
in this section.
a)
b) ressal Nonconforming ea- Promisee =motes signs may remain prowand May are continually
einmined not relocated, and not structurally altered.
(§4j
09. TerrippraerSigni m or n are exem tfromM r men6 o inasi n mmit are
sub'ed to the following standards'
o)— Tem si ns shall or pedestrian eta 32 reef and gun toe rumsafeaisi ili or
of to Selidle ernor gthe Temporary nsshal area otherwise Tlocalien
noes to Ile e e discure rot moree couple in any 12
noted sides may be di not more an 45 tla within 1 ouninessouttle month
eo daa
s)d.ze.
BmNOfComw Commmmoele Meetingll1lL l4 Pali of 44
c)
EventSOns
and bannereoromofm oublictesdvals,
community
or special events and
Arend
Me in antal and no greater than 8 feat in M1-M as measured b h tl to the top of
onerarm my
be dispignved no to 30 tla
the sve
d shall movetl n
er
than sev
a afferM vent The onsoun
scuare feet in size not iocceeni 3 fied
ble for into ronocaval
Emant
ename oontadi Me a sdn
signs ma
ted'off-site - To ensure wriviianw with Ins
section, "Event" sions s
b'ect
elections shall be removea motto
to the fJCC 820 shll be kmpd
by the deamnee fino
state hoMVays in Jefferson County are also subject
to $ n reaubtions and permit recuionotents esablisbed by Ill ofWanalbinaton.
special event
oermb"
d)
e)
i)
naM1all be rrm PactmlaeleewnaaysofnifAer.
(1) he date
(1)
Me
(2) tl1G dale
M IFe amiafinn MiM1e lidino
g�G
as measuma homlheamuMlo the
too of the s!aa
Subifivnipa Real ales Sl
ale ls sadv the lots or
cl dhna units - located whin a subdivision
shall be pe"ifiatlL omvided hint there shall be no
more Itema 1 son 1yi5on
ande h' aX here r ihan3 ume
Me in antal and no greater than 8 feat in M1-M as measured b h tl to the top of
the si n. These n shay be
sdwelin
a within n da II me initial
n_ion.
sale of al to a
'the su
i
A)W Snani in the el Tjghap —WW
exceining mmental poins. mug not exceed4
scuare feet in size not iocceeni 3 fied
above endsting arade as toed from he round
mmatian
theto M d indu
ename oontadi Me a sdn
the he tlate fn
wader
ust be rem b m wit o5etl M n arch
eM not la Mani od
in S'nsi the ubli "MM mlafm tc
elections shall be removea motto
given dws of Ne election.
i 10. Sians alone state hiahways. All dons atom
state hoMVays in Jefferson County are also subject
to $ n reaubtions and permit recuionotents esablisbed by Ill ofWanalbinaton.
tit 1 SubstiWton Noncommercial sons are allowed in all dienm and may be Substituted for any san
expressly allowetl under this er9inanre wde
LbardofCounfyCOmmiuloners Meeting 11 1120014 Page 34 of
Attachment D
JEFFERSON COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
821 Shandan Street, Pod Townsend, WA 983M
(380) 379 -4450
Guidance to Create Findings for MLA1240226
UDC Text Amerahnent
For
JCC 1830,150 &.18.18.100
Sign Code
Proposed Amendment to:
Jefferson County
Unified Development Cade, Title 18
June 18, 2014
To: 9oard of County Commissioners, Chair John Mason
Department of Community Development, Dragon Carl Smkh; and
Interested Note of Jefferson County
Date: June 10, 2014
Attached Proposed Text for JCC Chapter 18.30.150 and JCC 18.100 signs
In preparing our recommendation, we have consideretl the growth management indicators and other
general guidance on inquired finings, pursuant W JCC 18 45 and therefore do hereby declare
the following finings and conclusions in support of our derision:
1. neliberations- diasuaafon of proposal and entering findings 8 condusbns
"FCrafflegrased amendments, the Planning commission shell devil brother and
conclusions and a recommendation Which consider the growth management
indkerors set high in JCC 1845.050 (4)(b)g) through (4)(b)(irs, as well as the
fiteowing:"
( NOTE: ferfmm JCC18.4508tl(1)(b). The mtlicators menfiaiedin. Meagre
introduced ant addressatl later in this worksh"i
CarddCwnry Commissioners laving 1 111U 14 page 35 of fW
a) Required findings; adapted from JCC 18.45.080 (1)(b)(i-iii) :
(i) Have circumstances related to the proposed amendment and/or the area in which it is
located substantially changed since the adoption of the Jefferson County Comprehensive
Plan? [Answer yes' or 'no' and describe why]
PC Response: Yes. A citizen's lawsuit in 2006 resulted in a court order to void a portion of the
Jefferson County sign code, related to constitutionally protected speech. This court ruling
necessitates the proposed amendment.
(ii) Are the assumptions upon which the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan is based
no longer valid; or is new information available which was not considered during the adoption
process or any annual amendments of the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan?
PC Response: No. The Comprehensive plan is still valid.
(iii) Does the proposed amendment reflect current, widely held values of the residents of
Jefferson County? [Answer yes' or 'no' and describe why]
PC Response: Yes. This proposed sign code amendment maintains a balance between
providing constitutionally protected free speech, supporting economic development through
the ample and effective use of signs, and upholding community held values for maintaining
"rural character" by controlling the number, placement, type and size of signs.
"In addition to the required findings set for in [the subsection above], in order to recommend
approval of a formal site - specific proposal to amend the comprehensive Plan, the planning
commission must also make the following findings:"
b) Additional required findings, adapted from JCC 18.45.080 (4)(c)(1) through
(4)(c)(vili)
(i) The proposed site - specific amendment meets concurrency requirements for
transportation and does not adversely affect adopted level of service standards for
other public facilities and services. [Answer yes', 'no', or `not applicable' and describe
why]
'How to Decide' Supplement for Planing Commission 6 -18 -14
MLA12 -00226 Sign Code Page 2 of 7
Board of County Commissioners Meeting 11/12/2014 Page 36 of 44
PC Response: N/A — The proposed sign code update is not site - specific.
(ii) The proposed site-specific amendment is consistent with the goals, policies and
implementation strategies of the various elements of the Jefferson County
Comprehensive Plan. [Answer yes', `no', or `not applicable' and describe why]
PC Response: N/A — The proposed sign code update is not site - specific.
(iii) The proposed site - specific amendment will not result in probable significant
adverse impacts that cannot be mitigated, and will not place uncompensated burdens
upon existing or planned service capabilities. [Answer yes' or `no' and describe why]
PC Response: N/A — The proposed sign code update is not site - specific.
(iv) The subject parcels are physically suitable for the requested land use
designation and the anticipated land use development, including planned surrounding
land uses. [Answer yes' or 'no' and describe why]
PC Response: N/A — The proposed sign code update is not site - specific.
(v) The proposed site - specific amendment will not create a pressure to change in
the land use designation of other properties, unless the change is in the long -term best
interests of the county as a whole. [Answer yes', 'no', or 'not applicable' and describe
why]
PC Response: N/A — The proposed sign code update is not site-specific.
(vi) The proposed site - specific amendment does not materially affect the land use
and population growth projections that are the bases of the Comprehensive Plan.
[Answer yes', 'no', or 'not applicable' and describe why]
PC Response: N/A — The proposed sign code update is not site - specific.
'How to Decide' Supplement for Planning Commission
MLA 12 -00226 Sign Code
6 -1B -14
Page 3 of 7
Board of County Commissioners Meeting 1111212014 Page 37 of 44
(viii) Within an Urban Growth Area, the proposed site - specific amendment does not
materially affect the adequacy or availability of urban facilities and services to the
immediate area and the overall UGA. [Answer `yes', 'no', or'not applicable' and
describe why]
PC Response: NIA — The proposed sign code update is not site - specific.
(viii) The proposed amendment is consistent with the Growth Management Act
(Chapter 36.70A RCW), the County -Wide planning Policies for Jefferson County, any
other applicable inter - jurisdictional policies or agreements, and any other local, state or
federal laws. [Answer yes' or 'no' and describe why]
PC Response: Yes. This proposed sign code amendment maintains a balance between
providing constitutionally protected free speech, supporting economic development through
the ample and effective use of signs, and upholding community held values for maintaining
"rural character" by controlling the number, placement, type and size of signs.
C) JCC 18.45.050(4)(b)(i) through (4)(b)(vii)
Inquiry into the Growth Management Indicators:
i) Is growth and development as envisioned in the Comprehensive Plan occurring faster
or slower than anticipated, or is it failing to materialize? [Answer yes' or 'no' and describe
why]
PC Response: More slowly, due to the "great recession" of 2008 -2009.
ii) Has the capacity of the county to provide adequate services diminished or increased?
(Answer yes' or'no' and describe why]
PC Response: Diminished, due to lower tax revenues from lower economic activity as a result
of the "great recession" of 2008 - 2009."
iii) Is there sufficient urban land, as designated and zoned to meet projected demand and
need? [Answer 'yes' or'no' and describe why]
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PC Response: Yes, due to growth rates less than projected in the comp plan. However this
indicator does not apply since this is not a Comp Plan amendment, but an amendment to the
development code.
iv) Are any of the assumptions upon which the plan is based no longer found to be valid?
[Answer'yes' or'no' and describe why]
PC Response: No. The assumptions in the Comp Plan are still valid, but growth is occurring
more slowly than projected. The land use types, amounts and public facilities are still valid
and appropriate to accommodate future growth, but the demand for the public facilities is
anticipated to take longer than estimated due to slower growth rates.
v) Are there changes in the county -wide attitudes? Do they necessitate amendments to
the goals of the Comprehensive Plan and the basic values embodied within the
Comprehensive Plan Vision Statement? [Answer yes' or no' and describe why]
PC Response: No. This proposed sign code amendment maintains a balance between
providing constitutionally protected free speech, supporting economic development through
the ample and effective use of signs, and upholding community held values for maintaining
"rural character" by controlling the number, placement, type and size of signs.
A) Are there changes in circumstances which dictate a need for amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan? [Answer yes' or'no' and describe why]
PC Response: No. This proposed sign code amendment maintains a balance between
providing constitutionally protected free speech, supporting economic development through
the ample and effective use of signs, and upholding community held values for maintaining
"rural character" by controlling the number, placement, type and size of signs.
vii) Do inconsistencies exist between the Comprehensive Plan and the GMA or the
Comprehensive Plan and the Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County?
[Answer'yes' or'no' and describe why]
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PC Response: No. This proposed sign code amendment maintains a balance between
providing constitutionally protected free speech, supporting economic development through
the ample and effective use of signs, and upholding community held values for maintaining
"rural character' by controlling the number, placement, type and size of signs.
d) The Record
1) In addition to the guidance provided by GMA, the County -Wide Planning Policies,
the Jefferson County Code, and the Comprehensive Plan, what else is in the record
with respect to this proposal? [Answer yes' or 'no' and describe why]
PC Response: Please see the attached: "Jefferson County Sign Code Update: Facts and
Findings, April 2014 ', regarding the public record for this proposed amendment to the sign
code.
2) Can assertions in the record be confirmed by information from other sources?
[Answer yes' or 'no' and describe why]
PC Response: Yes. The attached Facts and Findings can be confirmed by public records,
such as audio recordings, public notices, and meeting minutes (where available) of Planning
Commission meetings.
3) Is the decision we are about to make based on the record? [Answer 'yes' or'no'
and describe why]
PC Response: Yes. The proposed decision is based on discussions by the Planning
Commission and input by citizens and staff at multiple open public meetings before the
Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners, and at two public hearings. All of
these events are part of the public record. Additional public records:
a) This proposed amendment is based on findings as required by JCC 18.45.080.
b) The two public hearings for this proposed amendment has been duly noticed per the
requirements of JCC 18.45.080.
c) This proposed amendment has been duly assessed for environmental impacts via a SEPA
Checklist, as required by Chapter 197 -11 WAC (SEPA rules).
d) This proposed amendment recommendation is based on the record, following two open record
hearings and following the close of the open record hearings, consideration by the Planning
Commission of any written or oral comments.
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e) This proposed amendment satisfies legal criteria.
f) This proposed amendment is being provided for a 60 day review to the Washington State
Department of Commerce, Growth Management Services, as required by RCW 36.70A.106
(GMA).
4) Does the decision we are about to make, as far as we know, satisfy legal criteria?
[Answer yes' or 'no' and describe why]
PC Response: Yes. The proposed amendments to the sign code have been reviewed by the
County's Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and found to meet legal criteria.
5) Is the decision we are about to make limited to the specific request at hand?
[Answer yes' or 'no' and describe why]
PC Response: Yes. This decision is limited to updating the County's sign code regulations.
Are there any additional findings of fact or conclusions of law pertinent to this decision?
PC Response: Yes. Please see the aforementioned Facts and Findings regarding the public record
and other facts and findings for this proposed amendment to the sign code.
2. Repeat motion and vote (one of the following):
a. In favor — Yea
b. Opposed - Nay
c. Abstain - I
Based on these findings, on June 18, 2014, the Jefferson County Planning Commission voted 47 to
approve, U to deny and 0 abstentions for MLA 12 -0026 and recommend that the BOCC
approve f deny the Planning Agency's request to amend the JCC as proposed in MLA 12 -0026.
Kevin Coker, Chair
Date
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ATTACHMENT E
Sign Code Update: PC meeting of June 18, 2014
Response to Comments at Planning Commission Public Hearing of May 7, 2014
Updated to Include Proposed Revisions of Staff and BOCC (11 -3 -14)
Public or Planning Commission Comment
Staff or Planning Commission Response
1. There are no enforcement provisions in the
Enforcement provisions for the entire Unified
proposed sign code
Development Code (UDC) are provided at JCC
18.50.
2. DCD has not adopted the IBC appendix for
The IBC Appendix "H" was intentionally not
signs. This should be done for safety.
adopted as it has provisions in conflict with the
County's sign code. Additionally, Appendix "H"
does not specify when a sign needs a building
permit.
Staff recommends that determining when a sign
needs a building permit should be an
administrative decision upon reviewing a sign
application.
Authority for such decisions is granted to the
building official in JCC 15.05.020, and to the
Planning Administrator in JCC 18.30.150(2).
The proposed sign code prohibits signs that
"...create a safety hazard for pedestrians or
vehicular traffic" (18.30.150(5)(f).
3. Private roads are not addressed. How can
The sign code applies to private and public
potential impacts be addressed?
property, (including any private roads affected), as
stated in Section 18.30.150(2) — Applicability: "No
sign shall hereafter be erected or used for any
purpose or in any manner except as permitted by
the regulations of this Section or as specified
elsewhere in this code ".
Public roads are specifically identified in the sign
code because the code allows individuals to post
signs in the public road right of ways. There is no
similar right of the public to post signs in the right
of way of private roads.
Additionally, existing zoning and development
regulations apply all land uses on private property,
includina si ns.
4. Signs in the public right of way should have
Section 18.30.150.(8)(g) requires this.
the name and contact info of the party posting
the sign.
Board of County Commissioners Meeting 1111212014 Page 42 of 44
5. Criteria from the Public Works Department
The Public Works criteria has been removed, as
referenced in section 18.30.150 (9) is not
the intent of the criteria are addressed in several
codified.
sections of the proposed sign code as follows:
18.30.150(5)(f),(g),(h); 18.30.150(6)(j), and
18.30.150(8)(a), (g).
6. Need better definition of height. Is it top or
Language has been added to describe sign
bottom?
height in Sections:
18. 30.150(6)(d)(k)(1)(m)(p)(q)(r), 18.30.150(8)(a),
(e),(f) and (g).
7. 45 day limit for temporary signs comes late in
The maximum time limit for temporary signs is
the code.
proposed to be 180 days and is stated in
Definitions - Section 18.30.150(3)(bb). Temporary
Section 18.30.150(8)(a).
signs are addressed in Section (8), so it is also
appropriate to note time limits in this section.
8. The size limit for handheld signs (12 s.f.) is
The size limit for hand held signs is proposed to
too small. A sign could be worn on the front
be 16 s.f. and can be increased up to 50% larger
and back of a person larger than 12 s.f.
upon approval of the Administrator.
Section 18.30.150(6)(o).
9. Why the restriction on signs facing seaward?
The purpose of this section is to reduce or avoid
sign clutter from commercial signs facing the
Section 18.30.150(6)(i).
water that may inform relatively few boaters but
cause a visual impact to the majority of sign
viewers who experience signs from the landward
side and receive little or no benefit if the sign
message is only visible facing the water.
This section is revised to exempt non - commercial
signs on private property, so they could face
seaward. However, Section 10 already allows for
non - commercial signs to be substituted for any
other sign.
10. The term `continuously maintained" is
Section 18.30.150(6)(g) is revised to say" all
undefined. Section 18.30.150(6)(g).
signs shall be maintained to be structurally sound,
so as not to present a public hazard."
11. One section refers to signs that project more
These two sections are not inconsistent because
than six inches from a building and another
they address different purposes.
section refers to signs that project more than
12 inches from buildings.
Section 18.30.150(6)(d) refers to any sign, not
necessarily a projection sign. The purpose is to
prevent a hazard to someone walking beneath a
sign that projects out more than six inches.
18.30.150(6)(h)
Projection sign" means a sign that is wholly or
`Any sign projecting beyond six inches from a
partly dependent upon a building for support
perpendicular wall shall be at least eight feet
and which projects more than 12 inches from
above grade."
such building
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Section 18.30.150(3)(v) defines projection signs
as a sign projecting more than 12 inches from a
building.
Section 18.30.150(6)(b) specifically excludes
12. 18.30.150(6)(c)
special events and Section 18.30(4)Q) exempts
The restrictions on changing message signs
"seasonal displays or decorations..."
could prohibit Christmas signs.
These provisions cover seasonal displays,
including but not limited to Christmas.
The purpose of this code is to reduce visual clutter
13. Off site sig ns that advertise a business are
of off -site signs. However, existing legal
prohibited.
nonconforming off -site signs are permitted until
the County has a "Wayfinding" sign program, per
18.30.150(7)(a).
Section 18.30.150(8)(b) allows temporary event
off -site signs.
Section 18.30.150(6)(m) allows up to three small
commercial signs per business.
14. Signage on vehicles should not be limited to
18.30.150(4) Exemptions: Section (i) is proposed
those "in the conduct of business'.
to read:
"si na a of any kind affixed to a motor vehicle."
15. Section (6)(f) says no more than two signs in
Correct. Section 18.30.150 (6)(f) Only two signs
rural commercial zones but Section (6)(e)
permitted in Rural Commercial, Industrial. UGA,
does not limit the number of signs.
Resource or Public zones.
In Rural Residential zoning (Section
18.30.150(6)(e), does not limit the number of
signs; only the total sign area is limited (32 s.f.).
Therefore a person can have more than one sign
that add up in total to not more than 32 s.f. This
provision is intended to allow more options for
communicating personal messages.
16. Not all changing message signs are electric or
Correct. 18.30.150(3)(1) The intention of this code
illuminated.
is to control electronic and illuminated changing
messages signs. Therefore, changing message
signs that are manually changed or non -
lluminated are not subject to this regulation.
17. 18.30.150(6)(m)
18.30.150(6)(m) Staff proposes revisions to allow
One small off site sign per business should
up to three small off -site signs per business.
be allowed.
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