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In addition to the requirements contained in this chapter and chapter 30.52A SCC, developments in the UC zone shall also comply with the requirements of this section and SCC Table 30.27.047(1). The purpose of this section is to permit businesses to inform, identify, and communicate effectively while requiring appropriate design, scale, and placement of signs.

(1) Signs shall be designed and placed to minimize their light and glare impacts on surrounding uses.

(2) Reader boards and signs whose display can be electronically or mechanically changed by remote or automatic means are prohibited. Changeable copy or advertising by nonelectronic means may be utilized on any permitted sign.

(3) Any sign that does not conform to this section is a nonconforming sign. The following requirements shall apply instead of the requirements of SCC 30.28.070, SCC 30.28.072 and SCC 30.28.075:

(a) Temporary signage shall not be considered nonconforming signage under this section.

(b) A nonconforming sign shall not be altered, modified or reconstructed except:

(i) When such alteration, modification or reconstruction would bring such sign into conformity with these regulations;

(ii) When such alteration, modification or reconstruction is necessary because the existing use has new ownership which results in a change in the name or logo of the use or business on the property, and such change complies with subsection (3)(c) of this section;

(iii) When the space is reoccupied by a similar use and the new occupant requires no external building or site renovation, and such change complies with subsection (3)(c) of this section; or

(iv) When a sign is accidentally or intentionally destroyed and the sign is reconstructed exactly as it was and in the same location prior to being destroyed.

(c) Any alteration, modification or reconstruction permitted under subsection (3)(b)(ii) or (iii) of this section shall be limited to the replacement of a sign panel, and individual letters and logos within the same area or repainting a sign face. No changes to the structure, framing, erection or relocation of the sign are permitted.

(4) Whenever any sign, either conforming or nonconforming to these regulations, is required to be removed for the purpose of repair, relettering or repainting, the work may be done without a permit; provided, that all of the following conditions are met:

(a) There is no alteration or remodeling to the structure or the sign mount itself;

(b) There is no enlargement or increase in any of the dimensions of the sign or its structure;

(c) The sign is accessory to a permitted, conditional or nonconforming use; and

(d) The requirements of chapter 30.52A SCC are met.

(5) If a sign design scheme was approved for the property, any future new or replacement signs shall be consistent with the approved sign design scheme.

Table 30.27.047(1) Urban Center Zone Sign Regulations

Sign Type

Sign Description

Number of Signs Permitted

Maximum Height (feet)

Maximum Area per
Sign Face
(square feet)

Other Requirements

Freestanding, Pole, or Pylon

Not attached to a building, has its own support structure such as poles and is typically secured to a foundation

One per urban center development

15

60

•    Utilize materials and architectural design elements that are consistent with the architecture of the buildings and have a substantial base that is at least half as wide and thick (measured horizontally) as the sign itself

•    If the whole sign face is illuminated, then the background color shall be darker than the lettering and logo to avoid glare

•    The base shall be planted with shrubs or seasonal flowers in accordance with SCC 30.25.015(5) and (6)

Monument or Ground

Supported by and integrated with a solid base, as opposed to poles, posts, or other such supports

One per public road fronting the urban center development

8

40

•    Utilize materials and architectural design elements that are consistent with the architecture of the buildings and have a substantial base that is at least half as wide and thick (measured horizontally) as the sign itself

•    If the whole sign face is illuminated, then the background color shall be darker than the lettering and logo to avoid glare

•    The base shall be planted with shrubs or seasonal flowers in accordance with SCC 30.25.015(5) and (6)

Building-Mounted, Wall or Fascia

Attached flush with a building and is only visible from one side

One per facade that is visible from a road, drive aisle or customer parking lot

Not applicable

20

•    Utilize materials and architectural design elements that are consistent with the architecture of the buildings

•    Shall be centered, proportional and shaped to the architectural features of the buildings

•    Shall not cover windows, building trim, or ornamentation including areas between vertical piers or columns, blank areas on a gabled roof, or upper reaches of a false-fronted building

•    Shall be mounted plumb with the building with a maximum protrusion of one foot unless the sign incorporates sculptural elements or architectural devices

•    The sign frame shall be concealed or integrated into the building’s architectural character in terms of form, color, and materials

•    The sign and sign supports shall not extend more than 10 feet higher than the highest point of the principal building

•    No sign and sign supports shall exceed the maximum building height of the UC zone

Accessory, Directional, Directory or Regulatory

Attached flush with a building, only visible from one side and is secondary to a wall sign. Examples include menu boards, hours of operation, directory, directional and signs concerning rules, ordinances, or laws

The number shall be determined by the property owner

Not applicable

4

•    Shall be designed consistent with the architecture of the buildings

•    Shall be proportional and shaped to the architectural features of the buildings

•    Shall not cover windows, building trim, or ornamentation including blank areas above canopies, areas between vertical piers or columns, blank areas on a gabled roof, or upper reaches of a false-fronted building

•    Shall be mounted plumb with the building, with a maximum protrusion of six inches

Awning, Canopy or Marquee

Mounted on or underneath a canopy, awning, or marquee

One per business

Not applicable

8

•    Shall be designed consistent with the architecture of the buildings

•    Shall maintain a minimum clearance of eight feet between the walkway and the bottom of the sign

Window

Painted on or attached to a window and is visible to pedestrian or vehicular traffic

See maximum area per sign face

Not applicable

25% of the area of a window and the total area of all window signs, including both permanent and temporary, shall not exceed 50% of the window area

No additional requirements

Portable

Not affixed to a structure or the ground (e.g., A-frame or sandwich-board signs)

One per business

4

8

•    Signs shall be located within 20 feet of the applicable building entrance

•    Signs shall be located to maintain at least eight feet of horizontal clearance on the sidewalk for pedestrian movement

•    Signs shall be removed during nonbusiness hours

•    Portable signs shall not be illuminated

(Added by Amended Ord. 13-007, Sept. 11, 2013, Eff date Oct. 3, 2013).