§ 17.52.570. Signs (except billboards).

A.

No signs are allowed in any zone, unless otherwise authorized by the zone, without an approved administrative decision with the following exceptions:

1.

Nonilluminated Signs. The following types of signs, when not illuminated, do not require an administrative decision:

a.

Signs related to home occupations in accordance with Section 17.52.270 of this title (zoning ordinance Section 424).

b.

Directional or information signs bearing no advertising message located within a parcel, and signs not exceeding four square feet in area erected for the convenience of the public, such as signs identifying restrooms, public telephones, walkways and similar features or facilities.

c.

Any sign which is visible only from the parcel on which it is located.

d.

Campaign signs, provided they are removed within seven days after the election.

e.

Property signs advertising the availability of property for sale, lease, or rent, but shall not be greater than thirty-two (32) square feet.

f.

Home Signs. An accessory sign or nameplate announcing the names of the owners or occupants of the premises.

g.

Memorial signs or tablets and names of buildings and dates of erection when cut into the surface or facade of the building.

h.

Signs placed by a public utility showing the location of underground facilities.

i.

Traffic or other county signs, signs required to be mentioned by law, railroad crossing signs, legal notices and such temporary emergency or non-advertising signs as may be authorized by the board.

2.

Agricultural and Recreational Zone. Signs for any allowed or approved use not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in area and not exceeding ten feet in height, unless approved by an administrative decision from the director. Signs may be lighted, electric, or have moving parts but may not be a distraction to the public so as to be a traffic hazard.

3.

General Commercial, Light Industrial Wholesale, Multiple Use, and Industrial Zones. For commercial and industrial uses, the area of the sign shall not exceed sixty-four (64) square feet and shall not exceed ten feet in height, unless approved by an administrative decision from the director. Signs may be lighted, electric, or have moving parts but may not be a distraction to the public so as to be a traffic hazard.

B.

No sign shall be placed on a highway district right-of-way unless authorized by the highway district having jurisdiction.

C.

All signs must be placed so as not to impair vision by oncoming traffic.

D.

All signs shall be maintained in good order and repair. If damaged, it shall be repaired or removed from the premises within thirty (30) days of notice from director.

E.

If lighted, sign lighting shall comply with Section 17.52.480 of this title (zoning ordinance Section 475.10).

F.

A building permit for a sign may be required upon review by the building official, or if the sign is over six feet in height and permanently affixed to the ground.

G.

Standards for signs that require an administrative decision:

1.

Application and Administrative Requirements. A site plan and letter of intent shall be submitted to the office of planning and development Services for review together with all appropriate fees as established by the adopted fee schedule. Once review has commenced, fees shall be non-refundable.

2.

Notifications. Upon acceptance of an application, staff shall provide notification of the sign application by mail to the owners of parcels within three hundred (300) feet of the external boundaries of the parcel on which the sign will be located and shall provide such individuals a period of fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of the mailing to submit comments concerning the proposed sign. Staff shall also provide notice to the appropriate highway district for comment.

3.

Comments. The director shall consider all comments that are received within the fifteen (15) day comment period prior to making a final decision concerning the sign request. In considering comments, the Director shall evaluate whether such comments adequately demonstrate that the sign would be reasonably compatible with the surrounding vicinity.

4.

Approval Shall be at the Discretion of the Director. The director shall consider all of the application materials as well as all comments received relating to the application and the uses of the surrounding properties in the determination of the compatibility of the proposed sign. The burden is on the applicant to show compatibility. The director may require conditions that are necessary to make the sign compatible with the surrounding vicinity.

5.

Notice of Decision. The director shall give notice of the decision granting or denying the application, to those previously notified of the pending application.

6.

Appeal by Affected Person. Any affected person who is aggrieved by the Director's decision as to an application pursuant to this subsection, may file a written notice of appeal in accordance with Section 17.56.130, appeal of decision, of this title (zoning ordinance Section 503.4).

( Ord. No. 2016-3 , § 1(475.14), 5-4-16)