2625ORDINANCE NO.2625
[^J AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18.58 OF THE MOSES LAKE MUNICIPAL
CODE ENTITLED "SIGNS"
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOSES LAKE,WASHINGTON ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1.Chapter "*"of the Moses Lake Municipal Code entitled "*"is amended as follows:
18.58.020 Definitions:
A.Abandoned Sign:means a sign which no longer serves its intended purpose.
B.Architectural Appendage Sign:means a building sign that is suspended from,attached to,
applied to, or part of an awning,marquee,false mansard,canopy,or similar projection
from the exterior walls of a building.
C.Billboard:means an off-site sign that is substantial in size and construction, usually is
owned by an outdoor advertising company,and contains advertising space that is forrent
or lease.
D.Building:means an enclosed structure fora use or occupancy.
E.Building Sign:means any sign that isattached orappliedto,mounted on,suspended from,
painted on, or partof the exterior of a buildingor architectural appendage,includingthe
roof and facade.
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F.Cabinet Sign:means a sign enclosure which has access forthe replacement of one (1)or
more sign faces and lamps, if internally-illuminated.
G.Changeable Copy Sign:means a sign that is designed to easily rotate or alternate
messages by mechanical means.Examples of changeable copy signs are reader boards
with removable letters.
H.Community Sign:means a temporary sign that promotes,celebrates,or commemorates
a communityevent,publicawareness,community service,holiday season,orsimilarpublic
function.
I.Construction Sign:means a temporary standing or portablesign that is non-illuminated.
A construction sign provides informationabout a construction project.
J.Directional Sign:meansasignwhichonlyidentifiesa business oractivity anddirectstraffic
to that business or activity.
K. DirectorySign:means a sign that has space which is limited to the name,address,and
logo of the developed site and the names,addresses,and logos of several on-site
businesses,organizations,or facilities.
L.Double-Face Sign:means two (2)signfaces which are identical insize and message and
eitherare displayed back-to-back orwithin 30°interior angle.
M.Electronic Sign:means anon-premiseadvertising signhaving a signboard display thatcan
be changed by an electrical,electronic,or computerized process.
N.Facade:means one (1)ormore exterior walls of a building that face one (1)direction,
including parapets and openings such as doors and windows.
ORDINANCE NO.2625
PAGE 2 August 9,2011
O.FlashingSign:means a sign that has external or internal lighting which changes intensity,
rotates,animates,travels, or switches on and offina blinking manner.Examples of such
lighting are lamp banks with blinking ortraveling messages,travelingarrows and revolving
beacons.
P.Free-Standing Sign:means a sign thathas verticalsupportwhich is permanently anchored
inthe ground.Examples are pole (or pylon), post, and monument signs.
Q.Freeway Interchange Sign:means a free-standing sign that is intended to attract the
attentionoftraffic enteringor exiting an Interstate90 interchange. Afreewayinterchange
sign is located within one thousand five hundred feet (1,500')of the interchange as
measured from thecenterlineofInterstate90 right-of-way and the intersectingright-of-way
centerline.
R.Freeway Sign:means a free-standing sign that is intended to attract the attention of traffic
on Interstate 90. Afreeway sign is located within two hundred fifty feet (250')of Interstate
90 right-of-way.
S.Garage Sale Sign:means a temporary sign for the sale of household items.
T. Home Occupation Sign:means an on-site sign that advertises a home occupation as
defined in Section 18.55.020 of this title.
U. Incidental Sign:means a non-illuminated,on-site,convenience sign.Examples of
incidental signs are credit card,telephone,and restroom signs.
V. Monument Sign:means a free-standing sign inthe shape ofa monolith. Usuallythe sign
is vertically supported on a base which is on a pedestal,but the sign may be a pole-
covered sign. A monument sign is intended to be viewed at eye level.
W.Non-Conforming Sign:means a permanent sign that was lawfully erected,installed, or
otherwise displayed according to the applicable Grant County or cityzoning regulations,
but does not conform to the sign regulations of this chapter.
X. Off-Site Sign:means a sign that is not related to an activity that is on the same site as the
sign,or the sign is on a vacant site.
Y.Official Sign or Legal Notice:means an official sign or legal notice issued by a court,
publicagency, or as authorized by lawor federal, county, or cityauthority.
Z.On-Site Sign:means a sign that is related toan activitythat ison the same site as the sign.
AA.Permanent Sign:means any sign which is not a temporary sign as defined in Section
18.58.020.OO.
BB. Pole (or Pylon) Sign:means a free-standing sign on one (1)or more upright supports ina
foundation.The upright supports may be covered for aesthetic purposes.A pole sign is
the same as a pylon sign.
CC.Portable Sign:means a sign that either is a sign structure or is part of or affixed to a sign
structure that is designed to be movable.
DD.Private Warning/Directional Sign:means a permanent,portable,or temporary sign that is
erected for a private purpose such as KEEP OUT, NO TRESPASSING,RIGHT TURN
ONLY,STOP,SECURITY ALARM,or NO DUMPING.
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ORDINANCE NO.2625
PAGE 3 August 9,2011
EE.Projecting Sign:means a type of building sign that either is:1) mounted at right angle to
a facade; 2)suspended under an architectural appendage and at right angle to a facade;
or 3) a wall sign that extends eighteen (18)or more horizontal inches from the facade.
FF.Public or Recreational Identification Sign:means a sign for a public or semi-public facility
or area.Examples of such signs are park, school, or hospital signs.
GG. Real Estate Sign -Other:means a sign that either advertises a parcel or lot of non
residential land, or the buildings thereon,or both which is for sale,lease,or rent.
HH.Real Estate Sign - Residential Lot:means a sign that either advertises a parcel or lotof
residential land, or the buildings thereon,or both which is for sale,lease,or rent.
Residential land includes land that is vacant and within a residential zone or land that is in
residential use,regardless of zone.
II.Residential Identification Sign:means a sign that identifies a residential subdivision,
plannedresidentialdevelopment,neighborhood,condominiumdevelopment, manufactured
home park,multi-family residentialdevelopment,orsimilarresidential developments.
JJ-ResidentialSubdivisionSign:means asignwhichadvertises the sale of lotsina residential
subdivision, parcels in a manufactured home binding site plan, or lots in a residential
planned development.
KK.Right-Of-Wav:means a corridor whicheither is reserved for orcontains a public street,
road, alley, pathway, highway, or freeway.
LL.Roof Sign:means a building signthatismountedonthe roofofa building as definedinthis
section. A roof sign does not project beyond the vertical planes of the building facades.
MM.Sandwich BoardSign:means a portablesignthatisA-frame,does not exceed fourfeet (4')
in height or two feet (2') in width, and is non-illuminated.
NN.Sign:means a visual message that is displayed to attractthe outdoor attention of the
general public.A sign may be: 1) advertising of a generic or specific product, item, or
service; 2) a promotionof an activity or event; 3) any other implicit or explicit message
which informs, alerts,directs attentionto, orwarns;4) the name of a business,building,
place, or organization;or 5) any combination of advertising,promotion,other message,
or name.A sign may consist of, but is not limited to words, pictures, drawings, logos,
symbols, other graphics,border,trim,frame,cabinet, background, space,material,or
devices which are integral to the visual message.A sign may contain multiple visual
messages which are related incontent and proximity.
00.Sign Face:means one dimensionofa signthatcontainsthe visualmessage.
PP.Sign Height:means the vertical distanceas measured from finished gradeatthe base of
a sign or sign structure to the top of the sign.
QQ. Sign Structure:means the horizontal and vertical support for a sign.
RR.Site:means either:1)a parcel of unplatted land,a parcel in a binding site plan,a tract,or
a lotina subdivision;or2)two(2)ormorecontiguousparcels,tracts,orlotsunderone (1)
ownership without intervening right-of-way and identified or delineated as one (1)
development site;or3) two (2)ormore contiguous parcels,tracts, orlots under different
ownerships,without intervening right-of-way,and identified or delineated as one (1)
development site.
ORDINANCE NO.2625
PAGE 4 August9,2011
SS.Street Frontage:means that portion ofa site boundary that borders one or more streets as
defined in Section 18.06.590.
TT.Temporary Sign:means a sign affixed to, applied on, or made from lightweight material,
with or without a frame or backing which is designed to be displayed for a limited time.
Examplesof lightweight materials arevinyl,cardboard,card stock,corrugated plastic,and
fabric.
UU.Traffic Control Sign:means any permanent or temporary traffic control, traffic signal, or
construction sign that is subject to:1)the latest edition of the Standard Specifications for
Road, Bridge, and Municipal Construction as published by the Washington State
Department of Transportation in conjunction with the Washington State Chapter of the
American PublicWorks Association,as amended bythe City of Moses Lake Community
Street and Utility Standards;and 2)the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
W.Vehicle Sign:means a sign that is affixedor painted on a vehicle which is primarily used
for transportation rather than parked for the purpose of displaying the sign.
WW. Wall Sign:means a building sign that is painted or flush-mounted on a facade,fascia,or
architectural appendage,less than eighteen inches (18") horizontal projection.
XX.Wheeler Corridor Heavy Industrial Area:means the area within City limits,located eastof
Road L and zoned Hew Industrial.
YY Window or Door Sign:means a building sign that is suspended or mounted flush with an
exterior window,or painted on a window or door,and directed outside.
18.58.030 Sign Regulations:
A. Onlya sign as defined inSection 18.58.020.MM is subjectto the provisions ofthis chapter.
B. Asign type that is listed "A"inthe following table is allowed to be displayed,subject to the
applicable sign regulations listed in this section and in the table.
C. A sign type that is listed "P" in the following table is prohibited from display,unless it is a
non-conforming sign as provided in Section 18.58.090.
D. A sign type that is listed "E"in the following table is exempt from the provisions of this
chapter.
E. A sign type that is not listed in the following table is not allowed to be displayed.
F. A sign shall comply with applicable provisions of the State Building Code and Chapter
16.02 of this code entitled Building Permits.
G. A sign is subject to Chapter 8.14 of this code entitled Nuisances.
H.State law (RCW 70.54.090)prohibits the attachment of a sign to a utility pole.
I.No sign is allowed on or over right-of-way except as approved by City Council for city
streets.No sign is allowed within right-of-way of the interstate or primary system where
there are no curbs.A sign may be allowed within right-of-way of the primary system where
there are curbs and other streets,subjectto the following conditions and circumstances:
1.A projecting sign is allowed over a sidewalk in right-of-way in the C-1 Zone and in the
C-2 Zone where the building is not set back from right-of-way,provided that the sign
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ORDINANCE NO.2625
PAGE 5 August9,2011
does not projectmore than eighty percent (80%) of the distance between the right-of-
way line and back of curb line, and there is a minimum of eight feet (8')vertical
clearance under the sign
2. A political sign isallowedinright-of-waysubject tothe remainder of the applicablesign
regulations in this section and in the following table.
J. No permanent sign is allowed on or over a public utility easement.
K. A permanent sign may be allowed over but not on a municipal easement,upon approval
by the Municipal Services Director.
L. Everysign shallbe maintained ina safe and secure manner. A torn, broken, hazardous,
dilapidated,or outdated sign, as determined by the Building Official,shall be repaired,
replaced,or removed.
M.The CityEngineer shallrevieweach application fora sign permit for sight distance. The
City Engineer shall consider whether a sign would be located or constructed so as to
obscure or obstruct an official trafficsign, signal, or device, or obstruct a motorist's view
of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic before approving or disapproving the
application.
N.Internal orexternal sign lighting shallbe shaded,hooded,site screened,ordirected so that
the light's intensity or brightness shall neitheradverselyaffect adjacent ornearby property,
nor create a public nuisance,nor create a traffic hazard.
O.A sign may be located withinthe frontor exterior yard (as defined in sections 18.06.630
and 18.06.650 of this title) but shall not be located in the interior side or rear yard (as
defined in sections 18.06.650 and 18.06.640 of this title).
P.Where electronic signs are allowed,the following conditions apply:
1.The message shall have a static display time of at least two (2)seconds after moving
on to the signboard, with allsegments of the total message to be displayed withinten
(10)seconds.
2.Displays maytravel horizontally orscrollvertically onto electronic signboards,but must
hold in a static position for two (2)seconds after completing the travel or scroll.
4.Electronic signs requiring more than four (4)seconds to change from one (1)single
message display to another shall be turned off during the change interval.
5. No electronic sign lamp may be illuminated to a degree of brightness that is greater
than necessary for adequate visibility. In no case may the brightness exceed eight
thousand (8,000)nits or equivalent candelas during daylight hours, or one thousand
(1,000)nits (illuminative brightness measurement),or equivalent candelas between
dusk and dawn.Signs found to be too bright shall be adjusted as directed by the City
of Moses Lake.
6.Minimum height for the sign shall be thirteen feet (13') from grade of the adjacent
roadway to the bottom ofsign.
7.The sign background shall not be white in color.White lights shall not be used as the
sign background.
ORDINANCE NO.2625
PAGE 6 August 9,2011
8.Businesses,churches,or schools are allowed changeable signs providing that
changeable displays in residential zones shall be turned off between the hours of 10
p.m.and 7 a.m.
Q. No sign shall be erected or maintained ifit is visible from the main traveled way of the
interstate or primary system except as permitted by Washington.Administrative Code
Chapter 468-66 entitled HIGHWAY ADVERTISING CONTROL ACT or Revised Code of
Washington Chapter47.42 entitled HIGHWAY ADVERTISING CONTROL ACT-SCENIC
VISTAS ACT.
R.Signs constructed of temporary sign materials,as defined in Section 18.58.010.TT,shall
not be used asa permanentsign. Anysign thatdoes not currently meetthis standard must
be removed within ninety (90)days.
SIGN REGULATIONS
Sign Type Prohibited,Maximum Sign Maximum Sign Other Sign Regulations
Allowed,or Height Sign Area Permit
Exempt
Abandoned P NA NA NA NA
Architectural A Sign may be seeBuilding sign R Sign allowed only incommercial
Appendage flush-mounted
or suspended
under the
architectural
appendage
and industrialzones.Ifthe sign
is suspended,there shall be at
least 8'clearance above grade.
Billboard P NA NA NA NA
Building See specific See specific The total area of See Sign allowed in commercial,
types of types of building building signs specific industrial,agricultural,and
building signs shall not exceed types of municipal airport zones.
signs 25%ofthe overall building Allowed in R-3 Zone on a site
area of each signs with a conditional use,with
facade .None of review and approval of the
this allowance is Planning Commission according
transferable from to Section 18.58.110 of this
one facade to chapter.
another facade.
No individual
building sign shall
exceed 15%of
the overall area of
a facade.
Changeable Copy A 25'for Free-See Building,R Sign allowed only in commercial
standing,Freeway or and industrial zones.
Freeway or Freeway
Freeway Interchange,Free-
Interchange standing,or
sign,or wall Temporary Free-
height for Wall standing or
sign Portable sign
Community A See Building or See Building,R if free Sign allowed only incommercial,
Free-standing Free-standing,standing industrial,and public zones.
signs.and Temporary
Free-standing or
Portable signs for
other sign area
regulations.
sign; NR if
building
sign
Sign shall be temporary.
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ORDINANCE NO.2625
PAGE 7 August 9,2011
Sign Type Prohibited,
Allowed,or
Exempt
Maximum Sign
Height
Maximum
Sign Area
Sign
Permit
Other Sign Regulations
Construction A 8'32 sq. ft.per
streetfrontageper
construction site
NR Sign may be erected a
maximum of 30 days prior to
start of construction,and shall
be removed within 30 days after
the end of construction.Sign
shall be non-illuminated.
Limited to one sign per street
frontage per site.
Dilapidated or
hazardouscondition
as determined by
Building Official
P NA NA NA NA
Directional A 6'for Free
standing sign;
same as for
Wall sign.
8 sq.ft.persign R Sign allowed only incommercial
and industrial zones
Directory A Same as for
Free-standing,
and Freeway or
Freeway
Interchange
sign
See Building,
Freeway or
Freeway
Interchange,or
Free-standing
sign
R Signallowedonlyincommercial
and industrialzones,or on a site
with a conditional use in the R-3
Zone.Prior to issuance of a
sign permit, a sign for a
conditional use in the R-3 Zone
shall require Planning
Commission review and
approval according to Section
18.58.110 of this chapter.
Electronic A 25'50 sq.ft.per site^
Area of electronic
signs is included
within the
maximum area
allowed for free-
standing or
building signage
R Sign allowed only in
Commercial,Industrial,and
Public Zones.Additional
requirements forelectronicsigns
are found in Section 18.58.030,
Sian Regulations.Electronic
signs must also meet the
reouirementsfor thetypeof sign
(free-standing or building).
Flashing P NA NA NA NA
Freewayor Freeway
Interchange or
Wheeler Corridor
A 45'350 sq.ft.per site R Allowedonly in commercial and
industrial zones.Wheeler
Corridor signs allowed only in
Heavy Industrial the Wheeler Corridor Heavy
Industrial Area.Off-site signs
shall not be allowed.
ORDINANCE NO.2625
PAGE 8 August 9,2011
Sign Type Prohibited,Maximum Sign Maximum Sign OtherSign Regulations
Allowed,or Height Sign Area Permit
Exempt
Free-standing A 25'150 square feet
per site in a
commercial or
industrial zone,
except that a site
which has street
frontage
exceeding 300
lineal feet is
allowed 150
square feet per
increment of 300
lineal feetofstreet
frontage.A site
where there is a
conditional use in
the R-3 Zone is
allowed any
combination of
free-standing and
building signs not
to exceed a total
of 12 square feet,
except as
provided in Other
Sign Regulations
in this row.
R Sign allowed only incommercial
and industrial zones or on a site
where there is a conditional use
in the R-3 Zone.A sitewithout
streetfrontage shall be limitedto
one free-standing sign structure.
The number of free-standing
sign structures that are allowed
on a site with street frontage
shall be limited to two per
increment of 300 lineal feet of
street frontage.If a site
exceeds one free-standing sign
structure,then the structures
shall beseparateda minimumof
100 lineal feet.Landscaping (as
defined in section 18.57.030.A
of this title) is required around
the base of a new free-standing
sign.Thelandscapingperimeter
for a pole sign shall be not less
than the largestsigndimensions
as vertically projected to the
ground.The landscaping
perimeter for all other free
standing signs shall be not less
than 1'larger than the base of
the sign structure.Prior to
issuance of a sign permit,a
free-standing sign on a vacant
site,or where there is a
conditional use in the R-3 Zone,
shall require Planning
Commission review and
approval according to Section
18.58.110 of this chapter.
Garage Sale A NA NA NR Sign allowed in all zones.The
sign shall not be displayed for
more than four consecutive
days.
Government Flags E NA NA NA NA
Home Occupation A Same as for 2 sq.ft.per R Sign shall be a non-illuminated
Wall sign residential
dwelling unit with
home occupation
license
wall sign.Limited to one sign
perresidential dwelling unitwith
home occupation license.
Incidental A Same as for
Wall,Freeway,
Freeway
Interchange,
and Freeway
signs
2 sq.ft.persign NR Shall be non-illuminated and on-
site.
Monument A 8'Same asfor Free
standing Sign
R Sign allowed only in commercial
and industrial zones
Non-conforming See Section 18.58.090 for limitations on non-conforming signs
Official Sign or E NA NA NA NA
Legal Notice
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ORDINANCE NO.2625
PAGE 9 August 9,2011
Sign Type Prohibited,
Allowed,or
Exempt
Maximum Sign
Height
Maximum
Sign Area
Sign
Permit
OtherSign Regulations
Open,Closed,
Business Hours,
Address,or
Greeting
E NA NA NA NA
Political
(candidateor issue)
A 8'32 square feetper
sign
NR Shall be removed within 10 days
after an election.May be
located on private property with
permissionfrom property owner.
May be placed in right-of-way
adjacent to the private property
of the abutting land owner and
only with the permission of the
private property owner/abutting
land owner, provided that it is
notin a location or conditionthat
is prohibited.
Private Warning/
Directional
E NA NA NA NA
Projecting Sign A Same as for
Wall or
Architectural
Appendagesign
See Building sign R See Section 18.58.030 Iofthis
chapter
Public or
Recreational
Identification
A Same as for
Free-standing or
Building sign
SeeFree-standing
or Building sign
R Allowed in commercial,
industrial,and public zones
Public Zone (other
than Public or
Recreational Facility
Identification signs)
A Same as for
Free-standingor
Building sign
seeFree-standing
or Building sign
R Requires Planning Commission
approval according to Section
18.58.110.
Real Estate-Other A 8'for Free
standing Sign;
wall height for
Building Sign
32 sq. ft.per sign NR Shall be non-illuminated.Shall
be removed from display within
five days after sale,lease,or
rent.
Real Estate •
Residential Lot
A 8'6 sq. ft.per sign NR Shall be non-illuminated.Shall
be removed from display within
one day after sale,lease,or
rent.
Residential
Identification
A 8'32 sq.ft.persite R Allowed in residential zones.
Requires Planning Commission
review and approval according
to Section 18.58.110 of this
chapter.
Residential
Subdivision
A 8'32 sq.ft.per
residential
subdivision,
manufactured
home binding site
plan or residential
planned
development
R N/A
ORDINANCE NO.2625
PAGE 10 August 9,2011
Sign Type Prohibited,
Allowed,or
Exempt
Maximum Sign
Height
Maximum
Sign Area
Sign
Permit
Other Sign Regulations
Roof A 10'above roof
height as
measured from
intersection of
the roof and
lowest point of
the sign,sign
structure,or
point of
attachment
See Building sign R Allowed in commercial and
industrial zones.
Sandwich Board A 4'8 sq. ft.each face R Sign allowed only in commercial
and industrial zones.May be
located in right-of-way adjacent
to the site that is the object of
the sign with Community
Development Department
approval.Otherwise,sign shall
be on-site.Shall be removed
from display at the end of each
business day.
Sign which could be
confused with or
obstructs the view
of a traffic sign or
signal,as
determined by City
Engineer
P NA NA NA NA
Sign which restricts
ingress to or egress
from a building
P NA NA NA NA
Sign on vehicle
other than Vehicle
sign
P NA NA NA NA
Temporary Sign on
Fence
A Height of fence 32 sq.ft.per
street frontage
NR Allowed only for community
signs,as defined in this chapter
Temporary Sign on
free-standing
structureorPortable
A See Free
standing if on
free-standing
structure;8'
height if
portable
32 sq. ft.per
streetfrontage per
site.If no street
frontage,then 32
sq.ft.per site.
The total sign
area shall be
restricted to one,
contiguous,
designated area
per street
frontage.The
designated area
shall not exceed
12 lineal feet
parallel to street
frontage.
R -one
time per
location.
Ownership
change of
business
license
requires
new sign
permit.
Allowed only in commercial and
industrial zones.Sign shall be
repaired,replaced,or removed
when torn,worn,broken,or
dilapidated.Sign shall be
specific to a product or event,
and shall not include the
business name or hours.Off-
site signs shall not be allowed,
except that the Planning
Commission may allow a
temporary sign on a vacant site
pursuant to 18.58.100.
Temporary Gas
Pump
A NA 2 sq.ft.per sign,
one sign per
dispenser
NR NA
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ORDINANCE NO.2625
PAGE 11 August 9,2011
Sign Type Prohibited,Maximum Sign Maximum Sign Other Sign Regulations
Allowed,or Height Sign Area Permit
Exempt
Temporary Sign On A Same as Wall See Building sign NR Allowed only incommercial and
Wall sign Signs shall be
framed.One sign
per building
allowed if
unframed.
industrial zones.Sign shall be
repaired,replaced,or removed
when torn,worn,broken,or
dilapidated.Sign shall be
specific to a product or event,
and shall not include the
business name or hours.Off-
site signs shall not be allowed.
Signs shall not be located on out
buildings.
Traffic Control E NA NA NA NA
Vehicle A Flush-mounted
to vehicle
NA NR Non-illuminated
Wall A The sign shall
be contained
within the
outline of the
facade.
See Building sign R NA
Window or Door A The sign shall
be contained
within the
perimeter of the
windowor door
See Building sign NR for
temporary
sign; R for
permanent
sign
NA
A =Allowed E =Exempt NA = Not Applicable NR =Not Required P =Prohibited R =Required
Section 2.This ordinance shalltake effect and be in force five(5)days after its passage and publication of
its summary as provided by law.
Adopted by the CityCouncil and signed by its Mayoron August 9,2011.
Jon
*^-*x
ATTEST:
aid R.Cone,Financinance Director
APPROVED AS TO FORM: