1373_00001ORDINANCENO.1373
AN ORDINANCE REPEALINGCHAPTER 18.57 OF THE MOSES LAKEMUNICIPALCODEENTITLED"SIGNSANDBILLBOARDS"AND CREATINGANEWCHAPTER18.56 OF THEMOSESLAKEMUNICIPALCODE ENTITLED"SIGNSANDBILLBOARDS"
THE CITYCOUNCIL OF THECITYOF MOSESLAKE,WASHINGTONDOORDAINAS FOLLOWS:
Section 1.Chapter 18.57 of the Moses I.ake MunicipalCode entitled"Signsand Billboards"is repealedinitsentirety.I Section 2.Chapter 18.56 ofthe Moses Lake Municipal Code entitled"Signsand Billboards"Is createdasfollows:
18.56.010 Purpose:Nosign governed bythe provisionsofthisordinanceshallbe erected,structurallyaltered,or relocated except in accordance with the provisionsofthis ordinance.
18.56.020 Buildinq Permit:Unlessotherwiseprovided inthis chapter,allsignsshallrequirea buildingpermitandpaymentoffeesasstipulatedbythecurrentUniformBuildingCode.ApplicationsforabuildingpermitforasignshallbemadetotheBuildingOfficialonformsprescribedbytheBuildingDivisionoftheMunicipalServicesDepartment.
18.56.030 General Provisions and Standards:
A.Code Compliance;Allsigns shall be constructed to the standards of the currentUniformBuildingCodeandshallbegovemedbytherequirementsoftheNationalElectricalCode.
B.Flush Mounted Signs:Flush surface mounted signsshallnotextend above the heightofthesurfacetowhichtheyareattached.Flush surface mounted signs shall notprojectmorethantwelveinches(12")fromthe surface towhichare attached.
C.Painted Fascia Signs:On-premisespaintedfascia signs are permittednot to exceedonehundredfifty(150)square feet inarea.Paintedfascia signs may be permittedtoexceedonehundredfifty(150)square feet in area subject to the review and approvalofthePlanningCommission.
I D.Liahtina:Lightingwhichisdirected or internalto any signshallbe shaded,hooded,sitescreened,or directedso thatthe light's intensityorbrightnessshallnot adverselyaffectadjacentornearproperty,createa publicnuisance,or createa hazard to motor vehiclesafety.
E.Plat Reguirement:Buildingpermitsfor the construction,erection,remodel,or replace-ment of signs in unplatted areas shall be issued in compliance with Moses LakeMunicipalCodesections16.12.020,16.12.030,and 16.12.040 governing the issuanceofbuildingpermitsInunplattedareas.
F.Sign Maintenance:AIIsigns,together with their supports,braces,and guys,shall bemaintainedinasafeandsecuremanner.
G.Signs on CityRight-of-Way or CityLand:Signs shall not be placed on or over cityright-of-way or city owned land withoutthe permission of the Councilexcept as maybepermittedbythischapter.
H..F_I.agg:Officialflags of the United States of America,States of the United States,counties,municipalities,officialflags of foreign nations,and flags of internationallyandnatlonallyrecognizedorganizationsarenotclassifiedassignsandarepermittedprovidedtheflagsandflagpolesshallbeerectedincompliancewiththerequirementsofthischapterandtherequirementsofthezoneinwhichtheyarelocated.Companyflagsorflagsadvertisingacommercialbusiness,product,or activitymay be allowedincompliancewiththeprovisionsofthischapterforon-premises and off-premises
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signs.
I.ConstructionSigns:Constructionsigns may be erected thirty(30)days priorto thestartofconstructionandshallberemovedthirty(30)days following completionofconstruction.
J.Apartment or CondominiumIdentification Signs:Identification signs for apartments orcondominiumsarepermittednottoexceedthirty-two(32)square feet inarea.
K.Public Facility or Recreational FacilityIdentification Signs:Identification signs forchurches,publicand privateschools,publicfacilities,and publicand private parks andrecreationfacilitiesarepermittednottoexceedeightfeet(8')Inheightorthirty-two(32)square feet in area.
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L Automatic or ManualChangeable CopySigns:Automaticormanualchangeable copysigns(readerboard signs)are permittedin compliance with the requirementsofthis
chapter unless otherwise prohibited.Changeable copysigns shall be defined as asignonwhichthecopychangesautomaticallyonalampbank,through mechanical
means,or on which copy is changed manually in the field with changeable letters.
M.Awning Signs:Awning signsare permitted in compliance with the requirements of thischapter.Awning signs shall be definedas a sign painted or printed on an awning.Awning signs shallbe included in determining the maximumpermittedsignarea.
N.Signs in the Public Zone:Signs in the Public Zone of the city and not otherwise
addressed bythisordinancemay be allowedsubjectto the review and approval of the
Planning Commission,the approvalofthe propertyowner,a finding that the proposed
signwillnot adversely affectadjacent or near land uses,that the height and size of thesignisessentialforthesigntobevisible,and that the sign shall serve a purposebenefitingthepublic.
O.SiqhtDistance Review:TheCityEngineer shall review and approve allbulldingpermit
applicationsfor signs.Signs shall not be located or constructed insuch a manner astoobscureorotherwisephysicallyinterferewiththeeffectivenessofanofficialtraffic
sign,signal,or device or to obstruct or physicallyInterfere with a motorist's view of
approaching,merging,or intersecting traffic.
P.Set Backs:Signs may be located withinthe front yard set back and shall be in
compliancewith the side and rear yard set back requirements of the zone inwhich It
is located unless otherwise providedin this chapter.
18.56.040 Exemot Signs:The following signs shall be exempt from the requirement for a building
permitand shall be permitted in all zones.
A.Real Estate Signs:Non-illuminated real estate signs in the R-1 Zone,Single Family
Residential,andthe R-2 Zone,SingleFamily and Two FamilyResidential,are allowed
not to exceed six (6)square feet.Non-illuminated real estate signs in the R-3 Zone,
Multi-familyResidential,and in the commercial,industrial,and agriculturalzones ofthe
cityare allowed not to exceed thirty-two(32)square feet.Real estate signs must be
removed within ten (10)days of sale,rental,or lease.
B.Political Signs:Politicalsigns shall not be erected morethan ninety (90)days priorto
the electionor referendum and shall be removed withinten (10)days following suchelectionorreferendum.Political signs maybe placed onlyon privatepropertyand only
with the permissionof the property owner.
C.Public Direction.Information,or Warning Signs:Public direction,information,orwarningsignsrequiredorauthorizedbylaworfederal,state,county,or cityauthority
are allowed.
D.OfficialSlqns and Legal Notices:Officialsigns and legalnotices issued by any court,
publicbody,or authorlzedby law or federal,county,or city authorityare allowed.
18.56.050 Prohibited Signs:
A.Flashing signs,flashing ilghts,or revolving beacon lights are prohibited except that this
provisionsshall not be construed to prohibitautomatic changeable copy signs on alampbankorchangeablethroughmechanicalmeanswhicharenototherwiseprohibited.
B.Abandoned signs.
C.Signs in a dilapidated or hazardous condition.
D.Signs on windows,doors,or exitswhichrestrict free ingress or egress.
E.Portable signs except as may be permitted bythis chapter.
F.Temporary signs except as maybe permitted by this chapter.
G.Signs located on or overcityright-of-way except as maybe permittedby this chapter.
H.Signs which purport to be,are an imitation of,or resemble an official trafficsign or
signal;couldcause confusionwithany officialsign;or which would obstruct visibility
ofany trafficor street sign,or signalor trafficcontroldevice.
I.Signs on any vehicle or trailerparked on publicor privatepropertywhich are visible
from a publicright-of-way andwhicharefor the primary purposeof displaying said sign
advertisingan on-premises or off-premisesbusiness or product.Exceptthat this
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provisionshallnot prohibitsigns which are paintedon or magneticallyattached flushtothesurfaceofanyvehicleortraileroperatingduringthenormalcourseofbusinessandIdentifiesoradvertisesthebusinesstowhichthevehicleisattached.
18.56.060 Portable Signs:
A.Portable signs shallbe defined as a sign that is designed to be moved easilyand notpermanentlyaffixedtoabuildingorstructureortotheground.Permanently affixedshallbedefinedasapermanentattachmenttoabuilding,structure,orsign footing forwhichabuildingpermithasbeenissued.Portable signsanchored byweight,deadmen,pins,wires,cables,or any similardevices shall not be considered to be permanentlyIaffixed.
B.Thesquare footage of portablesigns shall be included inthe computationofthe totalallowedsignsquarefootageperbusiness.
C.Portable signs shallidentify onlya business or productssold on a lot,parcel,tract,orplatoflandtogetherwiththebuildingsandstructureslocatedthereon.
D.One (1)portablesign maybe permitted per business not to exceed forty (40)squarefeetinareaincludingthesigncabinetincompliancewiththerequirementsofthîschapter.Portablesigns shall require a temporarysign permit.Portable signdisplaysexceedingsixty(60)days in duration shall require the reviewand approval of thePlanningCommission.
E.Portable signs shallhave no blinkingorflashinglights.
F.The power sourcefor lighted portable signs shall meet electricalcodes and shallbeprotectedfromdamagefromvehicularorpedestriantraffic.
G.Portable signs may be placed on city right-of-wayadjacent to the business beingadvertisedsubjecttothereviewandapprovalofthePlanningCommissionandCityCouncilincompliancewiththeprovisionsofthischapter.
H.The Commîssionmay attach conditionsto the approvalofsuch signs to mitigateanyadverseImpactstoadjacentornearlanduses.
I 18.56.070 Temporary Signs:Temporary specialeventsigns,includingbanners,pennants,valances,forsalesigns,garage sale signs,or any similaradvertisingdisplayconstructedof cloth,paper,canvas,cardboard,or other light nondurablematerialmay be displayed.Types ofdisplaysincludedinthiscategoryare:grand opening signs,special sales or promotions,specialevents,garage sales,and personal items for sale.Such signs may be erected thirty(30)days priorto aneventand shallbe removed within flve(5)days followingthe specialevent,holiday,grand opening,or sale.
18.56.080 On-Premises Signs:On-premisessignsshallbe definedas those signs identifyinga businessorproductssoldonalot,parcel,tract,or plot of land together withthe buildingsandstructureslocatedthereon.On-premisessigns shall be permittedin the commercialandindustrialzonesofthecityincompliancewiththeprovisionsofthischapter.
A.SignSize:The totalarea of signs shallnot exceed one square foot (1')of area for eachIInealfootofdevelopedbusinessfrontagealongthestreetorsidetowhichthesignisdirected,witha total area not to exceed one hundred fiftysquare feet (150')exclusiveoffreeway/freewayinterchange signs permitted by this chapter.Businesses withfrontagesoflessthanthirty-two feet (32')may construct a sign withan area not toexceedthirty-two(32)square feet.Only one (1)face of a double face sîgn willbeconsideredincomputingitssignfacesize.
B.Sign Height:Roof mounted signs projecting upwardand not beyond the wall of thestructureshallnotprojectmorethantenfeet(10')above the buildingcontainingthebusinesswhichthesignidentifiesandshallnotexceedtheheightstandardsofthezoneinwhichthebuildingislocated.Free standingsignsshall not exceed an overallheightoftwenty-five feet (25')except as may be permittedby this chapter.Signs projectingioutwardbeyondthewallofabulldingshallnotexceedtheheightofthesurfacetowhichthesignismountedoranoverallheightoftwenty-five feet (25').
C.Signs ExceedingPermitted Size and Height:On-premisessigns may be permittedtoe×ceedtheheightand/or signface size standards ofthis chapter subject to the reviewandapprovalofthePlanningCommissionafterithasbeenshownthatthesignwouldnotadverselyaffectadjacentusesandtheextraheightorsignfacesizeisessentialforthesigntobevisible.
D.Signs Projecting OverCityRight-of-Way:Signsprojectingoutwardbeyond thewall ofabuildingtowhichtheyaremountedshallnotprojectoutovercityright-of-way exceptIntheC-1Zone,Central BusinessDistrict,and on existingbuildings in the C-2Zone,GeneralCommercialand Business,that have no front yardset back from cityright-of-
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way.Signs projecting outward beyond the wall of the building to which they areattachedmayprojectoutoverthepublicsidewalknotmorethaneightypercent(80%)of the distance betweenthe property line and the curb line.Allsigns projectingovercityright-of-way shall be a minimumof eight and one halffeet (81/2')from finished
grade level except forsignsattached tothe undersideofa canopyorotherarchitectural
projection which may be a minimumof seven and one half feet (71/2')from finished
grade level.
E.Freeway/Freeway Interchange Signs:Freeway/freeway interchange signs shall be
defined as a sign designedand placed toattract the attentionoffreeway traffictraveling
on I-90 or of traffic enteringor exitingI-90 at a freewayinterchange.On-premisesfreeway/freewayInterchange signs are allowed inthe commercialand industrial zoneswithinonethousandfeet(1,000')of a freeway interchange or withintwo hundred fifty
feet (250')ofa freeway right-of-way.On-premisesfreeway/freeway interchangesigns
shall not exceed forty-five feet (45')In height or a sign face size,one face,of twohundred(200)square feet,except that the Planning Commissionmay permit freeway/-
freeway Interchange signa exceeding forty-fivefeet (45')in height and/or a sign face
size,one face,exceeding two hundred (200)square feet upon a finding that the extraheightandsignfaceareaisessentialtothesignbeingseenbyfreewayorfreeway
interchange traffic and that the signwouldnotadverselyaffectadjacent or near uses.On-premisesfreeway/freeway interchange signs shall be in compliancewith all local,
federal,and state regulations for such signs.A copy ofthe Washington State Depart-
mentofTransportationSignPermit or certificationfrom the WSDOTconfirmingthat anyproposedfreeway/freeway interchangesign is in compliancewith all state regulationsshallberequiredtoaccompanyanapplicationforacitysignpermitand/or anappilcationforaconditionalusepermitforafreeway/freeway interchangesign.
18.56.090 Off-Premises Signs:Off-premisessigns shall be definedas sign structures advertisinganestablishment,merchandise,service,orentertainmentwhich lanot sold,produced,manufac-
tured,orfurnished at the property on which the sign Is located.Off-premisessigns shallbe
permitted inthecommercialand industrial zones ofthe cityincompilancewith the provisions
and standards ofthis section.
A.Off-premisessigns shall be in compliance withall local,federal,and state regulations
for such signs.All off-premisessigns which are located on or visible from the state
federal aid primary system,the interstate system,or the scenic system subject toadvertisingcontrolshallbeincompliancewiththeapplicablestateorfederalregulations
inaddition tothe signregulations of the Cityof Moses Lake.Within and bounding theCityofMosesLakethefollowinghlghwaysaresubjecttostateandfederaloff-premises
sign regulations:SR 171 including West Broadway and East Broadway extended;SR
17;and Interstate 90.
B.SignSize:Off-premisessigns less than fifty(50)square feet in area (oneface)shall be
permitted outright inthe commercial and industrial zones ofthe city incompliance with
the provisions of thischapter.
Off-premisessigns exceeding fifty(50)squarefeet in size (oneface)may be permittedsubjecttothereviewandapprovalofthePlanningCommissionincompliancewiththe
provisions ofthis chapter and upon a finding that the proposed sign location,height,
and sizewillnot adversely affect adjacent or nearuses and that the additional sign face
size is necessary for the sign to be vlsible.
C.Sign Height:Off-premisessign structureless than twenty-fivefeet (25')aboveground
level are permitted outrightin compliancewith the provisions of this chapter.Off-
premisessigns exceeding twenty-five feet (25')In height maybe permittedsubject to I
the revlew and approval ofthe Planning Commissionincompliancewiththe provisions Aofthischapteranduponafindingthattheproposedsignlocation,helght,and size will
not adversely affect adjacentor near uses andthatthe additional sign helght isessential
for the sign to be visible.
D.A copy of the Washington State Department ofTransportatlon sign permit or certifica.
tion from the WSDOT that any proposed off-premisessign subject to state or federal
regulations is In compliance with state or federal sign regulations will be requiredto
accompanyan application for a citysign permitor for a conditional use permitas mayberequiredfortheerectionofanoff-premises sign.
E.A signed copy ofa property lease agreement,or writtenpermission from the owner of
the propertywhere an off-premisessignstructure Is proposed to be built,and a copyoftheengineeredstructuraldesignmustaccompanyallappilcationsforapermitto
construct an off-premisessign structure.
F.AIIoff-premises sign structuresmust be constructed withno more than two (2)uprights.
No additionalbracing wlll be permitted.
G.Off-premisessign structureswhere theface orfaces ofthe structuretotalmorethan fifty
(50)squarefeet shallbe double face type (back-to-back)except when erectedwithin
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eightfeet (8')ofa buffding or otherobjectthatobscures the back side ofthe advertisingfacefromvisibility.
H.Placement of an off-premisessign structure shall be a minimum of one hundred feet(100')fromthe middleofadesignatedcity cross streetanda minimum ofthree hundredfeet(300')from a residential zone boundary.
I.The uprightsofanoff-premisessignstructureshallbe no closerthan five feet (5')from
a propertylineand no partof the structure shall overhanga propertyline.
J.Off-premisessigns shallmeetthe following standards fordistance between structures:i 1.Off-premisessigns shall maintaina distance of five hundred feet (500')fromanotheroff-premisessign.
2.The Planning Commissionmayallow devîations from theseparation standardsofthissectionforoff-premisessignalocatedon citystreets which are not underthejurisdictionoftheWashingtonStateDepartmentofTransportationandgovernedbytheDepartmentofTransportationstandardsuponafindingthatdeviationfromthesestandardswillnotadverselyaffectadjacentornearuses.
18.56.100 Signs in Residential and Aqricultural Zones:
A.Permanent subdivision or neighborhood identification signs are permittedsubjecttothereviewandapprovalofthePlanningCommission.Permanent subdivision andneighborhoodsignsshallbeunobtrusiveandinkeepingwiththecharacteroftheneigh-borhood.Suchsignsshallnot exceed eightfeet (8')inheightand thirty-two(32)squarefeetinsurfaceareaandshallbelocatedonprivatepropertyunlessalocationonexcesscityright-of-way is approved bythe Council.
B.Off-premisesand on-premisessignsmaybe allowedin the Agricultural2one subjecttothereviewandapprovalofthePlanningCommission.Such signs must be incompliancewiththeoff-premisesand on-premises sign provisionsof thischapter andmaybeapprovedbythePlanningCommissiononlyafterithasbeenshownthatsuchsignswillnotadverselyaffectadjacentuses.
C.Home OccupationSigns:
i 1.Signs identifyinghome occupations which are unlighted,placed flat against thestructure,and which do not exceed two (2)square feet in sizeare permittedin theR-2 Zone,Single Family and Two Family Residential,and the R-3 Zone,Mul-ti-familyResidential.
2.Signs identifying home occupations located in the R-1 Zone,Single FamilyResidential,may be allowedsubject to the reviewand approvalof the PlanningCommission.Such signs,ifallowed,shallnot exceed two (2)square feet insizeexceptasmaybeallowedbythischapter.
3.Signs identifying home occupations may be permitted to exceed two (2)squarefeetinsizesubjecttotherevlewandapprovalofthePlanningCommissionandafterithasbeenshownthatthesignwillnotadverselyaffectadjacentresidentialusesandthattheextrasizeisessentialtothesignbeingseen.
D.On-premises signs may be allowed in the R-3 Zone,Multi-family Residential,forpermittedcommercialuses,exclusive of home occupations,subject to the review andapprovalofthePlanningCommission.Suchsigns shallbe incompliancewiththe on--premises sign standards of this chapter and may be approved by the PlanningCommissiononlyafterithasbeenshownthatsuchsignswillnotadverselyaffectadjacentornearlanduses.The Commissionmay attach conditîons to the approvalofsuchsignstomitigateanyadverseaffectstoadjacentornearlanduses.
18.56.110 Variances:Avarianceofthe bulk standards,thedimensionalstandards,andthe performancestandardsofthischaptermaybeappliedforandconsideredbytheZoningBoardofAdjustmentincompliancewiththeprovisionsofMosesLakeMunicipalCodeChapter18.78ientitled,2oning Board ofAdjustment.
18.56.120 Interpretations and Rulinas;Recognizing that there may be ambiguitiesin any chapter andthatitmaybenecessarytoobtainaninterpretationorrulingregardingintent,Interpretation,or definition,the Zoning Administrator may forward a request to the PlanningCommissionforaninterpretationorrulingregardingtheapplicationoftheprovisionsofthischaptertoanyexistingorproposedsign.
18.56.130 ADoeals:Any decisionmade byany administrator,officer,board,or commissionincarryingouttheprovisionsofthischaptermaybeappealedasprovidedforinChapter18.65 oftheMosesLakeMunicipalCode.
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18.56.140 Nonsonforminq Use:Any sign whichwas legally established priorto the effectivedate of
thischapter or subsequent amendmentto itmaycontinueto be maintainedor operated as
a legal nonconforminguse incompliancewith Moses Lake Municipal Code,Chapter 18.69
entitled,"Non-ConformingUses".
18.56.150 Violation:
A.Upon occurrence of a violation of the provisionsof this chapter,the Building OfficialshallnotifytheresponsiblepersonrepresentingtheuseInviolationthataviolationof
thischapter exists.Such a notice shallbe in writing,Identifythe violation,and specifythetimewithinwhichtheprescribedactiontocorrecttheviolationmustbetaken.The
person in violation shall have not less than seven (7)calendar days to correct the
violation,unless in the opinionof the Building Official,there is imminent perllto the
property and or to the public health,safety,or general welfare in which case the
violation shall be corrected immediately.
B.Uponfailure,neglect,or refusal of any person so notifiedto correct a violation of this
chapter,the BuildingOfficialshallIssue a civil infraction notice.
C.Anyviolation ofthe provisionsof thischapter shallbe punishable as defined in chapter
1.08 of the Moses Lake Municipal Code.
18.56.160 Removal of Signs:The BulldingOfficialmay cause the removal of an illegal sign or for failure
to comply withthe written Noticeof Violation upon ten (10)days notice.After removalordemolitionofthesign,a notice shall be mailedto the sign owner stating the nature of the
work and the date on which it was performed and demanding payment of the costs ascertifiedbytheBuildîngOfficial,Ifthe amountspecifiedinthe noticeis not paid within thirty(30)days ofthe notice,the city may institutea civilaction to recover its costs.The ownerofthepropertyuponwhichthesignislocatedshallbepresumedtobetheownerofallsigns
thereon unlessfacts to the contraryare brought to the attentionof the Building Official.
18.56.170 Conflict:Ifany provisionofthis chapter isfound to be in conflictwithany other provisionof
any local,state,or federal regulations,the provision whichestablishesthe higher standard
shall prevait
18.56.180 Severabilltv:The invalidity or unconstitutionalityofany provisionor section of this chapter
shallnot render any other provisions or sections of this chapter Invalidor unconstitutional.
Section 3.This ordinance shalltake effect and be in force five (5)daysafteritspassageandpublicationasprovidedbylaw.
Adopted by the CityCounciland signed
Finance Director
A O
PUBLISHED:8/14/89
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