1627_00001ORDINANCE NO.1827
AN ORDINANCEAMENDINGCHAPTER 18.56 OF THE MOSESLAKEMUNICIPAL
CODE ENTITLED"SIGNS AND BILLBOARDS"
THE CITYCOUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOSES LAKE,WASHINGTONDOORDAINASFOLLOWS:
Section 1.Chapter 18.56 of the Moses Lake Municipal Code entitled"Signsand Billboards"is amended asfollows:
18.56.010 Purpose:No sign governedby the provisionsof this ordinance shall be erected,structurallyaltered,or relocatedexcept in accordance with the provisionsof this ordinance.
18.56.015 Definitions:The following definitionsshallapply for the purpose of this code:
A.'Abandoned sign"means a sign that no longer correctly identifies,exhorts,or advertises
any person,business,lessor,owner,product,or activity conducted or available on the
premises where such sign Is located.
B.AwningSign"means a sign painted or printed on an awning.
C."Billboard"means an outdoor advertisingsign or poster panel which advertises products,
businesses,and/or services not connected with the site on whichthesign is located,andwhichsignisasubstantialpermanentstructurewithdisplayservicesofatypewhicharecustomarilyleasedforcommercialpurposes.
D."Building"means a roofedand walledstructure built for permanent use.
E."Change"means the relocationof a sign or the replacement of fiftypercent (50%)or moreofthestructuralmaterialInthesignarea.Normal maintenance and a change of name arenotchangeswhichrequireapermit.
F."ChangeableCopy Sign"means a sign on which the copy changes automatically on alampbank,through mechanicalmeans,or on whichcopyis changed manuallyinthe field
with changeable letters.
G."Districts"sign overlay(seemap on file in the Planning Division):O 1)Area 1
2)Area 2
3)Area 3
H."Double-faced sign"means a signthat has advertising copy on opposite sides of a singledisplaysurfaceorsignstructure.
I."Electrical sign"means a sign or sign structure in which electricalwiring,connectionsand/or fixtures are used as part ofthe sign.
J."Facade"means the entirebuildingfront or streetwallface of a building extendingfrom thegradeofthebulldingtotheparapetoreavesandtheentirewidthofthebuildingelevation
K."Flashing Sign"means a sign or sign structure or portion thereof which changes light
intensity orswitcheson and offin a constant pattern.Changingmessage centers shallnotbeconsideredflashingsigns.
L."Free Standing Sign"means a sign attached to the ground by a sign structure andsupportedbyuprightsplacedonorintheground.
M."Freeway Interchange Area"means the freeway interchange area of Interstate 90 (I-90)
N."GroundSign"means a signoflimited height constructedand affixedona foundation uponorintheground.
O."Incidental Sign"means a small non-electric information signsixteen (16)squarefeet or lessinarea,including both sides of sign,which pertains to goods,products,services,orfacilitieswhichareavailableonthepropertywherethesignoccursandisintendedprimarilyfortheconvenienceofthepublicwhileonthepremises.The sign shallnotexceed fourfeet(4')in heightand twofeet (2')in widthat the base.
P."InstitutionalSign"means a sign to identify educational,civic,and religious institutions.
Q."Landscaping"means the planned use of trees,shrubs,and other plant materials inconjunctionwithasignandotherdecorativefeatures.
ORD.1627/Page 2
R."Marquee"means a permanent structure attached to,supported by and projecting from abuildingandprovidingprotectionfromtheweatherelements,but does not include aprojectingroof.For the purpose of this ordinance,a free standing permanent roof-like
structure providing protection from the elements willalso be considereda marquee.This
also includes canopies.
S."Neighborhood identification Sign"means a sign for the identification of a particular
residential area or development.
I "Neon Sign"means a symbol,logo,ormessage comprisedof illuminated neon tubing used
to attract attention for advertising purposes.Neon signs shall not flash,oscillate,orrevolve.
U."Off-Premise Directional Sign"means a permanentlyinstalled signwhich providesdirection-al information to a business servicelocated inthe Moses lake area and is not located onthesamepropertyasthebusîness.
V."Off-Premise Sign"means a sign or sign structures advertisingan establishment,merchan-dise,service,or entertainmentwhich is not sold,produced,manufactured,or fumished atthepropertyonwhichthesignislocated.
W "On-Premise Directional Sign"means a permanent sign that directsthe publicto a specific
place such as an entrance,exit,or parking or service ama.
X."On-Premise Sign"means a sign identifying a business or products sold on a lot,parcel,
tract,or plot of land together withthe buildingsand structures located thereon.
Y "Portable Sign"means a sign made of any material,which by its design is readily movable
and is not permanently affixedto the ground,structures,or buildings.
Z."Projecting Sign"means a sign which is attached to and projects morethan one foot (1')from a structure,buildingface,or marquee.
AA."Readerboard"means a sign face consisting oftracks holding readily changeable letters
allowing frequent changes.
BB."RevolvingSign"means a sign which rotates or turns in a circularpattern.OCC."Roof Sign"means a sign supported by and erected on and above a roofor parapet ofabuildingorstructure.
DD."Sign"means any visual communication device,structure,or fixture whichis visible from
any right-of-wayand is intended to aid the establishment in question in promotingthe sale
of products,goods,services,eventsor to identify a building,using graphics,letters,figures,
symbols,or trademarks.Painted wall designs or pattems which do not represent aproduct,service or registered trademark,or which do not identify the user,shall not be
considered signs.Ifa design or pattem is combined with a sign,onlythat part of the
design or pattern which cannot be distinguishedfrom the sign willbe considered as part
ofthe sign.
EE."Temporary sign"means anysign or advertisingdisplay constructed of cloth,canvas,IIght
fabric,paper,cardboard,or other light materials,with or without frames,intended to be
displayed for a limited time onlyand not permanently attached to a building or site.
FE "Wallsign"means a sign attached or erected parallel to and extendingnot morethan onefoot(1)from the facade or face of any building to which it is attached and supported
throughout its entire length,with the exposed face of the sign parallelto the plane of said
wall or facade.
18.56.020 Buildinq Permit:
A.Unless otherwise provided in this chapter,all signs shall require a building permit and
payment of fees as stipulated by the current Uniform Building Code.Applications for a
building permit for a sign shall be made to the Building Officialon forms prescribed by the
Building Division of the Municipal ServicesDepartment.
B.Building Permit requirements:
1.Two (2)site plans showing the location ofthe affectedlot,building(s)and sign(s).
2.Two (2)copies ofa scale drawingofthe proposed signor sign revision,including size,
height,copy,structural,footing details,method of attachment,and illumination.
3.The Building Officialmay walvethe submissionof plans and specificationswhen the
structural aspect is of minorimportance.
ORD.1627/Page 3
18.56.030 GeneralProvisionsand Standards:
A.Code Compliance:AIIsigns shall be constructed to the standards ofthe current Uniform
Building Code and shall be governed by the requirementsofthe National Electrical Code.
B.Flush Mounted Signs:Flush surface mounted signs shall not extend abovethe height ofthesurfacetowhichtheyareattached.Flushsurface mounted signs shallnot projectmorethantwelveinches(12")fromthe surfaceto whichare attached.
C.Palnted Fascia Signs:On-premisespainted fascia signs are permittednot to exceed themaximumallowablesurfaceareaasestablishedundertheoverlayareastandards.Painted
O fascia signs may be permitted to exceed the maximumallowable surface area subject totherevlewandapprovalofthePlanningCommission.The surfacearea shallbe interpreted
as the total signage areaincluding front,rear and/or side areas.
D.Llahtina:Ughtingwhich is directed or internal to any sign shall be shaded,hooded,sitescreened,or directed so that the lighth Intensity or brightness shall not adverselyaffectadjacentornearproperty,create a public nuisance,or create a hazard to motor vehicle
safety.
E.Plat Requimment:Buildingpermitsfor the construction,erection,remodel,or replacementofsignsinunplattedareasshallbeIssuedincompliancewithMosesLakeMunicipalCodesections1632.020,1632.030,and 16.12.040governingthe issuance of building permitsinunplattedareas.
E Sign Maintenance:All signs,together with their supports,braces,and guys,shall be
maintainedin a safe and secure manner.
G.Signs on City Riqht-of-Way or City Land:Signs shall not be placed on or over city
right-of-way or city ownedland without the permission ofthe Councilexcept as may bepermittedbythischapter.
H._F.iggg:Officialflagsofthe United States of America,States of the UnitedStates,counties,municipalities,official flags of foreign nations,and flags of internationally and nationallyrecognizedorganizationsarenotclassifiedassignsandarepermittedprovidedtheflags
and flag poles shallbe erected incompliance withthe requirements of this chapter and therequirementsofthezoneinwhichtheyarelocated.Companyflags or flags advertisingacommercialbusiness,product,oractivitymaybe allowedin compliance withthe provisionsofthischapterforon-premises and off-premisessigna.
I.ConstructionSigns:Constructionsigns may be erected thirty (30)days prior to the startofconstructionandshallberemovedthirty(30)days followingcompletionof construction.
J.Apartment or CondominiumIdentificationSigns:Identification signs for apartments orcondominiumsarepermittednottoexceedthirty-two(32)square feet in area.
K.Public Facilityor Recreational FacilityIdentification Signs:Identification signs for churches,publicand private schools,publicfacilities,and publicand privateparks and recreation
facilities are permittednot to exceed eightfeet (8')in height or thirty-two(32)square feetinarea.
L.Automatic or ManualChangeable Copy Signs:Automatic or manual changeable copysigns(readerboard sîgns)are permitted in compliance with the requirements of thischapterunlessotherwiseprohibited.
M.AwningSigns:Awningsigns are permitted in compliancewith the requirementsof thischapter.Awning signs shall be included in determining the maximumpermittedsignarea.
N.Signsinthe Public Zone:Signsinthe Public Zone ofthe cityand not otherwiseaddressedbythischaptermaybeallowedsubjecttothereviewandappmvalofthePlanningCommission,the approval of the property owner,a finding that the proposed sign willnot
O adversely affect adjacent or near land uses,that the height and sizeofthe sign is essentialforthesigntobevisible,and thatthe sign shallserve a purpose benefitingthe public.
O.Sight Distance Review:The CityEngineershall reviewand approve all buildingpermitapplicationsforsigns.Signsshall not be located or constructed in such a manner as toobscureorotherwisephysicallyinterferewiththeeffectivenessofanofficialtrafficsign,signal,ordevice ortoobstruct or physicallyinterferewitha motorist'sview of approaching,merging,or Intersecting traffic.
P.Set Backs:Signsmay be located within the front yard set back and shallbe in compliancewiththesideandrearyardsetbackrequirementsofthezoneinwhichitislocatedunlessotherwiseprovidedinthischaptet
ORD.'l627/Page 4
18.56.040 Exempt Signs:The following signs shall be exempt from the requirement for a building permit
and shall be permitted in all zones.
A.Real Estate Signs:Non-illuminatedreal estate signs in the R-1 Zone,Single Family
Residential,and the R-2 Zone,SingleFamily and TwoFamilyResidential,are allowednot
to exceed six(6)squarefeet.Non-illuminated realestate signs inthe R-3Zone,Multi-family
Residential,and inthe commercial,industrlal,and agriculturalzones ofthe cityareallowed
not to exceed thirty-two(32)square feet.Real estate signs must be removed withinten(10)days of sale,rental,or lease.Non-illuminated signs offeringlots in a subdivisionfor
sale are allowed in all zones so long as the sign does not exceed thirty-two(32)squarefeet.AIIreal estate signs above mentioned shall be placed on private property and shall
not be placed in the public right-of-way.
B.Political SIqns:Political signs shall be removed within ten (10)days following the relevant
electionor referendum.Politicalsigns may be placed on privatepropertyand the right-of-
way adjacent to the private property of the abutting land ownerand onlywith the permis-
sion of the privatepropertyowner/abuttingland owner.
C.Public Direction,Information,or Warninq Signs:Public direction,information,or warning
signs required or authorizedby law or federal,state,county,or city authorityare allowed.
D.OfficialSigns and Legal Notices:Officialsigns and legal notices Issued by any court,
public body,or authorized by law or federal,county,or cityauthorityare allowed.
18.56.050 Prohibited Signs:
A.Flashing signs,flashing lights,or revolving beacon lights are prohibitedexcept thatthis
provisionsshall not be construed to prohibitautomatic changeable copy signs on alampbankorchangeablethroughmechanicalmeanswhicharenototherwiseprohibited.
B.Abandoned signs.
C.Signs in a dilapidatedor hazardous condition.
D.Signs on windows,doors,or exitswhich restrictfree ingress or egress.
E.Portable signs except as may be permittedby this chapter.
F.Temporary signs except as may be permitted by this chapter.
G.Signs located on or overcityright-of-wayexceptas maybe permitted bythis chapter.
H.Signs whichpurportto be,are an imitation of,or resemblean officialtraffic sign or signal;
could cause confusionwith anyofficialsign;or which wouldobstruct visibilityof anytraffic
or streetsign,or signalor traffic controldevice.
I.Signs on any vehicle or trailerparked on publicor private property which are visible from
a public right-of-way and which are for the primary purpose of displaying said sign
advertising an on-premises or off-premisesbusiness or product.Except that this provision
shall not prohibit signs whichare painted on or magneticallyattached flush to the surface
ofany vehicle or traileroperating during the normal course of business and identifies or
advertisesthe business to whichthevehicle is attached.
J.Billboards
18.56.060 Reader Board and PortableSlqns:Reader boards and portable signs may be used for grand
openings,special sales or promotions,and special events.Such signs may be erected thirty
(30)days prior to an event and shallbe removed within five (5)days followingthe special event,
grand opening,or sale.
Reader board and/or portable signs utilizedin connection with a licensed business,licensed
temporary or itinerant business,excludinglicensed,tax-exempt non-profitcompanies,shall
obtain a sign permitfmm the CommunityDevelopment Division.The following schedule shall
be utilizedto determinethe sign permitfee as required bythis eection:
A.A sign permitfor signs in this section shall be issued for up to slxty(60)days for the fee
of ten dollars ($10).Asign permitshall notbe issued afterthe sixty(60)day period to the
same applicant for use at the same address untila period of thirty(30)days has passed.
Afterthe thirty(30)days has passed another permitfor the use of a signin thissectionmay
be issued for a sixty(60)day period upon paymentof another ten dollar ($10)permit fee.
B.Signs under this section shall have no blinking or flashing lights.
ORD.1627/Page 5
18.56.070 Temporary Signs:Temporaryspecial eventsigns,includingbanners,pennants,valances,forsalesigns,garage sale signs,or any similaradvertisingdisplay constructed of cloth,paper,canvas,cardboard,or other light nondurable material may be displayed.Types of displaysincludedinthiscategoryare:grandopening signs,special sales or promotions,specialevents,garage sales,and personal items for sale.Such signs may be erected thirty(80)days priorto
an event and shall be removed within five (5)days following the special event,holiday,grand
opening,or sale.
18.56.080 On-PremisesSigns:On-premises signs shall be permitted in the commercialand industrial
zones ofthe city in compliancewith the provisions of this chaptet
O A.A special sign overlaydistrict is adopted and portrayedon a map on file in the Planning
Divisionof the Municipal Services Department.The standards of this chapter shall be
applied as defined in the specificoverlayareas.
B.SignSize:Businesseswith frontages ofless than thirty-two feet (32')mayconstruct a signwithanareanottoexceedthirty-two (32)square feet.Onlyone (1)face of a double face
sign willbe considered in computingits sign face size.The total area of signs shall notexceedthefollowingratios:
1.Area1:One square foot (1')ofarea for each linealfootofdevelopedbusiness frontage
along the street or side to which the sign is directed,with a total area not to exceed
one hundred fiftysquare feet (150').
2.Area 2:One and a half square feet (1.5')of area for each lineal foot of developed
businessfrontagealong the street orsideto which the sign isdirected,with a total areanottoexceedonehundredfiftysquarefeet(150').
3.Area 3:Twosquarefeet (2')ofarea for each linealfoot ofdevelopedbusiness frontagealongthestreetorsidetowhichthesignisdirected,witha totalarea notto exceed five
hundred square feet (500').
C.Sian Height:Roof mounted signs projecting upward and not beyond the wallof thestructureshallnotprojectmorethantenfeet(10')above the buildingcontaining the
business which the sign identifiesand shall not exceed the height standards of the zoneinwhichthebuildingislocated.Free standing signs shall not exceed an overall height oftwenty-fivefeet (25')except as may be permittedby this chapter.Signsprojectingoutward
beyond the wall of a buildingshall not exceed the height of the surface to whichthe signismountedoranoverallheightoftwenty-fivefeet (25'),or whicheveris less.
D.Signs Exceeding Permitted Size and Height:On-premisessigns may be permittedtoexceedtheheightand/or signface size standards ofthis chapter subjectto the reviewandapprovalofthePlanningCommissionafterithasbeenshownthatthesignwouldnotadverselyaffectadjacentusesandtheextraheightorsignfacesizeisessentîalforthesigntobevisible.
E.Siqns Projectinq OverCityRight-of-Way:Signs projecting outward beyondthe wall of abuildingtowhichtheyaremountedshallnotprojectoutovercityright-of-wayexcept intheC-1 Zone,CentralBusiness District,and on existing buildingsin the C-2 Zone,GeneralCommercialandBusiness,that have no front yard set back from city right-of way.Signsprojectingoutwardbeyondthewallofthebuildingtowhichtheyareattachedmayprojectoutoverthepublicsidewalknotmorethanelghtypercent(80%)ofthe distance betweenthepropertylineandthecurbline.Allsigns projectingover cityright-of-wayshallbe aminimumofeightandonehalffeet(81/2')from finished grade level except for signsattachedtotheundersideofacanopyorotherarchitecturalprojectionwhichmaybeaminimumofsevenandonehalffeet(71/2')from finished grade level.
E Freeway/Freeway Interchange Signs:Freeway/freewayinterchange signs shall be defined
as a sign designed and placed to attract the attention offreeway traffictravelingon I-90 oroftrafficenteringorexitingI-90 at a freeway interchange.On-premises freeway/freewayinterchangesignsareallowedinthecommercialandindustrialzoneswithinonethousandfeet(1,000')of a freewayinterchange or within two hundredfifty feet (250')of a freewayright-of-way.On-premisesfreeway/freeway Interchange signs shall not exceed forty-fivefeet(45')in heightor a signface size,one face,of fivehundred (500)square feet,exceptthatthePlanningCommissionmaypermitfreeway/freeway interchange signs e×ceedingforty-fivefeet (45')in height and/or a signface size,one face,exceedingtwe-hundred(299)five hundred (500)square feet upon a finding that the extra height and sign face area isessentialtothesignbeingseenbyfreewayorfreewayinterchangetrafficandthatthesignwouldnotadverselyaffectadjacentornearuses.On-premisesfreeway/freeway inter-change signs shall be in compliancewithall local,federal,and state regulations for suchsigns.A copy of the Washington State Departmentof Transportation Sign Permit orcertificationfromtheWSDOTconfirmingthatanyproposedfreeway/freeway Interchangesignisincompliancewithallstateregulationsshallberequiredtoaccompanyanappli-cation for a city sign permit and/or an application for a conditional use permit for afreeway/freeway interchange sign.
ORD.1627/Page 6
18.56.090 Off-Premises Signs:Off-premisessigns shall be permitted in the commercial and industrial
zones ofthe cityin compliancewith the provisionsand standards of this section.
A.Off-Premises Signs:Off-premisessigns shallbe in compliancewith all local,federal,and
state regulationsfor such signs.Alloff-premlsessignswhicharelocated onorvisible from
the state federal aid primarysystem,the interstate system,or the scenic system subject toadvertisingcontrolshallbeincompliancewiththeapplicablestateorfederalregulations
inaddition to the sign regulations ofthe Cityof Moses Lake.Within and bounding the City
of Moses Lake the following highways are subject to state and federal aff-premises sign
regulations:SR 171 including West Broadwayand East Broadway extended;SR 17;and
Interstate 90.
B.SignSize:
1.Off-premisessigns less than fifty(50)square feet inarea (oneface)shall be permitted
outright in the commercial and industrial zones of the city in compliancewith the
provlslonsofthis chapter.
2.Off-premisessigns exceedingfifty(50)square feet in size (oneface)may be permitted
subject to the reviewand approvalofthe Planning Commission in compliance with the
provisions of this chapter and upon a finding that the proposed sign location,height,
and size willnot adversely affect adjacent or near uses and that the additionalsignface
size is necessary for the sign to be visible.
C.SignHeight:Off-premisessign structures less thantwenty-fivefeet (25')abovegroundlevel
are permittedoutrightin compliancewith the provisionsof this chapter.Off-premisessigns
exceeding twenty-fivefeet (25')in helght may be permitted subject to the reviewand
approvalofthe Planning Commissionin compliance withthe provisionsofthis chapter and
upon a findingthat the proposed sign location,height,and size willnot adverselyaffect
adjacent or near uses and that the additionalsign height is essential for the sign to be
visible.
D.Department of Transportation Sign Permit:A copy ofthe Washington State Department
of Transportation sign permit or certification from the WSDOT that any proposed off-
premises sign subject to state or federal regulations is In compilancewithstate or federal
sign regulationswillbe requiredto accompanyan applicationfor a city sign permit or for
a conditionaluse permitas may be required forthe erectionofan off-premisessign.OE.A signed copy of a propertylease agreement,or written permissionfrom the ownerofthe
propertywhere an off-premisessign structure is proposed to be built,and a copy of the
engineeredstructuraldesign must accompanyallapplicationsfor a permitto construct anoff-premises sign structure.
F.AIIoff-premisessign structures must be constructed withno more than two (2)uprights.
No additionalbracing will be permitted.
G.Off-premises sign structures where the face or faces of the structure total morethan fifty
(50)square feet shall be double face type (back-to-back)except when erected withineight
feet (8')of a building or other object that obscures the back side of the advertisingface
from visibility.
H.Placement of an off-premisessign structureshall be a minimumofone hundred feet (100')fromthe middle of a designated city cross street and a minimum of three hundred feet
(300')froma residentialzone boundary.
I.The uprights of an off-premisessign structureshall be no closer than five feet (5')from a
property line and no part of the structure shall overhang a propertyline.
J.Off-premises signs shall meet the following standards for distance between structures:
1.Off-premisessigns shall maintain a distance of five hundred feet (500')from another
off-premises sign.
2.The Planning Commissionmayallowdeviations from the sepamtion standards ofthissectionforoff-premisessignslocated oncitystreets which are not under the jurisdiction
ofthe Washington State Department ofTransportationand governed bythe Department
ofTransportation standards upon a finding that deviationfrom these standards will not
adversely affect adjacent or near uses.
18.56.100 Signs in Residential and Aqricultural Zones:
A.Permanent subdivision or neighborhood identification signs are permittedsubject to the
reviewand approvalof the Planning Commission.Permanent subdivisionand neighbor-
hood signs shallbe unobtrusive and in keeping withthe character of the neighborhood.
Such signs shall not exceed eight feet (8')in height and thirty-two(32)square feet In
ORD.1627/Page 7
surlace area and shall be located on privateproperty unless a location on excess cityright-of-wayis approved bythe Council.
B.Off-premisesand on-premisessignsmaybe allowedin the AgriculturalZone subject to thereviewandapprovalofthePlanningCommission.Such signs must be in compilancewith
the off-pomises and on-premises sign piovisionsofthis chapter and maybe approvedbythePlanningCommissiononlyafterithasbeenshownthatsuchsignswillnotadverselyaffectadjacentuses.
C.Home Occupation Signs:See MLMC18.55
O D.On-premisessigns maybe allowedinthe R-3Zone,Multi-familyResidential,for permittedcommercialuses,exclusiveof home occupations,subject tothe reviewand approvalofthePlanningCommission.Such signs shall be in compliance with the on-premises signstandardsofthischapterandmaybeapprovedbythePlanningCommissiononlyafterit
has been shownthat such signs willnot adversely affectadjacent or near land uses.The
Commissionmay attach conditions to the approvalof such signs to mitigateanyadverseaffectstoadjacentornearlanduses.
18.56.110 Shoppinq CenterIdentification Sign(s):The shopping center identification sign shall be limited
to one slgn per street frontage,and subject to the height and size requirementsof the areas in
whichthe center is located.Such sign(s)shall be restrictedto onlythe identification for theshoppingcentetTheshoppingcenteridentificationsignshallbelocatedinaplanterofappropriatedimension.Individual tenants/businesseswithina planned shopping center shallonlybeallowedtousewallsigns.
18.56.120 OfficeBuildingIdentification Sign(s):Theofficebuildingidentification signshallbe inarchitectur-al harmony with the design ofthebuilding to be identlfled.The office building identification signshallbelimitedtoonesignperstreetfrontage,and subject to the heiOhtand size requirementsoftheareasinwhichthebuildingislocated.One such sign shall be permitted for officebuildingswhichcontainnolessthanfour(4)tenants or any institutional use,and the copyshallincludeonlythenameoftheofficebuildingorinstitutionaluse.Adirectoryor otherexclusivelyinformationallistingoftenant's names may be attached,providedthe area does not exceed
twenty(20)square feet.
18.56.130 Incidental Sign(s):One (1)sign per business shall be permittedsubject to the following:
A.Signsshall be located directlyin front ofthe sponsoring businesswhether on the city right-
of-wayorthe propertyofthe sponsoring business during business hours only These signsshallberemovedappropriatelybythesponsoringbusinessafterbusinesshours.
B.Incidental signs may be placed on city right-of-way adjacent to the business beingadvertisedsubjecttoreviewandapprovalofthePlanningCommissionandCityCouncilin
compilancewiththe provisions ofthis chapter.
C.No signshallbe located so as to create a trafficsafetyhazard by interfering withthe visionofdriversenteringorleavingthepremises.
18.56.140 Interpretations and Rulings:Recognizingthat there maybe ambigultiesinany chapter and thatitmaybenecessarytoobtainaninterpretationorrulingregardingintent,interpretation,ordefinition,the Senior Planner may forward a request to the Planning Commission for aninterpretationorrulingregardingtheapplicationoftheprovisionsofthischaptertoanyexisting
or proposed sign.
18.56.150 ADoeals:Anydecision made byany administrator,officer,board,or commissionincarrying outtheprovisionsofthischaptermaybeappealedasprovidedforinChapter18.75 of the MosesLakeMunicipalCode.
18.56.160 Non-conforminq Use:Any sign whichwas legally established prior to the effectivedate ofthischapterorsubsequentamendmenttoitmaycontinuetobemaintainedoroperatedasalegalnonconforminguseincompliancewithMosesLakeMunicipalCode,Chapter 18.69 entitled,"Non-ConformingUses".
18.56.170 Violation:
A.Uponoccurrence of a violationofthe provisions ofthis chapter,the Building Officialshallnotifytheresponsiblepersonrepresentingtheuseinviolationthataviolationofthischapterexists.Such a notice shallbe in writing,Identifythe violation,and specifythe timewithinwhichtheprescribedactiontocorrecttheviolationmustbetaken.The person inviolationshallhavenotlessthanseven(7)calendar days to correct the violation,unless in theopinionoftheBuildingOfficial,there is imminent perilto the propertyand/or to the publichealth,safety,or generalwelfareinwhich case the violation shallbe corrected immediately.
B.Upon failure,neglect,or refusal of any person so notifiedto correct a violation of thischapter,the Bullding OfficialshallIssue a civilinfraction notice.
ORD.1927/Page 8
C.Anyviolation ofthe provisionsof this chapter shall be punishable as definedin chapter 1.08
ofthe Moses Lake Municipal Code.
18.56.180 Enforcement RemovaWW-Signe:The Building Officialmay cause the removal of an illegal sign
or for fallure to comply withthe writtenNotice of Violation upon ten (10)days notice.Afterremovalordemolitionofthesign,a notice shallbe malledto the sign ownerstatingthe natureoftheworkandthedateonwhichitwasperformedanddemandingpaymentofthecostsascertifîedbytheBulldingOfficlal.Ifthe amount specifiedinthe noticeis notpaidwithinthirty(30)days of the notice,the city may institute a civil action to recover its costs.The owner of the
property upon which the sign is located shall be presumed to be the ownerofallsigns thereon
unless facts to the contrary are brought to the attention of the Building Official.
18.56.190 Conflict:Ifany provision of this chapter is found to be in conflict with any other provisionof anylocal,state,or federal regulations,the provisionwhich estabilshes the higher standard shallprevall.
Section 2.This ordinance shalltake effectand be in force five (5)days after its passage and publication
of its summary as provided by law.
AAdnoEptedbythe CityCounciland signed by
FinanceDirector
PUBLISH:5/27/94
O