2451ORDINANCE NO. 2451 •
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 18.58 of the Moses Lake Municipal Code entitled "Signs" 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 for rent
or lease.
D.Building: means an enclosed structure for a use or occupancy.
E.Building Sign: means any sign that is attached or applied to, mounted on, suspended from,
painted on, or part of the exterior of a building or architectural appendage, including the
roof and facade.
F.Cabinet Sign: means a sign enclosure which has access for the 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 community event, public awareness, community service, holiday season, or similar public
function.
I.Construction Sign: means a temporary standing or portable sign that is non-illuminated.
A construction sign provides information about a construction project.
J.Directional Sign: means a sign which only identifies a business or activity and directs traffic
to that business or activity.
K.Directory Sign: 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.
Double-Face Sign: means two (2) sign faces which are identical in size and message and
either are displayed back-to-back or within 30° interior angle.
M. Electronic Sign: means an on-premise advertising sign having a signboard display that can
be changed by an electrical, electronic, or computerized process.
• N. Facade: means one (1) or more exterior walls of a building that face one (1) direction,
including parapets and openings such as doors and windows.
ORDINANCE NO. 2451
PAGE 2 April 14, 2009
0. Flashing Sign: means a sign that has external or internal lighting which changes intensity,
rotates, animates, travels, or switches on and off in a blinking manner. Examples of such
lighting are lamp banks with blinking or traveling messages, traveling arrows and revolving
beacons.
P.Free-Standing Sign: means a sign that has vertical support which is permanently anchored
in the 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
attention of traffic entering or exiting an Interstate 90 interchange. A freeway interchange
sign is located within one thousand five hundred feet (1,500') of the interchange as
measured from the centerline of Interstate 90 right-of-way and the intersecting right-of-way
centerline.
R.Freeway Sign: means a free-standing sign that is intended to attract the attention of traffic
on Interstate 90. A freeway 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 in the shape of a monolith. Usually the 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 city zoning reoulations,
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,
public agency, or as authorized by law or federal, county, or city authority.
Z.On-Site Sign: means a sign that is related to an activity that is on the same site as the sign.
AA. Permanent Sign: means any sign which is not a temporary sign as defined in Section
18.58.020.00.
BB. Pole (or Pylon) Sign: means a free-standing sign on one (1) or more upright supports in a
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.
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D.D. 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. •
section. A roof sign does not project beyond the vertical planes o f the building facades. •
ORDINANCE NO. 2451
PAGE 3 April 14, 2009
•;ding sign that either is: 1) mounted at right angle to
itectural appendage and at right angle to a facade;
(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.
E.E. Projecting Sign: means a type of bui
a facade; 2) suspended under an arch
or 3) a wall sign that extends eighteen
GO. Real Estate Sign - Other: means a sign t hat either advertises a parcel or lot of non-
residential land, or the buildings thereon, or both which is for sale, lease, or rent.
H. H. Real Estate Sign - Residential Lot: means a sig
residential land, or the buildings thereon, or
Residential land includes land that is vacant and w
residential use, regardless of zone.
II. Residential Identification Sign: means a sign that identifies a residential subdivision,
planned residential development, neighborhood, condominium development, manufactured
home park, multi-family residential development, or similar residential developments.
JJ. Residential Subdivision Sign: means a sign which advertise
subdivision, parcels in a manufactured home binding site
planned development.
n that either advertises a parcel or lot of
both which is for sale, lease, or rent.
ithin a residential zone or land that is in
s the sale of lots in a residential
plan, or lots in a residential
K. Right-Of-Way: means a corridor which either is reserved for
road, alley, pathway, highway, or freeway.
or contains a public street,
LL. Roof Sign: means a building sign that is mounted on the roof of a b uilding as defined in this
MM. Sandwich Board Sign: means a portable sign that is A-frame, does not
in height or two feet (2') in width, and is non-illuminated.
exceed four feet (4')
NO. Sign: means a visual message that is displayed to attract the outdoor
general public. A sign may be: 1) advertising of a generic or specific p
service; 2) a promotion of an activity or event; 3) any other implicit or exp
which informs, alerts, directs attention to, or warns; 4) the name of a busin
place, or organization; or 5) any combination of advertising, promotion, oth
or name. A sign may consist of, but is not limited to words, pictures, drawn
symbols, other graphics, border, trim, frame, cabinet, background, space, m
devices which are integral to the visual message. A sign may contain multip
messages which are related in content and proximity.
OF. Sign Face: means one dimension of a sign that contains the visual message.
PP. Sign Height: means the vertical distance as measured from finished grade at the base of
a sign or sign structure to the top of the sign.
Q. Sign Structure: means the horizontal and vertical support for a sign.
attention of the
roduct, item, or
licit message
ess, building,
er message,
gs, logos,
aterial, or
le visual
RR. Site: means either: 1) a parcel of unplatted land, a parcel in a binding site plan, a tract, or
a lot in a subdivision; or 2) two (2) or more contiguous parcels, tracts, or lots under one (1)
ownership without intervening right-of-way and identified or delineated as one (1)
development site; or 3) two (2) or more contiguous parcels, tracts, or lots under different
ownerships, without intervening right-of-way, and identified or delineated as one (1)
development site. •
ORDINANCE NO. 2451
PAGE 4 April 14, 2009
SS. Street Frontage: means that portion of a 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.
Examples of lightweight materials are vinyl, cardboard, card stock, corrugated plastic, and
fabric.
UP. 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 Public Works Association, as amended by the City of Moses Lake Community
Street and Utility Standards; and 2) the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
V.V. Vehicle Sign: means a sign that is affixed or 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. 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.Only a sign as defined in Section 18.58.020.MM is subject to the provisions of this chapter.
B.A sign type that is listed "A" in the 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 followin g 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.
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, subject to the following conditions and circumstances:
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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
does not project more 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 •
nic signs requiring more than four (4) seconds to change from one (1) single
e display to another shall be turned off during the change interval.
4. Electr
messag
ORDINANCE NO. 2451
PAGE 5 April 14, 2009
2. A political sign is allowed in right-of-way subject to the remainder of the applicable sign
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.Every sign shall be maintained in a 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 City Engineer shall review each application for a 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 traffic sign, signal, or device, or obstruct a motorist's view
of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic before approving or disapproving the
application.
N.Internal or external sign lighting shall be shaded, hooded, site screened, or directed so that
the light's intensity or brightness shall neither adversely affect adjacent or nearby property,
nor create a public nuisance, nor create a traffic hazard.
0. A sign may be located within the front or 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 all segments of the total message to be displayed within ten
10) seconds.
2. Displays may travel horizontally or scroll vertically onto electronic signboards, but must
in a static position for two (2) seconds after completing the travel or scroll. hold
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 bo torn of sign.
7. The sign backgroun
sign background.
shall not be white in color. White lights shall not be used as the
8. Businesses, churches,
changeable displays in r
p.m. and 7 a.m.
or schools are allowed changeable signs providing that
sidential zones shall be turned off between the hours of 10
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ORDINANCE NO. 2451
PAGE 6 April 14, 2009
Q. No sign shall be erected or maintained if it 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 Chapter 47.42 entitled HIGHWAY ADVERTISING CONTROL ACT - SCENIC
VISTAS ACT.
SIGN REGULATIONS
Sign Type Prohibited,
Allowed, or
Exempt
Maximum Sign
Height
Maximum
Sign Area
Sign
Permit
Other Sign Regulations
Abandoned P NA NA NA NA
Architectural
Appendage
A Sign may be
flush-mounted
or suspended
under the
architectural
appendage
see Building sign R Sign allowed only in commercial
and industrial zones. If the sign
is suspended, there shall be at
least 8' clearance above grade.
Billboard P NA NA NA NA
Building See specific
types of
building
signs
See specific
types of building
signs
The total area of
building signs
shall not exceed
25% of the overall
area of each
facade . None of
this allowance is
transferable from
one facade to
another facade.
No individual
building sign shall
exceed 15% of
the overall area of
a facade.
S e e
specific
types of
building
signs
Sign allowed in commercial,
industrial, agricultural, and
municipal airport zones.
Allowed in R-3 Zone on a site
with a conditional use, with
review and approval of the
Planning Commission according
to Section 18.58.110 of this
chapter.
Changeable Copy A 25' for Free-
standing,
Freeway or
Freeway
Interchange
sign, or wall
height for Wall
sign
See Building,
Freeway or
F r e e w a y
Interchange, Free-
standing, or
Temporary Free-
standing o r
Portable sign
R Sign allowed only in commercial
and industrial zones.
Community A See Building or
Free-standing
signs.
See Building,
Free-standing,
and Temporary
Free-standing or
Portable signs for
other sign area
regulations.
R if free-
standing
sign; NR if
building
sign
Sign allowed only in commercial,
industrial, and public zones.
Sign shall be temporary.
Construction A 8'32 sq. ft. per
street frontage per
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.
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ORDINANCE NO. 2451
PAGE 7 April 14, 2009
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Sign Type Prohibited,
Allowed, or
Exempt
Maximum Sign
Height
Maximum
Sign Area
Sign
Permit
Other Sign Regulations
Dilapidated or
hazardous condition
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. per sign R Sign allowed only in commercial
and industrial zones
Directory A Same as for
Free-standing,
and Freeway or
Freeway
Interchange
sign
See Building,
F re e way or
Fr e e w a y
Interchange, or
Free-standing
sign
R Sign allowed only in commercial
and industrial zones, 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 R Sign allowed only in
Commercial, Industrial, and
Public Zones. Additional
requirements for electronic signs
are found in Section 18.58.030,
Sign Regulations
Flashing P NA NA NA NA
Freeway or Freeway
Interchange
A 45'350 sq. ft. per site R Allowed only in commercial and
industrial zones
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ORDINANCE NO. 2451
PAGE 8 April 14, 2009
Sign Type Prohibited,
Allowed, or
Exempt
Maximum Sign Maximum
Height Sign Area
Sign
Permit
Other Sign Regulations
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 feet of street
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 in commercial
and industrial zones or on a site
where there is a conditional use
in the R-3 Zone. A site without
street frontage shall be limited to
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 be separated a minimum of
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. The landscaping perimeter
for a pole sign shall be not less
than the largest sign dimensions
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
Wall sign
2 sq. ft. per
residential
dwelling unit with
home occupation
license
R Sign shall be a non-illuminated
wall sign. Limited to one sign
per residential dwelling unit with
home occupation license.
Incidental A Same as for
Wall, Freeway,
Freeway
Interchange,
and Freeway
signs
2 sq. ft. per sign NR Shall be non-illuminated and on-
site.
Monument A 8'Same as for 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
Legal Notice
E NA NA NA NA
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ORDINANCE NO. 2451
PAGE 9 April 14, 2009
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Sign Type Prohibited,
Allowed, or
Exempt
Maximum Sign
Height
Maximum
Sign Area
Sign
Permit
Other Sign Regulations
Open, Closed.
Business Hours,
Address, or
Greeting
E NA NA NA NA
Political A NA NA NR Shall be removed within 10 days
after an election. May be
located on private property with
permission from 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
not in a location or condition that
is prohibited.
Private Warning/
Directional
E NA NA NA NA
Projecting Sign A Same as for
Wall 0 r
Architectural
Appendage sign
See Building sign R See Section 18.58.030 I of this
chapter
Public or
Recreational
Identification
A Same as for
Free-standing or
Building sign
See Free-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-standing or
Building sign
see Free-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 No limit 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. per site 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 A
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ORDINANCE NO. 2451
PAGE 10 April 14, 2009
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 Planning
Commission recommendation
and City Council 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
structure or Portable
A S e e Free -
standing if on
free-standing
structure; 8'
height i f
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,
c o n t i g u ous,
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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Adopted by the City Council and signed by its Mayor on Aprill-4,2-00
Ronald C. Covey, May
ATTEST:
Ronald R. Cone, Finance Director
VED AS TO FORM:
,
James A. W itaker, City Attorney
ORDINANCE NO. 2451
PAGE 11 April 14, 2009
•Sign Type Prohibited,
Allowed, or
Exempt
Maximum Sign
Height
Maximum
Sign Area
Sign
Permit
Other Sign Regulations
Temporary Sign On
Wall
A Same as Wall
sign
See Building sign
Signs shall be
framed. One sign
per building
allowed if
unframed.
NR 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.
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
window or 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 shall take effect and be in force five (5) days after its passage and publication
of its summary as provided by law.
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