HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance No. 19387ORDINANCE N0. ~~~
AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING THE SIGN CODE; AMENDING SECTIONS
4.050, 8,610, 8.615, 8.620, 8,625, 8,630, 8,635, 8.640,
5.645, 8,650, 8,655, 8,656, 8.660, 8.665, 8.670, 8.671,
8.672, 8.675, 8,680, 8,655, 8.690, 8.695, 8.700, 8,705,
8.710, 8.715, 8,720, 8.725, 8,730, 8,735, 8.765, 8,785,
8.790 AND 8,795 OF THE EUGENE CODE, 1911; AMENDING AND RENUM-~
BERING SECTIONS 8,800, 8,801, 8,802, $,803, 8.804, 8.805,
8.806, 8,807, 8,808, AND 5,810 OF THAT CODE; ADDING NEW
SECTIONS 8.809, AND 8,855 TO THAT CODE; REPEALING
SECTIONS 5.745, 5.750, 8.755 AND 5,760 OF THAT CODE; AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY,
THE CITY OF EUGENE DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Sections 4.050, 8.610, 8.615, 8.620, 8,625, 8.630, 8.635,
8.640, 8,645,.8.650, 8.655, 8,656, 8.660, 8,665, 8.670, 8,671, 8.612, 8,675,
8.680, 8.685, 8.690, 8,695, 8.700, 8,705, 8,710, 8.7x5, 5,72D, 8.725, 8,730,
8.735, 8.765, 8.785, 8.790, and 8,795 of the Eugene Code, 1971, are amended;
Sections 8,800, 8.801, 8,803, 8,804, 8.805, 8.806, 5.807, 8,808, and 8.810
are amended and renumbered; new Sections 8.809 and 8,855 are added; and Sec-
tions 8.745, 8.750, 8,755, and 5,760 are repealed, all to provide:
4, 050 Affixing, Displaying, Painting, Etc, , Matter to Streets, Trees, Etc .
1 No person shat a ~x or display a notice, placard, b~]l,
handbill, card, advertisement or sign on a sidewalk, crosswalk, curb or curb-
stone, , or a portion or part of a public way ar pubi i c pi ace, or a 1 amp post,
e1 ectr~ c i ~ ght, telegraph, telephone poi a or ray 1 way structure, hydrant,
shade tree ar tree~box or on the piers, columns, trusses, girders, railings,
gates or other parts of a public bridge or viaduct, or other public structure
or building, or an a pole, box or fixture of the fire alarm or poi i ce tele~
graph system, except as may be authorized or required by the laws of the
United States, State of Oregon, this code ar other ordinances.
4 2 } I n addition to any other penalty provided by 1 aw, any such
notice, placard, bi11, handbill, card, advertisement or sign may be impounded
by the city and disposed of in accordance with the procedures outlined in
sections 2,825 to 2.855 of this code.
Sign Code
General
8.610 Ti t1 e. Secti ans 8, 615 to 8.855 shal 1 be known as the city sign
code
~rcf~n~n~a - i
3.615 Purpose and Scope. The purpose of this code is to protect the
hea th, safety, property and wet fare of the public by establishing
standards for the design, quality of materials, construction, location, elec-
tri fi cati on, i 1 ] umi nati on and maintenance of all signs and sign structures
not Located within a building. The council, after due deliberation, and
of ter a publ i c hearing, hereby finds and declares :
~ a} That the people of the city have a primary interest i n
control]ing the construction, location and maintenance of outdoor
signs in a manner designed to protect the public health, safety and
morals and to promote the public wet fare.
~ b} That the development of the city has resulted i n an i n-
crease i n the number of businesses i n the city, with an increase
i n the number and size of signs advertising business activities,
creating conf 1 i cts between advertising signs themselves and between
advertising signs and traffic regulating devices.
~ c } That i t i s necessary to provide equity and equality i n
displaying identification signs by establishing regulations vn size
and location of such signs.
~ d} That i t i s necessary to the pub] i c safety that official
traffic regulating devices be easily visible and free from nearby
visual obstructions such as blinking signs, an excessive number of
signs, or signs in any way resembling official signs,
fie} That the construction, erection, and maintenance of large
outdoor signs, suspended from or placed on top of buildings, wa11s
or other structures constitutes a direct danger to pedestrian
traffic below such signs, especially during periods when winds of
high velocity are prevalent.
~f} That the uncontrolled erection and maintenance of large
signs seriously detracts from the enjoyment and pleasure of the
natural scenic beauty,
fig} This code is enacted to provide for fair and equal treat-
ment of sign users and for a reasonabl a period of time for the
elimination of nonconforming signs and for the amortization of
investment i n said signs,
~ h} That this code sha11 apply to the design, quality of
materials, construction, 1 ocati on, electrification, i 11 umi nati on
and maintenance of all signs and s7 gn structures to be 1 orated
within the city.
8,620 Definitions,
A11ey, A public way for automobile traffic used for secondary
access to the rear or side of property, or, i n the case of an al 1 ey
access parcel, for primary access.
Banner. A temporary sign composed of lightweight material
either enclosed or not enclosed in a rigid frame, secured or mounted
so as to allow movement of the sign caused by movement of the
atmosphere,
Bui 1 di ng 1 i ne, A 1 i ne established by ordinance beyond which
no bui 1 di ng may extend, A bui 1 di ng 1 i ne may be a property 1 i ne.
Bui 1 di ng occupancy. That portion of a bui 1 di ng occupied by
one tenant, i ncl ud~ ng the projection to the exterior wal 1 s of the
portion occupied.
Ordinance -- ~
Bui ~ di ng off i ci al . The person designated by the city manager
as the u~ ~ ng o ~ c~ al for the city, or hi slher designee.
Combination sign, Any sign incorporating any combination of
the features of pole, projecting and roof signs.
Community event sign . Noncommercial , non-product, or servi ce-
oriente banners, pennants, and similar signs announcing a community
event designated by the city manager or the manager`s designee,
Curb line. Line at the face of the curb nearest to the street
or raa way. In the absence of a curb, the curb line shall be
established by the city engineer.
E1 ectri c sign . Any sign containing electrical wiring, but
not including signs i 11 umi Hated by an exterior light source,
Grade. The lowest point of elevation of the finished surface
of the ground directly below or at the sign location, and any point
five feet distant from the sign location, or the lowest point of
elevation of the finished surface of the ground between a poi nt
directly below or at .the sign location and the property 1 i ne, i f
the s~ gn, or any pro~ecti on thereof, i s 1 ess than five feet distant
from the property line, In case the sign, or any projection there-
of, i s within five feet of a publ i c sidewalk, alley or other publ i c
way, the grade shall be the elevation of the sidewalk, alley or
public way.
Height ar height of sign, The vertical distance from the
"Grade to the h7 ghest po7 nt of a si gn or any vertical projection
thereof .
Identity sign, A sign which carries only the firm name, major
enterprise or principal product or service of the premises on which
the sign i s .located.
Incidental sign . A si gn indicating services, trading stamps,
prices, cre it car s or other information not including product
advertising,
Individual commercial establishments i n residential areas.
Any commerce a use ocated w~ the n a res~ dents a1 gone .
Location or sign 7 ocati on , A l ot, premise, building, wal 1
or any p ace whatsoever upon which a sign is erected, constructed
or maintained,
Marquee, A permanent roofed structure attached to and sup-
ported by the building and projecting over public property.
Mural , Any pictorial or graphic decoration, i 11 ustrati on,
visual er presentati an or art work, other than a sign, which i s
applied directly to a structure and is neither used for, nor
intended to achieve, the purposes of advertising by:
I , The use of lettering or script which draws attention
or directs the observer to a particular business or business
location ; or
2, Drawing attention to specific products, goods, or
services by the use of brand name, trademark, copyright, or
any device which restricts re-use or reproduction by others
without permission or remuneration of the owner,
Noncombustible, As applied to building construction material
means a materi al which, i n the form i n which i t i s used, i s either
one of the following:
1. Material of which no part wi 71 ignite and burn when
subjected to fire. Any material confarmi ng to U. B, C, Standard
Ordinance - 3
4-I shall be considered noncombustible within the meaning of
this code,
2, Material having a structural base of noncombustible
material as defined i n Item No , l above, wi th a surfaci ng
material not over 118 inch thick which has aflame-spreading
rating of 50 or less.
"Noncombustible" does not apply to surface finish materials,
Materials required to be noncombustible for reduced clearances to
f ] ues, heating app] i ances, or other sources of high temperature
shall refer to material conforming to Item No, 1, No material
shall be classed as noncombustible which is subject to increase in
cambusti bi 1 i ty ar f ]ame-spread rating beyond the ] i mi is herei n
established, through the effects of age, moisture or other atmos-
pheric condition.
Flame-spread rating as used herein refers to rating obtained
according to tests conducted as specified i n U, B, C, Standard No.
42.1,
Plastic materials, approved. Those havi ng a sel f-~i ni ti on
. g
temperature 650 deg. F, or greater when tested ~ n accordance w~ th
U,B,C, Standard Na, 52-3 and asmoke-density rating not greater
than 450 when tested in accordance with U,B,C, Standard No. 42-1,
~ n the way intended for use, or a smoke-density rating na greater
than 75 when tested in the thickness intended for use by U,B,C,
Standard No, 52-2, Approved plastics shat 1 be classified as
either CC1 or CC2, in accordance with U,B,C, Standard No, 52-4,
Pole sign. A sign wholly supported by a sign structure in
the ground.
Pra jecti ng sign. A si gn other than a wal 1 s7 gn which projects
from and ~s supported by a wall of a building or structure.
Reader board signs. A si gn on which the display surface copy
may be c ange . Copy shat 1 be related only to the business, ser-
vice or products offered an the premises on which the sign is
located, or to the announcement of recognized community events,
Roof sign. A sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet of
a building or structure.
S gn . Any medium including its structure and component parts,
why ch ~ s used ar ~ ntended to be used to attract attention to the
subject matter for advertising purposes.
Sign contractor, general. A person engaged in the business
of hanging, rehangi ng, placing, assembling, i nsta] 1 i ng, repairing
or structural 1 y altering any sign provided for within the Eugene
Sign Code,
Sign contractor, limited. A person engaged in the business
of hanging, rehang~ng, placing, assembling, installing, repairing
ar structura 11 y a1 teri ng any nonw i 11 umi na ted sign which i s
4a~ Painted upon, attached to, or erected against the
wall of a building or structure with the exposed face in a
plane parallel to the plane of the wall;
4 b~ Projecting not more than four inches from the bui 1 d-
ing wall or not exceeding eight feet above grade if free
standing; and
~ c} Not exceeding 128 pounds ~ n weight.
Sign structure, Any structure which supports ar is capable
of supporting any sign as defined in this code. A sign structure
Ordinance -- 4
may be a si ngl a poi a and may or may not be an integral part of the
bui 1 di ng,
Street. An officially approved public thoroughfare or right-~
of-way dedicated ar deeded to the city or condemned by the city
for use as such, other than an alley, which affords the principal
means of access to abutting property.
Street property line, A lot line separating a street from
other and.
Surface area of si n. The entire area of each face within a
single, con ~ nuous per meter, which encloses the extreme ] i mi is of
a sign and in no case passes through or between any adjacent ele-
ments of the sign, The irregularly shaped signs or elements of a
sign is measured by increments of ane foot. The perimeter does
not include trim or structural elements lying outside and bet ow the
I i mi is of a si gn, and not forming an integral part of the display,
Tr m, The moldings, batten, capping, nai 1 i ng strips, ] atti c-
~ng and platforms which are attached to the sign structure.
U,S,C. Signs, The 1985 Edition of the Uniform Sign Code as
published and copyrighted i n 1985 by the International Conference
of Building Officials, as adapted by the city.
vision ci earance area . A tri angular area of a corner i of at
the intersect~an o two front lot lines, and through which it is
necessary to retain vision clearance in the interest of the public
safety. The two legs of the triangle are of equal 1 ength and co-~
i nci de with the two front lot i i nes . The apex i s 1 ocated at the
intersection of the front I of 1 i nes, extended i f necessary. The
base of the triangle extends diagonally across the corner of the
1 of intersecting the two legs an equal distance from the apex.
Wail sign, Any sign painted upon or attached to or erected
against the wall of a building or structure with the exposed face
of the sign i n a pl ane paral l e1 to the plane of the wal I and pro-
jecting not more than 12 inches for signs located more than eight
feet six inches above the sidewalk or grade line or not mare than
four inches far signs located 1 ess than eight feet six inches
above the sidewalk ar grade lines.
Geographic Areas
8.625 Sign Standards by Geographic Area.
Stan ar s are based on t e oiiowing concepts:
~ a } The primary purpose of signs i s to identify business pre-
mises, The public has a right to see and the business has a right
to visual identification. The advertising of goods, products or
services i s considered i nci dental to this primary purpose,
~ b} Uncontrol i ed use of signs for advertising interferes
with this primary purpose of signs far identification.
4c} The best means of fulfilling the primary purpose wii]
depend on the nature of the predominant traffic i n the area; foot,
autombi i e, or a Iambi nati on of these, Since zoning districts do
not reflect this concept, sign regulations should not be tied to
zoning districts,
~ d} I t i s necessary to protect residential neighborhoods
Ordinance - 5
from the destruction of residential atmosphere that results from
the glare and confusion that many signs introduce.
~2} Only signs as prescribed below are permitted on a building or
parcel l acated i n the following districts shown an a map entitled "Eugene,
Oregon Sign District Map, Part of the Eugene Sign Code," attached to and
made a part of of this code, and as may be amended from time to time, where
a building or parcel is bounded by two or more streets, the number of signs
permitted on each street frontage shall be as established below; provided,
however, that na more than two signs far each separate business establishment,
not including under marquee signs, shall front on any one street.
~3 } When a single business exists on parcels separated by a
street or alley, each parcel shall be treated separately for sign purposes.
8.630 Pedestrian-Auto District, This district i s mainly found i n the
Eugene central busy Hess and retai ] district which i s designated
Major Retail Center in the Metropolitan Area General Plan. Sign heights,
locations, and dimensions i n this district are based on the visibility needs
of pedestrians and sl vw moving .traffic . The following identity signs, and
~ nc~ dental s~ gns shat 7 be permitted on properties located within areas
designated as "Pedestrian-Auto District" on the Sign District Map
~a} Signs on building walls located parallel to the stree t
property lines.
1, Sign area. The total surface area of all faces of
a1 l signs, except under marquee signs, shat 1 be l i mi ted to
not more than three square feet for each lineal foot of
street frontage of the first floor occupancy; two square feet
for each lineal foot of street frontage far the second floor
occupancy; and one square foot for each ]meal foot of street
frontage for the third and subsequent floor occupancies.
Each wall of a building adjacent to a public street shall be
considered separately. Such signs may be wall signs, project-
ing signs, marquee signs, roof signs ar pole signs, or a com-
bi nati on thereof . Regardless of the sign area per l i Heal foot
of street frontage allowed, each separate business establ i sh-
ment shat l be permitted 50 square feet of sign surface area,
and the maximum allowable sign area for any one sign shall
not exceed 350 square feet of surface on any face.
a. Occupancy area, The first story occupancy shall
extend from the si dwal k or grade 1 i ne to three feet above
the roof line at the wal l 1 i ne or to the top of the para-
pet wall, whichever is higher. On buildings which are
two or more stories in height, the first story occupancy
shat 1 extend to three feet above the second floor I i ne,
The second and subsequent story occupancies shall extend
from three feet above the occupied story f] oor line to
three feet above the roof 7 i ne at the wall line, or to
the top of the parapet wall , whichever i s higher.
b. The sign area permitted for occupancies above
the first floor may be relinquished to the first floor
occupant by the owner of the property by endorsing the
Ordinance - 6
sign permit application i n the manner prescribed by the
bui 1 di ng official .
2. Projecting sign. One projecting identity sign, which
shall be entirely contained within the building occupancy area
from not less than eight feet six inches abave the sidewalk or
grade 1 i ne. The surface area of a pro jecti ng sign shal l be
included in the total allawable sign area as pravided in sub-
section 1, above.
a. The maximum projection beyond the street prop-
erty line shall be four feet six inches. The maximum
width of a projecting sign shall be four feet two inches
with an additional four inches maximum provided for
anchorage of the sign to the building structure. A pro-
jecti ng sign may not project within two feet of any curb
or driveway 1 i ne.
b. A pro jecti ng sign may have an additional three
inches in height per one inch reduction in allowable
projection as specified above, but shall not extend into
the adjacent story occupancy unless relinquished as pro-
vided in subsection ~a~1.b, above.
c. Projecting signs located at street intersec-
ts ons shal 1 be governed by sign clearance 1 i nes from the
near curb line of the adjacent street extending one foot
into the street right-of~-way for each five feet of di s-
tance to the bui 1 di ng and the bui 1 di ng frontage,
d. No projecting sign shal 1 be erected wi thi n
24 feet of an adjacent wall or projecting sign measuring
from center to center of adjacent projecting signs or
from the center of a pra jecti ng sign to the edge of an
adjacent wal 1 sign, i f such signs are i n the same hors -~
zontal plane.
3. Marquee signs. Signs located under marquees shall
not project more than 12 inches below the marquee and sha11
have a maximum projection of four feet two inches and shall
be not 1 ess than eight feet six inches above the sidewalk or
grade line. The surface area of signs on the face of a
marquee shall be considered as part of the total sign surface
area . Reader board signs on theater marquees complying with
al 1 other provisions of section 8.630 shat 1 be permitted.
4, Pot a signs. The maxi mum height for free-standing
pole signs shal l be 20 feet above the sidewalk or grade l i ne,
or to the height permitted for a building wall sign on the
same property, as specified in subsection ~a~1, above, which-
ever is higher.
5. Roof signs. A roof sign shat 1 be permitted wherever
a pole sign ~s permitted, subject to the maximum height above
grade, as specified for pole signs. Such roof signs sha11 be
mounted so that the bottom of the roof sign i s not more than
one foot above the surface of the roof at the sign location.
~b~ Signs on buildings not adjacent to the street property
lines.
~. Signs for building wall or property line facing or
parallel to interior or non-street property lines shall have
the same permitted sign area as defined in subsection ~a}1.
Ordinance - 7
above, with a maximum of two signs per building wal] or sign
side. Signs may be flat-wall signs or projecting. Signs may
be free-standing poi a signs with the area 1 i mi tati ons apps y-~
i ng to al 1 signs.
2. Signs for property street frontage where the build-
i ng wall i s more than 15 feet from the street property 1 i ne,
or if no building is on the property, shall use a maximum
total sign surface area of three square feet per lineal foot
of street frontage, with .each street frontage to be treated
separately, Building wall signs shall have the same permitted
sign area as defined in subsection 4a}~, above. Each separate
bui 1 di ng occupancy may have one free-standing identity sign
for each street frontage, which may project as specified i n
subsection ~a}2, above. Where afree--standing pole sign is
used as the principal sign on a busi Hess 1 ocati on with more
than 204 feet of continuous street frontage on one street, a
second free-standing sign, 1 imi ted to 54 square feet i n sign
area and 20 feet in height, is permitted.
~c} Incidental signs for outdoor merchandising businesses.
If not in con pct wit zoning prov~s~ons o Chapter 9, or other
provisions of this code, incidental signs may be attached to the
building structure, or may be listed on one permanently installed
sign structure not over ten feet total height above grade and
1 ocated at least 15 feet from any street property 1 i ne and comply-
ing with all yard and special setback requirements of the zoning
ordinance, Signs announcing special features may also be displayed
on this structure. The total surface area of all such signs shah
not exceed SD square feet.
5,635 Integrated Shopping District, This district covers shopping areas
developed and managed under one ownership. These areas are generw
al 1 y designated either as neighborhood or community commerci a1 i n the Metro-
politan Area General Plan. Another characteristic of these centers is common
parking shared by the business tenants. This district allows one shopping
center sign per street frontage large enough to be readi 1 y vi si b1 e to motor-
i sts on surrounding arteri a1 or collector streets. The remainder of the signs
identifying individual businesses are wall signs scaled to pedestrian needs
The standards imposed i n this district are intended to al 1 ow identification
without undue intrusion of light and glare on adjacent residential proper-
ti es. The fol 1 owi ng signs shal 1 be permitted on properties 1 ocated wi thi n
areas designated as "Integrated Shopping District" on the Sign District Map
~a} overall identity sign. One overall identity sign, per
each street frontage, pole-~maunted or roof-mounted, not over 20
feet total height above grade, and located to comply with all yard
and setback requirements of the zoning ordinance. Such sign shall
not exceed 200 square feet in surface area for vne face, or X44
square feet in surface area for two or more faces.
~ b} Wa11 sign ,
1, One identity wal 1 sign shall be al 1 awed on each
separate business occupancy. The surface area of such signs
shall be limited to not more than three square feet for each
1 i Heal foot of front bui 1 di ng wal 1 for the first floor occu-
pancy; two square feet for each lineal foot of front building
ordinance - S
wall for the second floor occupancy; and one square foot for
each 1 i Heal foot of front bui 1 di ng wall for the third and
subsequent floor occupancies. Regardless of the sign area
per lineal foot of front building wall allowed, each separate
business establishment shall be permitted 50 square feet of
sign surface area, and the maximum allowable sign area for
any one sign steal l not exceed 354 square feet of surface area
on any face, Interior mall businesses without exterior walls
may have one identity wall sign wi th a maximum surface area
of 50 square feet,
2, One additional wal 1 sign shall be permitted on other
than front building walls, However, in no event sha11 a
business have more than one sign per wall, The surface area
of such signs shall be the same as specified for front wall
signs in subsection ~b}l, above,
3, Occupancy area. The first story occupancy sha11
extend from the s~ dewal k or grade 1 i ne to three feet above
the roof 1 i ne at the wall 1 i ne, or to the top of the parapet
wall , whichever i s higher. 0n buildings which are twv or
more stories i n height, the first story occupancy steal 1 ex-
tend to three feet above the second f1 oor 1 i ne, The second
and subsequent story occupancies shall extend from three feet
above the occupied story floor line to three feet above the
floor line of the story above, or to three feet above the roof
1 i ne at the wa11 1 i ne, or to the top of the parapet wall ,
whichever i s higher.
~c~ Marquee signs. One under marquee sign projecting not
more than 12 inches below the marquee, having a maximum projection
of four feet two inches, and not less than eight feet six inches
above the sidewalk or grade line. For purposes of computing sign
area, signs on faces of a marquee shall be considered as part of
the total surface area.
~ d} Outdoor merchandising ~ automobi le service station, new
and used car ots, gar en shops, etc, I f not ~ n conf 1 i ct with
zone ng prove s~ ons of chapter 9, or other provisions of this code,
the fallowing signs sha11 be permitted;
1. One identity sign, not over 2O feet total height
above grade, roof or pole-mounted, located to comply with all
yard and specia] setback requirements of the zoning ordinance.
Such signs steal 1 not have over 40 square feet of surface area
for one face, or SO square feet of surface area for two or
more faces,
2. Incidental signs may be attached to the building
structure, or may be listed on one permanently installed sign
structure, not over ten feet total height above grade, and
1 orated at 1 east 15 feet from any street property 1 i ne and
complying with all yard and special setback requirements of
the zoning ordinance, Signs announcing special features may
a] so be displayed on this structure,
3. The total surface area of all signs, except the
identity sign, as provided i n subsecti an ~ d ~ 1, above, shat 1
not exceed 80 square feet,
~ e~ Reader boards, The fol 1 owi ng additional provisions
shall apply to reader board signs,
Ordinance -9
1, Reader board signs shalt not be over 40 square fee t
i n surface area .
2, Reader board signs shat 1 be setback a minimum of
15 feet from the street property line,
8.640 Outlying commerci a1 District. Areas i n this district are usually
es~ gnated nee g orhood or community commerci a1, or stri p or street-
ori ented commerci a1 i n the ~9etropol i tan Area General Plan, They are approach-
ed primarily by car at city arterial speeds. The businesses are not neces-
sari 1 y under one management so all the regulations applied to the integrated
shopping district cannot be used. Projecting signs are allowed for each
business, but none i s as large as the single identity sign for an integrated
shopping center, The brightness, intensity and 1 ocati on standards i n these
areas are intended to protect the surrounding residential areas, The follow-
ing signs shall be permitted on properties located within areas designated
as "Outlying Commercial District" on the Sign District Map:
~ a} General , Al 1 signs shat l be subject to the fol 1 owi ng
provisions:
1, No illumination sha11 be permitted which provides
mare than five foot candles at any abutting residential di s-
trict property line at a height of five feet.
2, Light from an illuminated sign adjacent to residen-
tial property shall be so shaded, shielded or directed that
the 1 i ght intensity or brightness wi 11 not be a Hui sauce, and
shall be turned off between 10:00 p,m, and 6:00 a,m., Light-
ing from all light sources other than street lights and natur~-
a] sources, shall be so shaded, shielded or directed that the
light intensity or brightness will not be a nuisance, and
shall be turned off, or reduced to not more than two foot
candles at the closest street or business property line be-
tween the hours of 10:00 p,m, and 6:00 a,m.; except that, if
the premises are open for business after 10:00 p,m,, the
1 i ghti ng sha11 be reduced as above at the c1 ose of business,
3. A11 signs shat 1 be located to comply with al l yard
and speci a1 setback requirements of the zoning ordinance,
4. Where only one of several separate businesses is an
a street frontage, or where two or more businesses elect to
use a si ng1 a identity sign or 1 ovate their separate identity
signs at a single 1 ocati on, one identity sign, pol e-mounted
or roof-mounted, not over 20 feet i n height shall be al 1 owed
in addition to the signs permitted in section 8,640~b7 except
that only one pole-mounted sign per street frontage is alloww
ed, Such signs shall not exceed 200 square feet in surface
_ area for vne face and 400 square feet for two ar more faces
for a single over-a11 identity sign for all businesses served
or 40 square feet in surface area for one face and 80 square
feet for two or more faces for each business if separate iden-
ti ty signs are used at a single 1 ocati on .
4 b~ Indoor businesses, The fol 1 owi ng signs shat 1 be
permitted:
1, One of the following identity signs on each separate
business occupancy, as allowed below:
a, One wall sign, the surface area of which shall
Ordinance w 10
be limited to not more than three square feet for each
l i Heal foot of bui 1 di ng wa11 for the first f1 oor occu-
pancy; two square feet for each 1 i Heal foot of bui 1 di ng
wall for the second floor occupancy; and one square foot
for each 1 i Heal foot of bui ]ding wal 1 far the third and
subsequent floor occupancies. Each wall of a building
facing to a public street shall be considered separately.
Regardless of the sign area per l i Heal foot of bui 1 di ng
wal 1 allowed, each separate business estab1 i shment shat l
be permuted 50 square feet of sign surface area, and
the maximum allowable sign area for any vne sign shall
not exceed 350 square feet of surface area on any face.
b. One projecting or pole-mounted sign, not over
20 feet total height above grade and located to comply
with all yard and special setback requiements of the
zoning ordinance, Such signs shall not have over 4D
square feet of surface area for one face, or 80 square
feet of total surface area for two or more faces,
c. One roof sign, with the same maximum height
and area as specified for a pole sign in subsection b.
above, Such roof sign shall be mounted so that the
bottom of the roof sign is not more than one foot above
the surface of the roof at the sign location.
2. Occupancy area. The first story occupancy shall
extend from the s~ dewa] k or grade 1 i ne to three feet above
the roof 1 i ne at the wal 1 line, or to the top of the parapet
wall , whichever i s higher. On bui 1 di ngs which are two or more
stories in height, the first story ocupancy shall extend to
three feet above the second floor line, The second and sub-
sequent story occupancies shall extend from three feet above
the occupied story floor line to three feet above the floor
line of the story above, or to three feet above the roof line
at the wal 1 1 i ne or to the top of the parapet wal 1, whichever
is higher.
~c~ Outdoor merchandisin .
1. One ~ entity sign for each separate occupancy, roof,
wall, or pole-mounted, not over 20 feet total height above
grade and 1 ocated to camel y with al 1 yard and special setback
requirements of the zoning ordinance, Such signs shall not
have over 40 square feet of surface area for one face, or 8O
square feet of surface area for two or more faces,
2, znci dental signs may be attached to the building
structure, or may be listed on one separate, permanently in-
stalled sign structure, not over ten feet total height above
grade, and located at least 15 feet from all property lines,
and complying with all yard and special setback requirements
of the zoning ardi Hance . Signs announcing special features
may a1 so be displayed an this structure.
3. The total surface area of al 1 signs, except the
identity sign, as provided in subsection ~c}1, above, shall
not exceed 80 square feet.
~d} Reader board signs. Reader board signs, not over 40
square feet i n surface area shal 1 be allowed, provided they are
set back a minimum of 15 feet from the street property 1 i ne.
Ordinance - 11
8,645 Highway Oriented District. Areas in this district are usually
es~ gnate commune ty commercial or strip or street-oriented com-
merci al i n the Metropolitan Area General Plan, Signs i n this district are
oriented to automobiles traveling at higher speeds than those on local or
collector streets, Higher signs are allowed i n this district than i n mos t
others to make i t easier for persons driving cars i n this district to find
the businesses they seek. The following signs shall be permitted vn proper-
t~ es located w~ the n areas des gnated as "Highway Oriented District" on the
Sign District Map :
~a} All signs shall be located to comply with all yard and
special setback requirements of the zoning ordinance,
~ b} Each separate business occupancy may have one identity
sign located within the first 15 feet of the street property line,
and not mare than 30 feet total height above grade. Such sign
shat ] not exceed 100 square feet of surface area for any one face,
or 200 square feet of surface area for two or more faces. Such
sign shall be separate and not part of any other signs allowed an
the property, The identity sign may include within the surface
area permitted, the message "open," or "open 24 hours," in the case
of service station or restaurant occupancies, and the term "vacancy"
or "no vacancy" in the case of motels.
~ c } The total surface area of all other signs, including
billboards, on the property shat 1 not exceed three square feet for
each lineal foot of street frontage. None of these signs shall be
higher than 30 feet above grade, nor located less than 15 feet from
any street property line.
~d} The highway oriented district shall extend, unless other-
wi se shown on the Sign District Map, 200 feet from the center line
of the highway i t faces.
fie} Any business property within the highway oriented dis-
tri ct, but not having highway street frontage, may have identity
s~ gns only, Such s~ gns shall conform to either the highway on ent-
ed district regulations, or to the regulations of the nearest
adjacent sign district.
8.650 Industrial District. Areas i n this district are usually designated
7 ndustr~ a ~ n the Metropolitan Area General Plan. Businesses i n
this district often have m7 ni mal street frontage but they occupy large sites.
Thus the standards used i n the commercial sign districts are not adequate
for industrial signing. Ta account for these factors, one identity sign i s
al 1 owed for nisi bi l i ty from nearby highways and arterials, and additional
sign area is based on building perimeter rather than to street frontage.
The following signs shall be permitted on properties located within areas
designated as "Industrial District" on the Sign District Map:
~a} General, All signs shall be located to comply with all
yard and spec~a setback requirements of the zoning ordinance,
fib} Identity signs. Each separate occupancy may have one
pole or roof-mounted ~ enti ty sign, not more than 30 feet total
height above grade, Such sign shall not exceed 100 square feet of
surface area for any one face or 200 square feet of surface area
for two or more faces. Such sign shall be separate and not part
of any other sign al 1 owed on this property.
~ c } Wall si n . The total surface area of al 1 other wal 1
Ordinance - 12
signs sha11 be 1 ~ mi ted to not more than one square foot for each
lineal foot of building perimeter wa11 for each occupancy area.
~d} Billboards. Billboards and other off-premise signs, as
provided i n sects on 8.695 of this code,
8.655 Residents a1 District. Areas i n this sign district are usually
eszgnate or resi ential use in the Metropolitan area General
Plan, The signing allowed reflects the primary residential character of
these areas, al 1 owl ng only small signing for non-resi dents a1 uses such as
small businesses and home occupations. The following signs shall be permit-
ted on properties 1 ocated within areas designated as "Residential District"
on the Sign District ~~ap.
~ a} General . A11 signs within resi dents a1 areas shall be
subject to the following provisions;
1. Illumination at a property 1 i ne abutting resi dents a1
properties resulting from all signs and 1 i ghti ng on any non-
residential use property, shall not exceed five foot candles
at a height of five feet, when a street intervenes between
residential property and any non residential use property,
the i 11 umi Hats on measurements just described shall be taken
at the curb 1 i ne c1 osest to the residential property.
2. Lighting from all light sources other than street
lights and natural sources, sha11 be so shaded, shielded or
directed that the 1 i ght intensity or brightness wi 11 not be
a nuisance, and shall be turned off, or reduced to not more
than two foot candles at the closest street or business
property line between the hours of 10:00 p,m, and 6:00 a,m.;
except that, if the premises are open for business after
10:00 p,m,, the lighting shall be reduced as above at the
close of business,
3. All signs shall be 1 ocated to comply with a] 1 yard
and specs a1 setback requirements of the zoning ordinance.
Projection of signs into the required yards shall be permit-
ted as specified in the zoning ordinance,
fib} Single, duplex and multiple family dwelling districts.
The fol l owe ng s~ gns sha be a 1 owed:
1. Each dwelling unit may have one name plate not
exceeding 1-112 square feet in surface area indicating the
name of the occupant and occupation,
2. Each multiple fami 1y dwel 1 i ng property shall be
1 i mi ted to one identification sign not exceeding 12 square
feet i n surface area, Such sign shall be either ground-~
mounted to extend not more than five feet above grade, or may
be a fl at wall sign.
3. Subdivision signs. The following signs shall be
permitted ~ n con~unct~ on with new subdivision development:
a. Signs announcing the subdivision and improve-
ment of property, when located on the property to be
improved, may be single-faced, with a maximum surface
area of 64 square feet for the first one acre or fracti an
thereof of such property, and may be increased in size
by 16 square feet of surface area for each adds ti oval
gross platted acre of the property, to a maxi mum of 200
Ordinance - 13
square feet of surface area, The maximum height of such
subdivision signs shat ~ be eight feet for signs up to 64
square feet of surface area, and 20 feet above grade far
signs over 64 square feet of surface area. Such signs
shat ~ not be erected unti l a formal application for
subdivision has been filed with the city, Said signs
may be maintained for a peri od of one year from the date
of the erecti an of such sign, which date of erection
shat l be reported to the bui 1 di ng official within 30 days
after erection. If said subdivision is not completed
within one year after erection, the sign permit may be
renewed for periods not exceeding one year, provided the
sign i s maintained i n accordance with the provisions of
this code.
b. Signs not l orated on the advertised property,
which are six square feet in area or less, may be allowed
for a peri ad of 30 days, upon apps i cati on to the building
official , Signs not l orated on the property advertised,
which exceed six square feet i n surface area, directing
attention to a subdivision, are deemed to be a billboard
or off-premises sign,
~ c~ Individual commercial establishments i n residential
areas,
1, One identity flat wa1 l sign shat l be permitted for
each opera ting business. Such sign shall not have a surface
area of more than 32 square feet,
2, All other signs shall be contained within the struc-
ture,
8.656 Professional-Office Sign District, Areas within this district are
orate i n trans t~ an 7 ocat~ ons between major land use designations
in the Metropolitan Area General Plan such as residential and commercial
designations.. Large office buildings found in these areas require more sign-
~ ng than perms tted ~ n the res~ denti al district, yet signing must be compat-
i bl a with the neighboring residential areas,
~ a~ All signs within the professional-office district are
subject to the following provisions:
1, Yard and setback requirements of the zoning ordi-
nance; and
2. Illumination requirements of section 8, 655 ~ a~ 1, and
2 , of this code .
~ b~ The fol 1 owi ng signs shall be permitted i n the professi onal-
off i ce district:
1, An individual business located within the profes-
sianal -office district shat 1 be permitted one free--standing
or wal l-mounted ~ denti ty sign, not exceeding 32 square feet
i n surface area, Free-standing signs shall have a maximum
height of eight feet above grade; wall signs shall have no
height 1 i mi tati on.
2, Multiple businesses occupying ane building shall
be allowed one overall free-standing or wall-mounted identity
sign with a maximum surface area of 32 square feet, In addi-
tion, each separate business occupancy shall be permitted one
Ordi Hance ~- 14
wal l-mounted identity name plate, at a maximum size of 12
square feet i n surface area; such sign to be located wi thi n
the occupancy perimeter of the advertised business.
Special Signs
8.660 Special Permit Signs. Signs which either do not lend themselves
to t e or unary processes of measurement, because they are inte-
grated into the design of the building structure, or signs designed for a
special purpose which makes strict app? i cati on of the code difficult, may be
permitted i n any sign district when the building official finds such signs
i n conformance with the intent of this code and appropriate to the type of
development or structure to which they are related,
8.665 Tem orary Signs on Private Property. The following types of signs,
~ ent~ rel y 7 orated on pry vate property, are exempted from section
8,625 to 8,655 and 8,715 to 5.130. Such signs shall not be illuminated:
~a~ Announcing signs. One sign annauncing the names of
architects, engineers and or contractors of a bui l di ng under con~-
structi on, alteration or repair, and signs announcing the character
of the building enterprise or the purpose far which the building
is intended, provided such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet
in surface area. Such signs may be flat-wall signs, or pole-
mounted, wi th a maximum height of eight feet above grade. Such
signs may have a maximum surface area of 64 square feet, if com-
bined with the sign permitted in subsection ~b~ below.
~b~ Real estate signs and room and board signs. Signs not
exceeding four square feet ~ n surface area, adverts si ng the sale,
rental or lease of the premises on which displayed i n the i nte-
grated shopping and residential districts; 16 square feet i n the,
outlying shopping district; 32 square feet far the central busi -
ness, highway-oriented and industrial districts. Such signs shat 1
be wall -mounted or pol e-mounted, wi th a maxi mum height of eight
feet above grade. Such signs in the pedestrian-auto, highway-~
oriented and industrial sign districts may be 64 square feet, i f
combined with the sign permitted i n section 8, 655 ~ b} 2.
4c~ Political cam aign signs. Signs or posters not exceeding
32 square feet ~n surface area, announcing candidates seeking
political office. Such signs shat ] be removed within two weeks
after the election for the office sought. Such signs shall be
wal l-mounted or pol e-mounted, wi th a maximum height of eight feet
above grade.
~ d~ Directional signs . Signs to open house, garage sales,
and other temporary occasions, not exceeding six square feet in
surface area, and located an private property,
8.670 Exempt Signs. The following signs are exempted from all the pro-
vis~ ons of this code, except regulations pertaining to construction
and safety.
~ a~ ~nsti tuti onal signs. Any sign or bulletin board setting
Ordinance - 15
forth or denoting the name of any public, charitable or ref i gi ous
institution, when 1 ocated on the premises of such institution,
provided such sign or bulletin board shall not exceed 32 square
feet in surface area, and is indirectly lighted. Reader board
signs are permitted with a maximum surface area of 32 square feet,
either wall-mounted or pole-mounted, with a maximum height of
eight feet.
~ b} Pub1 i c signs. Signs of a publ i c, non-commercial nature,
which shat ~ nc u e safety signs, danger signs, no trespassing
signs, signs indicating scenic or historical points of interest,
and al 1 signs erected by a publ i c officer i n the performance of a
public duty.
~ c} Traffic directing signs. Non-i 11 um7nated directional
signs, indicating traffic movement onto a premise, or within a
premise, not exceeding three square feet of surface area for each
sign, and one such sign per entrance to the premises. Directional
signs on paved areas shall be exempt from the size standards indi-
cated above, a directional sign of not more than 12 square feet
of surface area, and not more than eight feet in height, used only
to identify and 1 ocate a servi ce entrance or service faci 1 i ty,
provided that such sign cannot project any further than the allow-
abl a pra~ecti on for an identity sign.
t d} Memorial signs and tablets. Non-i 11 umi Hated memori a1
signs or to ets, ~ n ~ cats ng t e name of a bui 1 di ng or date of
erection, not exceeding two square feet in surface area, which are
part of the building construction, or are attached as wall signs.
~ e} Name p] ates and directories. Non-i 11 umi Hated name p1 ates
and bui 1 di ng directories relating only to the use or occupancy of
the building to which attached, and not exceeding 12 square feet
of surface area, which are part of the bui 1 di ng construction, or
are attached as wall signs.
~ f } Seasonal decorations. Seasonal decorations shal 1 be
permitted from November 15 to January 1 for display purposes on
public or private property, providing such decorations are safely
maintained. When on public property, approval of the council is
required.
~ g } Seasonal signs. Seasonal signs shall be permitted for
Christmas tree sales lots during the period from the day after
Thanksgiving to January 1 and for fireworks sales during the period
from June 24 to July 6, provided such sign shall not exceed 32
square feet i n surface area and i s either wall-mounted or pol e-
mounted with a maximum height of eight feet.
~h} Bus signs. Non-illuminated advertising signs attached
to the extern ors of buses operated by a mass transit district
organized under aRS Chapter 261, so long as the surface area of
all such signs placed upon a vehicle does not exceed 11,034 square
inches, and the surface area of signs placed upon any one side of
a vehicle does not exceed 4,324 square inches.
4 i } Community event signs. Noncommerci a] , non-product, or
service-oriented banners, pennants, and similar signs announcing a
community event designated by the city manager or the manager ` s
designee. The community event shall be of community interest with
participation available to the general citizenry, and non-~commerci a7
and non-pot i ti cal i n nature. Provided, however, the 1 ocati on and
Ordinance - 16
placement of these signs sha11 be reviewed by the city sign i nspec-
tor to ~l~ avoid conflict with traffic control signs and devices,
~2~ avoid blocking other permanent signs, and ~3~ ensure safe con-
structs on and installation, These signs may be instal 1 ed up to 21
days before and may remain i n place up to 7 days after the desi g-
nated community event. Community event banners on bui 1 di ngs shat l
not exceed l0°~ of the wal 1 area on which 1 orated, wi th a maxi mum
surface area of 250 square feet. A11 other community event banners
on private property, or banners across a public street, shall not
exceed 204 square feet in surface area. Community event banners
shall be al 1 owed with sponsor identification 1 i mi ted to 25~ of the
square footage of the banner. A deci si on of the city manager or
the manager`s designee may be appealed to the sign code board of
appeals i n accordance with sects an 8.802 of this code.
~3~ Conference and convention signs. One banner advertising
or welcoming groups or organs zat~ ons sponsoring or attends ng a meet-~
ing, conference, or convention may be installed on the building
where the event is being he]d, The sign may be installed up to
seven days before and may remain in place up to three days after
the event, It shall be flat, structurelwall mounted, and may be
up to 124 square feet in surface area.
8.671 Regulation of Murals. The fol 1 owi ng shall apps y to murals:
a ado person shat 1 paint or otherwise create a mural upon
any structure without first obtai ni ng a permi t from the building
official or designee to do so, A separate permit shall be obtained
for each mural.
~ b~ Application far a mural permit shall be made i n writing
upon forms furnished by the bui 1 di ng official , Each application
sha11 be accompanied by a mural permit fee to be established by
resolution of the council , Each appl i cats an shat 1 contain
1, The names and addresses of the owner of the structure
and of the person who i s to apply the mural ,
2. The address or location of the structure upon which
the mural i s to be apps i ed.
3. The proposed location far the mural upon the struc-
ture ,
4. A set of plans and specifications that i 11 ustrate
and explain the proposed mural.
5. Such other information as the bui 1 di ng official or
designee may reasonably require,
~c~ The building official ar designee shall issue a mural
permit i f, after examining the application, i t i s determined that
the proposal meets the definition of a mural cantos ned i n section
8, 620,
~ d~ Al 1 murals shat 1 be maintained by a person i n charge of
property i n a neat, clean, and attractive condition, free of chi p-
pi ng, cracking, peeling, fading, graffiti or other deters arati on.
~ e } Regulation of murals shat 1 be governed exclusively by
sections 8.005, 8.624, 5, 671, 8.612, 8.543 to 8,814 of this code,
8.612 Mural s -Appeals, An appeal may ~be taken from a deci si on of the
bui ~ ng o~ f ~ c~ al or designee under section 5, 671 to the sign code
Ordinance - 17
board of appeals, Appeals may be made to the board upon a form prescribed
by the board, and shall follow the sign code variance procedures set forth
in sections 5.803 to 8,810 of this code,
8.675 Roaf signs. Roof signs shall be permitted i n al 1 sign districts
wTere pole signs are permitted, subject to the maximum height
above grade as specified for pole signs. Such roof signs shall be mounted
so that the bottom of the roof sign i s not more than one foot above the sur-
face of the roof at the sign 1 ocati on.
5.684 Under Marquee Signs, Signs located under marquees shall not pro-
~ect over 12 Inc es below the marquee and shall not be less than
eight feet six inches above the sidewalk or grade 1 i ne, and not more than
four feet two inches maxi mum projection. Such signs sha11 be exempt from
the sign district regulations, except i n the residential district,
8.685 I ] l umi nati on. A11 signs and other i 11 umi nati on within the city
shat 1 be subject to the fol ]awing restrictions upon i 11 umi nati an
4a} No exposed reflective type bulb, no strobe light or incan-
descent lamp which exceeds 15 watts shall be used so as to expose
the face of the but b, 1 i ght or lamp to any public street; provided,
however, that existing strings of lights with exposed incandescent
light bulbs may be used as follows:
l5 watts maximum for the first 25 feet from the street
property 1 i ne .
54 watts maximum for the area from 25 feet to 54 feet
from the street property 1 i ne.
104 watts maximum for the area mare than 50 feet from the
street property line.
However, the total 1 i ght intensity must still comply with the
i 11 umi nati on requirements and 1 i mi tati ons of section 8.655 ~a}2;
and a ref 1 ecti ve type lamp bulb may be used, i f not exposed to
direct view from a publ i c street, for the i 11 umi nati on of the sur-
face of a sign or facade of any building or structure or any dis-
play of landscaping feature.
fib} No blinking or flashing light yr group of lights shall
be allowed as part of a sign unless such device conforms to the
fo11 awl ng requirements
1. Such device is constructed as an integral part of a
sign, and i s not merely attached thereto.
2, The flashing impulse shall not exceed 25 f]ashes
per minute for single flashing segments of the sign, and 250
f 1 ashes per minute for bulbs ~wi th chasing and sci nti 1 ] ati ng
actions. 4nl y one of such actions shat 1 be permitted on any
sign.
3. The brightness of but bs within chasing or sci nti 1-
lating actions shall nat exceed 11 watts,
Ordinance - 18
Prohibited Signs
8.690 Prohibited Signs. No sign shall be constructed, erected or
maintained;
~ a} Within the public right of way.
~ b} Which bears or contains statements, words or pictures of
an obscene, indecent or immoral character, such as will offend
public morals or decency.
~ c} Which purports to be, or i s an imitation of, or resembles
an official traffic sign or signal, or which bears the words "STOP,"
"GO SLOW," "CAUTION," "DANGER," "WARNING," or similar words.
~ d} Which, by reason of its size, 1 ocati on, movement, content,
coloring or manner of illumination may be confused with or con-
strued as a traffic control device; or which hides from view any
traffic or street sign or signal.
fie} Which advertises or publicizes an activity, business,
product or service not conducted on the premises upon which such
signs are maintained; except as provided in sections 8.695 to
8.705.
~ f } Which advertises or publicizes an activity, business,
product or service not conducted by the owner or lessee of a motor
vehi c1 a or recreati anal vehicle upon which such signs are main-~
twined.
~ g} Which rotates or has a rotati ng or moving part or parts
that revolve at a speed i n excess of five revolutions per minute.
Reader board signs shall not be allowed to rotate.
~ h} Which consists of banners, flags, posters, pennants,
ribbons, streamers, strings of ]fight bulbs, spinners, or elements
creating sound or sme11 which are signs defined by this code,
except seasonal decorations, community events signs, and conference
and convention signs as permitted by section 8.610~f}, ~i}, and
4 j} of this code.
~ i } Which represent any article or thing that i s of unarti s-
ti c nature, or which i s i n i tsel f unsi ghtly, grotesque, of offen-
si ve character or a monstrosi ty; i t being the intent and purpose
of this section that al 1 signs shat 1 be attractive i n appearance.
~j} Which would substantially obstruct the view of a sign on
ad jai ni ng property when viewed from a di stance of 240 feet at any
point four feet above the roadway grade of the traffic lane clos-
est to the street property line.
~k} Which is written upon, temporarily or permanently placed
upon or attached to a motor vehicle, mobile home or recreational
vehicle which advertises the price of any product or service, or
indicates that a busi Hess i s open or closed, except as permitted
in section 8.610.
~l} As used in this section the term motor vehicle is defined
as provided in chapter 5 of this code and the term mobile home and
recreational vehicle are defined a provided i n chapter 9 of thi s
code .
Ordinance -~ 19
Billboards and Other Off-Premises Signs
8,695 General . Bi 1 lboards are non-identity signs which advertise goods,
pro acts or services which are not sold, manufactured or distri-
buted on or from the premises or faci 1 i ti es on which the signs are located.
Because the advertising of goods, products or services i s considered i nci -
dental to the primary purpose of signs for identification, bi 11 boards are
and y allowed along pri nci pal highways where they can provide i nformati an
concerning goods, products or services to the traveling public, and along
certain specified industrial arterials where they can be located without
unduly adding to the density of signs, creating distractions, or conflicting
with residential uses.
8.700 Regulations. Billboards and other off-premises signs shall conform
tote o awing regulations:
~a} Si]lboards shall be located to comply with all yard and
special setback requirements of the zoning ardi Hance. Wherever
there exi sts a confl i ct between the setback required by the zoning
ordinance and that required by this code the greater setback shall
be applied.
4b~ Billboards and other off-premises signs shall comply with
sections 8, fi90 to 8.845 i n addition to other sections sped f i cal 1 y
referred to i n sections 8, fi95 to 8.705.
~c~ Billboards shall be permitted within areas designated as
"Highway Oriented District" and on the following streets north of
llth Avenue i n the "Yndustrial District" -Garfield, Seneca, Obie,
and Bertelsen Road.
~ d~ I n the highway oriented district the total surface area
of all signs other than the identity sign, including bi 11 board
signs and other off-premises signs, shall not exceed three square
feet for each 1 i Heal foot of street frontage. None of these signs
shat l be located less than 15 feet from the front property line.
~e~ The maximum surface area for a billboard, including the
frame or trim, shall be 672 square feet; maximum height shall be
30 feet above grade.
~f~ There shall be not over 1,300 square feet of billboard
surface area facing one direction i n any one~Mal f mi 1 e of highway
oriented district street frontage or on the streets named i n sub-
secti on ~ c~ above. Such surface area shall be included i n comput-
i ng the total surface area permitted by section 8.645 ~4 ~, but
shall not be included in computing the area permitted by section
8.fi5O~c~.
~g~ Billboards may be single-faced, double faced or v-~shaped
structures, except that each face i n one di recd an shall be
counted as a separate billboard. Surface area of back-to-back
billboards shall be computed at 50 percent of the actual surface
area of each face and v-shaped structures at 75 percent of the
actual surface area of each face.
~ h ~ An individual 1 of with less than 140 1 i Heal feet of hi gh-
way frontage and which therefore would not accomodate a standard
outdoor advertising sign, may nonetheless have one billboard with
300 square feet maximum surface area, provided such lot has no
Ordinance - 20
other signs, except a 32 square foot maximum surface area real
estate sign, or identity sign, i n accordance with section 8.665 ~ b} .
Allowable surface area for billboards shall in no event exceed the
provisions of subsection ~ f } above.
8.705 Other Off-Premises Sign Provisions. In addition to the provisions
o section . 0, t e o owing provisions shall apply to other
off-premises signs erected within the highway oriented sign district:
~ a} A busi Hess may have one directional off-premises sign
within one mi 1 e distance from its business 1 ocati on, provided such
sign is not over 32 square feet of surface area which shall be in-
cluded within the surface area permitted by section 8.700~d}.
fib} The area of off-premises signs not over 32 square feet
of surface area sha11 not be included within the bi 11 board areas
specified i n section 8.700 ~ f } and ~ g } . Other off-premises signs
over 32 square feet in surface area shall be included in the bill-
board surface area.
Construction Requirements and Fees
8.710 Uniform Sign Cade -Adopted. The 1985 Edition of the Uniform
S~ gn Co e, pub ~ shed and copyrighted i n 1985 by the International
Conference of Bui 1 di ng Officials, i s hereby adopted, except the fol 1 awl ng
sections which are hereby deleted: 103~c} and 103~d}; 203; 205, 207, 212
Portable Display Surface and Projection; 213; 214 Signs; 211 Wall Sign; 301
through 306 inclusive; Tables 4-B and 4-C; Sections 403~e}; 501 through 503
~nclus~ve; 603; 803; 903; 1003; 1103; 1302~b}; 1401 and 1402; and all por-
tions of this code on file in the office of the finance officer, except those
deleted herein, are hereby referred to and adopted by this reference thereto
and are made a part of this code as i f ful 1 y set out herein.
5.715 Permits and Registration -Regulations.
A genera s~ gn contractor sha register with the bui 1 di ng
official and shat 1 submit documentation of experience and training i n sign
canstructi an, erection and repair or a related field of construction acti v-
i ty.
~2 } Any person who performs electrical work 1 i mi ted to servicing
electrical signs and outline lighting i s required to have a val i d State of
Oregon Limited Journeyman Sign Electrician's license, shall be employed by
a 1 i censed electrical contractor, and shall provide proof of compliance
with the public ]lability and property damage insurance requirements of sec-
ti on 8.730 of this chapter.
~3} No person shall erect, construct, alter or relocate any sign,
unl ess a si gn permit has been issued by the bui 1 di ng official for same. A
separate permit shall be required for each sign. Applica tion for a sign per-
mi t shall be made i n writing on forms furnished by the building official .
Such application shall contain the location of the sign structure, by street
and number as well as the name and address of the sign owner or lessee, and
of the sign erector. The bui 1di ng official shall require the fi 1 i ng of plans,
structural calculations and such other pertinent ~ nformati on as required to
Ordinance ~- 21
insure compliance with this code. Permits shall be issued only to sign con-
tractors registered in accordance with this chapter or any property owner
erecting a sign or sign structure on hislher own property far his/her own
use, provided the sign erection work is performed by such person or persons
regularly and directly under hislher employ.
~a} Structural design. Signs more than ZO feet in any dimen-
sion, or locate more than 20 feet above grade, shall be structur-
al l y designed, including their attachment to the bui 1 di ng or
structure, by an architect or engineer licensed in the state, and
plans for such signs shall bear the architect's or engineer`s seal,
or shall conform to design standards agreed upon by the sign
industry and the bui 1 di ng official , conforming to this code .
fib} Other permits. The permit required by this section
shat 1 be separate from any permit required for electrical instal 1 a-
tians or equipment to service such sign, as specified in the elec-
tri cal code.
~c} Compliance. The building official shall not issue a
permit far a s~ gn covered by appl i cati an duly made, unless the sign
and its location is in complionce with the provisions of this code.
No permit issued hereunder may be assigned or transferred.
~ d} Duration of permit. ~ f the sign authorized by a sign
permit i s not i nsta 1 ed w~ thi n 60 days after the date of issue,
such permit shall be void, except when larger signs require more
time to build and install, and evidence is shown that work is
progressing at normal rate.
8.120 Permits - Exceptions. The fol 1 owl ng signs and operations shat 1
not require a sign permit or fee, but shall conform to all other
applicable provisions of this code:
~a} The changing of the advertising copy or message on a
painted or printed sign or a bi 1 l board sign or on a theater marquee
and similar signs specifically designed far the use of replaceable
copy.
~ b} Painting, repainting, cleaning and normal maintenance,
and repair of a sign or sign structure, including electrical equi p-
ment, unless a structural change is made.
~c} Signs, as provided by sections 8.665 and 8.670.
~d} Small signs, less than 16 square feet of the total sur-
face area, located entirely on private property for the purposes
of advertising a single service or commodity.
8.75 Permits - Fees. For the purposes of enforcing this code, the
application fora sign permit shall be accompanied by a fee, as
fol 1 ows :
~ a} Sign construction fees for al 1 signs shat l be establ i sh-
ed by reso ut~on o t e counci The sign construction fee shall
also apply as the annual permit fee required i n subsection ~ c }
below, which shat I expire on the fol 1 owl ng June 30.
~ b} Double fee. 1~here work for which a permit i s required
by this code is started or proceeded with prior to obtaining a
permit, the fees above specified shall be doubled, but the payment
of such Bauble fee shall not relieve any persons from fully com-
Ordinance - 22
plying with the requirements of this code i n the execution of the
work nor from any other penalties prescribed herein.
~c~ Annual sign permit fee. For all signs projecting on or
over public property, other than wa11 signs projecting 1 ess than
1Z inches over public property, the business using the sign shall
pay a fee as established by resol uti an of the council . The permi t
shall expire on 4une 34 of each year.
8.134 Permits - Insurance. Every applicant for a permit to erect, alter
or ma~nta~n a sign which projects more than 12 inches over public
property, shat 1 fi 1 e with the bui 1 di ng official , copies of hi sf her pubs i c
1 i abi 1 i ty and property damage i nsurance pot i ci es, which pot i ci es shat 1 be
maintained i n fu11 force and effect during the durati an that the sign remains
over publ i c property. Pub1 i c 1 i abi 1 i ty insurance sha11 not be ]ess than
$100,000.40 for injuries, including accidental death, to any person, and
subject to the same limit for any person in an amount of not less than
$300,400.00 on account of one acccident and property damage insurance in an
amount of not less than $54,000.00.
Inspection, and Maintenance
8.735 Inspection. Signs for which a permit is required sha11 be inspect-
ed by the bui 1 di ng off i ci a1 or designee far conformance with the
requirements of the Eugene Code, 1971.
Nonconforming Signs
8.765 Existing Signs.
1 Except as otherwise provided in sections 8.765 to 8.790, all
signs which do not conform to the provisions of this code, but which were
constructed in compliance with previous regulations, shall be regarded as
nonconforming signs, and may rer~ai n for five years from September 9, 1968,
if properly repaired and maintained as provided in this code.
~2) Annexed areas. Except as otherwise provided in section 8.765
to 5.790, al 1 signs ~ n areas annexed to the city after September 9, 1968,
which do not conform to the pravi si ons of thi s code, sha11 be regarded as
nonconfarming signs, and may remain for five years from the date of annexa-
tion.
~3~ Exceptions.
~If y sign is nat conforming in height, area, projection
or setback in an amount of not more than 14 percent of the allow-
able dimension, the sign wi11 not be required to conform to the
provisions of sections 8.765 to 8.790.
~ b~ I f, i n the opinion of the sign code board of appeals, the
provisions of this code would seriously hamper a new business
because of the impossi bi 1 i ty of 1 ocati ng a new sign i n any position
which would avoid blanketing by existing signs, then the board may
all ow the operator of such a new business to erect a sign with a
greater projection; provided a waiver is signed by the business
Ordinance - 23
operator himself, accepting as an amortization period for that
sign, whatever remains of the five years after September 9, 1968,
by which time all signs must be brought into confvrmi ty.
~ c3 Freestanding signs i n areas annexed to the city prior to
June 11, 1986, which signs were authorized or existed prior to
annexation and which became nonconforming due to height restric-
tions under the provisions of this code, may remain ~ n use notwi th-
standi ng the provi si ans of this code with respect to the height and
area of such signs. Any nonconforming sign which is structurally
altered, relocated or replaced shall immediately comply with all
provisions of this code.
5.185 Billboards, Except as otherwise provided in sections 8.165 to
8.790, billboards which do not conform to the provisions of this
code, but which were constructed i n compliance with previous regulations,
shall be regarded as nanconformi ng signs, and may remain for five years from
September 9, 1968.
8.790 Changes to Conform.
1 Any s~ gn s a 1 be removed, a1 tend or repaired i n accordance
with the provisions of this code within six months after September 9, 1968,
if:
~ a} i t i s i n vi o1 ati on of sections 8.590 ~a} to t h} , except
for strings of light bulbs, which must be removed or replaced by
other acceptable 1 i ghti ng within five years after September 9,
1968,
fib} It is in violation of section 8.685~b}.
~ c} I t i s a portabl a sign, 1 ocated not i n conformance with
the yard and special setback requirements of this code and the
zoning ordinance.
~d} Yt is an attachment to an identity sign not constructed
as an integral part of the sign.
~ e} i t was not i n conformity with the ordinances i n effect
at the time of construction.
~2} Any nonconforming sign which is structurally altered,
relocated or replaced shall immediately comply with all provisions of thi s
code.
Enforcement and Administration
8.795 Building Official to Enforce.
1 The building official or designee is hereby authorized and
directed to enforce all of the provisions of this sign code.
~ 2 } Notification of Violation and Nonconformity, The bui 1 di ng
official or des gnee s a note fy ~ n wry t~ ng the appl ~ cant for a si gn perrni t
of any violation of this code, who shall correct the vi of ata on of this code
within the time specified on the written notice. The bui 1 di ng official or
designee shall notify the owner or 1 essee of any sign which i s made noncon-
formi ng by the enactment of this code within one year of the expiration of
the period specified i n sections 8.765 to 8.185, or within 30 days of the
Ordinance - 24
expiration of the period specified i n section 8.794 ~ 2 } , of the manner and
extent of nonconformity of such sign. If the owner of the sign cannot be
determined, then the owner of the property on which the sign i s 1 ocated shal 1
be given such written notice,
8.800 Sign Code Board of Appeals - Creation. There is hereby created a
oar to ~~e known as the sign code board of appeals, hereinafter
referred to as the board.
~a} Members of the board sha11 be nominated by the mayor and
appointed by the council. The board sha11 consist of five members
representing the interests of the city as a whale, and having no
financial interest in the sign industry, and one member from the
sign industry who shall have no vote. No member of the baard shall
act in any case in which helshe is personally interested. The
building official shall be an ex officio member and shall act as
secretary to the board. The secretary shall prepare minutes of
all meetings of the board and copies of such minutes shat 1 be ci r-~
culated to all members of the planning commission,
fib} The mayor, with the approval of the council, shall
appoint the members of the initial board far staggered terms: one
member for one year, two members for two years, and two members
for three years. Thereafter, each new member shall serve for three
years, or until his or her successor has been appointed.
~c} Any vacancy on the board caused by the resignation, death
or removal of a member shall be filled in the manner provided in
~a} above.
~d} The council may remove any member who has been absent,
unexcused, from two successive regular meetings of the board.
8.801 Sign Code Board of Appeals -Procedures. The members of the board
shall elect a chair. A11 meetings of the board shall be held at
the cal 1 of the chair, and at such time as the board may determine. Three
voting members of the baard sha11 constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business. A11 hearings shall be public and the appellant, his or her repre-
sentati ves, the affi ci al s of the municipality and any other persons whose
interests may be affected by the matter on appeal , shat 1 be given the oppor-~
tunity to be heard. The board shall affirm, modify, or reverse the decision
of the building official by a concurring vote of a majority of the voting
members present. The board may adopt reasonable rules and regulations for
canducti ng its investigations, and sha11 render al 1 decisions and findings
i n writing to the bui 1 di ng offi ci a1, with a duplicate copy to the appellant,
and may recommend to the counci 1 such new 1 egi s1 ati on as i s consistent here-
wi th.
8.84 Sign Cade Board of Appeals
Ana ecte person ma;
the city manager, bui 1 di ng official ,
sign code except for a decision made
Such appeal shall be taken within 10
official whose decision is appealed,
grounds thereof. The official whose
- Appeals.
appea`~to the board from a decision of
or their designee made pursuant to this
pursuant to sections 8.848 to 8.810.
days of the decision by fi 1 i ng with the
a notice of appeal, specifying the
decision i s being appea] ed shal 1 forth-~
Ordinance - ~5
with transmit to the board ail the papers constituting the record upon which
the action appealed from i s taken .
~2} An appeal shall stay the action appealed from, unless the
building official , city manager, or their designee certifies to the board,
after the notice of appeal has been filed with himlher, that by reason of
facts stated i n the certi fi cote, a stay would, i n hi slher opinion, cause
immediate harm to the public health, safety or welfare or to property; i n
which case the action shal 1 not be stayed otherwise than by a restrai ni ng
order, which may be granted by the board or by a court having jurisdiction
of the matter.
Sign Code variance Procedures
8.803 Sign Code Variance Procedure. The building official or designee
may grant sign co a variances in accordance with the following pro-
cedures:
~ a} Appi i cati on, An application
shat 7 be su mi tted by the applicant i n
building division of the public works
fee set by the council.
~ b} Notice. Within ten days of
accurate application, and at least ten
official or designee makes a deci si on,
mail notice of the request to abutting
pants, including properties that woul d
intervening streets or alleys.
and related information
the manner prescribed by the
depart~~ent, together with the
receipt of a compl ete and
days before the building
the bui i di ng division shat i
property owners and occu-
be abutting were it not for
8.804 Bui 1 di ng Official Decision. Unless the applicant agrees to a
longer time period, the building official or designee shall approve,
condi ti oval iy approve, or deny a variance, with findings and conci usi ons
thereon, within 30 days of receipt of a compl ete and accurate application.
The building official's or designee's decision shall be based on the follow-
ing criteria:
~ a} Strict or literal interpretation and enforcement of cer-
tai n of the regulations woui d resui t i n practical difficulties and
unnecessary physical or economic hardships inconsistent with the
ob j~ecti ves of this code.
~ b} A practi cal di ffi cui ty or unnecessary hardship may resul t
from:
1. The size, shape or dimensions of a si te, the i oca-
tions of existing structures thereon;
2. Geographic, topographic or other physical. conditions
on the site or i n the immediate vicinity, or
3. Population densities, street 1 ocati ons or traf f i c
conditions i n the immediate vicinity.
~ c } An economic hardship i s one which results from an i ndi -
vidual inability to fairly and reasonably amortize the value of a
nonconforming sign within the period of time prescribed by the
sign code. The power to grant variances does not extend to an
economic hardship ref ated to the cost, size or i ocati on of a new
sign, or to the convenience of the applicant; nor i s i t intended
Ordinance - 26
to extend to the convenience of regional or national businesses
who wish to use a standard sign, when those do not conform to the
provisions of this code.
~ d} Y f a vari ance request requires re-exami nati an of stand-
ards or policies, the building official or designee can refer the
matter to the sign code board of appeals for a decision.
~ e} The bui 1 di ng official or designee shall mai 1 a copy of
the decision to the applicant and persons who have requested a
copy on the date i t i s rendered.
~ f} Unless appeal ed, a deci si on i s effective on the 11th day
after i t i s rendered.
8.805 A peal.
1 Building official or designee decisions and after building
official ar designee decisions relating to interpretation of this sign code
may be appealed to the sign code board of appeals within ten days of the
decision or interpretation, on a building division form. An appeal may be
taken by the applicant, a person adversely affected by the decision, or a
party enti t1 ed to notice, vari ance appeals shall state how the bui 1 di ng
afficial ar designee failed to properly evaluate the proposed variance or
make a deci si on consistent with applicable criteria.
~~} Unless the applicant and appellant agree to a longer period,
an appeal shall be considered at a hearing at which an opportunity is given
for oral arguments on the appeal within 15 days of its receipt. At 1 east
ten days prior to the hearing, the building official ar designee shall mail
notice thereof to the applicant, appellant, and persons who requested a copy
of the building official's or designee`s decision.
~3 } lei thi n ten days of the hearing, unless the applicant and
appellant agree to a longer period, the sign code board of appeals sha11
render a deci si an and mai 1 a copy thereof to the applicant, appellant and
parties who have requested a copy. The sign code board of appeals' decision
is final.
8.805 Expiration. Unless actual construction or alteration has begun
w~th~n one year, a variance approval terminates. However, prior
to expiration, the applicant may request and the bui 1 di ng off i ci a1 or
designee may extend approval for six month periods. The bui 1 di ng official
or designee sha11 never extend approval for more than two years from the
first effective approval date.
8.807 Compl i ance_wi th Substitute Plan and Conditions of Approval . I f a
vari ance i s granted subject to certain conditions, or a substi tute
plan, compliance with the conditions or the substitute p1 an i s required.
Departure from approval conditions or the substitute plan i s a vi of ati on of
this code .
8.808 Enforcement -Notice and Opportunity to Comply.
The bui 1 d~ ng off ~ ci a1 or designee shat 1 give written notice
of any violation of this code to the owner ar 1 essee of the sign i n question.
The notice shall state the alleged violation and the relief sought.
Ordinance - 27
~z} The sign owner or lessee shall have 10 days to execute and
deliver to the building official ar designee an assurance of voluntary com-
pliance. The assurance shall set forth what actions, if any, the sign owner
or lessee intends to take with respect to the alleged viola tian. The assur-
ance of voluntary compliance shat 1 not be considered an admission of a vi o1 a-
ti on for any purpose . I f the bui 1 di ng of f i ci a1 or designee i s satisfied
with the assurance of vo1 untary compliance, i t may be submitted to the Muni -
cipal Court far approval and i f approved shal 1 be f i 1 ed with the clerk of
the court as an order of the court.
~3} The building official or designee may reject any assurance:
~ a} Which does not provide for correction of the vi o1 ati on
or removal of the sign in a reasonable time and manner; or
~ b} Which does not provide for resti tuti an i n sped fi c
amounts to the city or to any person i n cases involving any ascer-
tai nabl e 1 oss of money or property as a resul t of the al 1 eged vi o-
1 ati on; or
~c} Which does not contain any provision, including but not
1 imi ted to the keeping of records, which the bui i di ng offi ci a1
reasonably believes to be necessary to insure the continued cessa-
ti an of the al 1 eged violation.
~ 4 } Vi o1 ati on of any of the terms of an assurance of voluntary
compliance which has been approved and filed with the court shall constitute
a contempt of court.
8.849 Enforcement -Filing of Complaint; Tem orary Restraining Order.
ter t e~ expo rats on a 14 days from t e date of note ce given
under section 8.808 of this code, the bui 1 di ng offi ci a1 or designee may bring
suit i n the name of the city i n the Muni ci pa1 Court to restrain the vi o1 ati on
or to seek a ci vi 1 penalty, or both.
~2} ~f the building official or designee alleges that helshe has
reason to believe that the decay caused by complying with the notice provi-
sions of section 8.808 of this code would cause immediate harm to the pubs i c
health, safety or welfare or to property, helshe ray immediately institute a
suit under subsection ~ 1 } of this secti an.
43} A temporary restraining order may be granted without prior
notice to the sign owner or lessee if the Municipal Court finds there is a
threat of immediate harm to the public health, safety or wet fare or to prop-
erty. The court shal 1 f i x a ti me not to exceed ten days after which the tem-
porary restraining order shal 1 expire by its terms, uni ess within the time
fixed, a hearing is head and, for .good cause shown, the court extends the
restraining order or provides for any other equitable ref ief.
8.810 Enforcement -Remedial Power of the Court. The Municipal Court is
empowere to ear and determine v~olat~ons of this sign code. In
addition to any other penalty provided by law, the court i s empowered to
issue any injunction order or judgment necessary to restore to any person any
money or property of which helshe was deprived by any vi of ati on of the s7 gn
code, or necessary to insure cessation of the vi al ati on.
8.855 Conflict and Severabi 1 i ty.
1 In any case w ere a provision of this code is found to be in
Drdinance - ~8
conflict with a provision of any zoning, bui 1 di ng, fire, safety or health
ordinance or code existing on September 9, 1965, the provision which estab-
lishes the higher standard for the promotion and protection of the health
and safety of the people sha11 prevail, In any case where a provision of
this code i s found to be i n conflict with a provi si an of any other ordinance
or code of the city existing on September 9, 1968, which establishes a 1 ower
standard for the promotion and protection of the health and safety of the
people, the provisions of this code sha11 be deemed to prevail , and al 1
other ordinances or codes are declared to be repealed to the extent that
they may be found i n conflict with this code,
~2~ If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause,
or phrase of this code should be declared invalid for any reason whatsoever,
such decisions shat 1 Hat affect the remaining portions of this code, which
sha11 remain in full force and effect; and to this end the provisions of
this code are hereby declared to be severable.
Section 2, At the request of, or with the concurrence of the Planning
Department and City Attorney, the City Recorder i s authorized to admi ni stra-
tively change any references contained in the Eugene Code, 1911 to the pro-
visions amended, added or repealed herein,
Section 3. That the matters contained herein concern the public we1-
fare and safety, and therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist,
and this 4rdi Hance sha11 become effective immediately upon its passage by
the City Council and approval by the Mayor,
Passed by the City Council this
11th day of dune, 1986
/~lLl.~-.~--. ~~
~i ty cor er
Ordinance -~ 29
Approved by the Mayor this