§ 23.21.040 EXEMPT SIGNS.
   The following signs are exempt from the permit requirements of this chapter, provided that they conform to the specified standards.
   (A)   Directional and/or informational signs not more than four square feet in area.
   (B)   Governmental signs.
   (C)   Political signs removed within 14 days after the election to which it pertains if election related.
   (D)   Real estate signs not exceeding 45 square feet in area.
   (E)   Signs that are in the interior areas of a building and not visible from the exterior of the building.
   (F)   Warning signs.
   (G)   Window signs advertising community events sponsored by civic, charitable or nonprofit organizations.
   (H)   Flag signs erected and located in accordance with the following standards:
      (1)   Maximum aggregate flag sign area. The total combined area of all flag signs shall not exceed a maximum of one and one-half square feet per linear foot of primary building frontage.
      (2)   Individual flag sign size. Each individual flag sign shall be at least four square feet in area, but shall be no more than 20 square feet in area.
      (3)   Height. Flag signs shall be located not lower than eight feet above grade and not higher than 25 feet above grade or the cornice line of the building, whichever is lower.
   (I)   Construction signs and development project signs not exceeding 40 square feet in size or ten feet in height on parcels less than one acre, or 60 square feet in size or 15 feet in height for parcels one acre or larger. A maximum of one non-illuminated sign is allowed per street frontage.
   (J)   Additional exemptions for Residential Zoning Districts. In addition to the signs listed above, the following signs are exempt from the permit requirements of this chapter when located in Residential Zoning Districts.
      (1)   Wall signs of a non-advertising nature for residential building identification purposes with a maximum area of six square feet and maximum sign height of 15 feet.
      (2)   Off-site portable open house signs and directional signs to open houses. Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this section, open house and directional signs to real estate "open houses" in any Residential Zone may be placed upon the public parkway provided that all of the following restrictions are met:
         (a)   Permission of the adjacent property owner must be attained before placing any such signage.
         (b)   Signage shall be limited to one sign per corner, two signs per intersection, per home or property being advertised.
         (c)   No sign may be closer than 25 feet to another sign (except governmental signs and on-site real estate signs) regardless of whether it is a real estate or other permitted private sign. No sign may be closer than 15 feet from a driveway approach.
         (d)   Signage display hours shall be limited to Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to dusk, or 7:00 p.m., whichever is earlier.
         (e)   Open house directional signs shall only be posted on the same day of the open house.
         (f)   Open house signs shall contain the following information:
            1.   Directional arrow(s) to, or address of, the subject property.
            2.   The name of the real estate professional's name and phone number (for identification purposes only, a business card taped to the sign is acceptable).
         (g)   The message content on the sign shall only relate to an activity actually in progress during the allowable display period.
         (h)   No sign shall obstruct the safe and convenient use by the public of adjoining sidewalk, curbside parkway, or roadway area.
         (i)   All signage must be freestanding on stakes in the ground or stand on their own base. Signs may not be placed on utility poles, stop signs, parkway fixtures, fences, walls, trees or other landscaping.
         (j)   No sign shall exceed three feet in height as measured from the ground to the top of the sign.
         (k)   No other advertising, flag, pennant, streamer, banner, balloon, or direction sign shall be displayed on public property, except as expressly allowed by this section.
         (l)   The real estate professional placing a sign(s) described in this section shall assume all liability associated with the placement of such sign.
         (m)   Each sign as permitted in this section shall be in a neat, clean and safe condition.
(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)