(a) Purpose. A Comprehensive Sign Plan provides a means for defining common sign regulations for large scale projects, to encourage maximum incentive and latitude in the design and display of multiple signs and to achieve, not circumvent, the purpose of this Chapter.
(b) Applicability. The approval of a Comprehensive Sign Plan is required when the number of desired signs is more than what is permitted in the zoning district.
(c) Approval Authority.
(1) The applicant must obtain approval from the Architectural Review Board must approve or recommend all Comprehensive Sign Plans prior to review by the Planning Commission.
(2) The applicant must obtain approval from the Planning Commission before the Zoning Inspector can issue a sign permit.
(3) The Comprehensive Sign Plan must obtain the approval of the Planning Commission before the Zoning Inspector may issue a sign permit.
(d) Application Requirements. An application for a Comprehensive Sign Plan must include:
(2) The payment of the standard application fee required for a Conditional Zoning Permit.
(3) A statement by the property owner indicating the manner in which the property owner will enforce compliance with the approved comprehensive sign program by both the owner and the tenants on the site.
(4) Acknowledgment that a copy of the Comprehensive Sign Plan approval will be provided by the property owner / property manager to each existing tenant and any new tenants.
(e) Standards. A Comprehensive Sign Plan must comply with the following standards:
(1) The Planning Commission may allow signage which otherwise exceeds the number, type, size and placement as otherwise permitted in this Chapter when it determines that such additional signage is warranted due to the size, use, number of tenants or other features of the site as they may exist;
(2) The signs must enhance the overall development, be in harmony with, and relate visually to other signs included in the comprehensive sign plan, to the structures and/or developments they identify, and to surrounding development;
(3) The Comprehensive Sign Plan should accommodate future revisions that may be required because of changes in use or tenants; and
(f) Revisions to Comprehensive Sign Programs. The Zoning Inspector may approve the substitution of sign panels provided the panels are the same size as those being replaced and meet all of the requirements of Chapter 1109:. If additional signage is proposed or if any aspect of the original Comprehensive Sign Plan is modified with the exception of sign panels, approval from the Planning Commission is required.
(g) New Ownership. An approved plan stays with the property even after a change in ownership. The seller of a property with an approved comprehensive sign plan must provide a written statement certifying they have provided the buyer with a copy of the approved plan.
(h) Non-Compliance with Approved Plan. In the event that a property owner and/or any of the tenants at the property fail to comply with the provisions of the Comprehensive Sign Plan, the City may pursue any or all of the following remedies:
(1) The Community Development Department may request the Planning Commission revoke the Comprehensive Sign Plan. Any signs erected pursuant to a revoked Comprehensive Sign Plan are not entitled to seek legal nonconforming status.
(2) Order the removal of the offending sign(s). If the sign(s) is not removed as ordered within thirty (30) days of the Order, the sign(s) may be removed by the City of Kent at the expense of the property owner or land user. If the City of Kent is not reimbursed within thirty days of mailing a request for reimbursement from the property owner or land user, the amount of reimbursement may be certified to the County Auditor for collection as a special assessment against the property upon which the offending sign(s) was located.
(3) Cite the property owner and/or any of the tenants at the property utilizing the offending sign(s) as a civil offense in accordance with Section 501.13
of the KCO.
(Ord. 2021-057. Passed 6-16-21.)