(A) Title. This section shall be known as the “Tillamook Sign Ordinance” and shall be cited herein as “Sign Standards and Requirements - the City Sign Codes”.
(B) Purpose. The purposes of this section are as follows:
(1) To provide objective standards governing the placement and size of signs, and the responsibilities of those persons erecting said signs, within the city’s urban growth boundary (UGB);
(2) Allows signs compatible with the character and uses allowed in the zoning district in which they are located;
(3) To improve the neat, clean, orderly and attractive appearance of the community; and
(4) To improve the effectiveness and maintenance of signs; and to regulate the construction, erection, maintenance, electrification, illumination, type, size, number and locations of signs.
(C) Signs in the right-of-way (ROW).
(1) Signs located in the public ROW shall be handled under a ROW permit application, and shall follow separate requirements for placement in the ROW identified in Resolution 1706.
(2) Signs attached to walls but extending over the ROW with proper clearance shall comply with this section.
(D) Signs allowed in zone districts. The city is divided into specific zones, as shown the official city zoning map, and any sign erected or constructed in these zones shall be controlled by the rules of each zone. No signs shall be erected and no changes of any nature shall be made to existing signs within these zones except in conformity with the procedures set forth in this section.
Zones/Sign Types | R-7.5 R-5.0 | R-O | N-C | H-C C-C | T-C | L-I | G-I | P & S-P | O |
Zones/Sign Types | R-7.5 R-5.0 | R-O | N-C | H-C C-C | T-C | L-I | G-I | P & S-P | O |
Free-standing/Ground Mounted | - | 1 sign 24 sq. ft. size 5 ft. height | 1 sign per street frontage 40 sq. ft. 10 ft. height | 1 sign per street frontage 40 sq. ft. size 20 ft. height | - | 1 sign per street frontage 40 sq. ft. size 20 ft. height | 1 sign per street frontage 40 sq. ft. size 20 ft. height | 1 sign per street frontage 40 sq. ft. size 20 ft. height | 2 signs per lot 18 sq. ft. size 20 ft. height |
On-Building | - | 1 sign per use 24 sq. ft. | 3 signs per street frontage 40 sq. ft. size per sign | 3 signs per street frontage 120 sq. ft. per sign | 3 signs per street frontage | 3 signs per street frontage 40 sq. ft. size per sign | 3 signs per street frontage 40 sq. ft. size per sign | 3 signs per street frontage 40 sq. ft. size per sign | 2 signs per street frontage 18 sq. ft. size per sign |
Directional | - | 5 signs per lot 3 sq. ft. 3 feet height | 5 signs per lot 3 sq. ft. 3 ft. height | 5 signs per lot 3 sq. ft. 3 ft. height | - | 5 signs per lot 3 sq. ft. 3 ft. height | 5 signs per lot 3 sq. ft. 3 ft. height | 5 signs per lot 3 sq. ft. 3 ft. height | 5 signs per lot 3 sq. ft. 3 ft. height |
Identification | - | 5 signs per lot 12 sq. ft. 6 ft. height | 5 signs per lot 12 sq. ft. 6 ft. height | 5 signs per lot 12 sq. ft. 6 ft. height | - | 5 signs per lot 12 sq. ft. 6 ft. height | 5 signs per lot 12 sq. ft. 6 ft. height | 5 signs per lot 12 sq. ft. 6 ft. height | 5 signs per lot 12 sq. ft. 6 ft. height |
Temporary/ Portable | - | 1 sign per business 32 sq. ft. 6 ft. height | 1 sign per business 32 sq. ft. 6 ft. height | 1 sign per business 32 sq. ft. 6 ft. height | Exempt | 1 sign per business 32 sq. ft. 6 ft. height | 1 sign per business 32 sq. ft. 6 ft. height | 1 sign per business 32 sq. ft. 6 ft. height | 1 sign per business 32 sq. ft. 6 ft. height |
Name Plates | 1 sign 2 square feet max size | 1 sign 2 sq. ft. max size | - | - | Exempt | - | - | Exempt | - |
Illuminated | - | Internally = commercial and public facilities Externally = all | Allowed | Allowed | Lit or externally illuminated | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
Note: On-building signs include: wall signs, roof signs, projecting signs, canopy signs, suspended signs | |||||||||
(E) Types of signs.
(1) A-frame or sandwich board sign. A temporary, double-faced in the shape of the letter “A” and is not attached to a structure or the ground, collapsible, movable steeply angled sign, hinged at the top and open at the bottom for self-support; also known as a “tent sign”, sign with two sides that meets at the top.
Illustration of an A-Frame Sign
(2) Ancillary sign. Any sign allowed by this code, with or without permit, that is not a freestanding, incidental freestanding, wall, roof or projecting sign. If allowed within the zoning designation, ancillary signs include, but are not limited to: A-frame signs, flags (excluding attention flags) and banners.
(3) Blade sign also known as “feather”, “teardrop”, or “attention flag”. A pole-supported sign made of fabric, vinyl or other similar non-rigid material, where one side of the sign is more than three times as long as any other side projecting or suspended from a building.
Illustration of a Blade Sign
(4) Banner. A sign made of fabric, vinyl or other similar non-rigid material.
Illustration of a Banner
(5) Banner on street light pole. A sign made of fabric, vinyl or other similar non-rigid material intended to be displayed in the right-of-way for a limited period of time which complies with Chapter 15.28 of the Oregon City Municipal Code and the signs in the right-of-way policy.
Illustration of a Banner on Street Light Pole
(6) Billboard. A sign with a display area of 300 square feet or more, including, but not limited to, outdoor advertising signs, as defined in O.R.S. 377.710(21), advertises a business, commodity or activity, which is sold, offered or conducted on premises other than those where such a sign is located.
Illustration of a Billboard
(7) Bulletin board, changeable copy sign or reader board. A sign of a permanent nature, but which accommodates changes in wording, indicating persons, events, products or services offered on the premises of the sign location.
Illustration of a Bulletin Board/Reader Board Sign
(8) Blinking sign. A sign which shines with intermittent or momentary brief beams or flashes of light, flashing on and off.
(9) Building register sign. A sign which identifies four or more businesses contained within a single building, structure or complex.
(10) Awning sign/canopy sign. A sign that is a part of or attached to an awning, canopy or other fabric, plastic or structural protective cover (excluding a marquee) over a door, entrance, window or outdoor service area.
Illustration of Awning and Canopy Sign
(11) Electronic readerboard. A sign on which display can be altered electronically by using patterns of lights. This sign may be changed at intervals of no less than one and one-half seconds and may contain only one screen of text or graphic display. The illumination shall be by steady continuous light.
(12) Flashing sign. A sign incorporating intermittent electrical impulses to a source of illumination, or revolving in a manner which creates the illusion of flashing, or which changes color or intensity of illumination with sequential light source giving off light suddenly or in transient bursts where the period of time of illumination is equal to the period of non-illumination, and is used solely to attract attention in a non-informative way. This includes, but is not limited to, all lights on or within a building or premises or vehicle on or off the premises for the purpose of attracting attention for commercial purposes. This definition does not include time, tide and temperature signs or electronic reader-board signs.
(13) Fluttering sign. A sign which moves or vibrates in quick, irregular motions, with irregular spasms or trembling motions.
(14) Freestanding sign/ground sign/pole sign. A sign erected on a free-standing frame, mast or pole, wholly supported from the ground by its own integral structure not attached to any building.
Illustrations of a Freestanding Sign
(15) Incidental sign. A sign intended primarily for the convenience and direction of the public on the premises which does not advertise but is information only. Includes signs which denote the hours of operation, credit cards, service station gasoline price sign, entrance and exit and any signs required by law.
(16) Incidental freestanding sign. A sign wholly supported from the ground by its own integral structure, excluding A-frame signs. The maximum size allowed is less than that of a freestanding sign and greater than an ancillary sign.
(17) Lit sign. A sign that is a neon and/or bulbed sign.
Illustration of a Lit Sign
(18) Marquee sign. A sign which is painted on, attached to or supported by a projecting marquee. Marquee signs must be located within one inch of the top and bottom of the marquee with no more than three businesses indicated per marquee.
Illustration of a Marquee Sign
(19) Neighborhood identification. A sign located on a wall or fence at the entry point of a single-family subdivision comprising not less than two acres, or a sign identifying a multiple-family development of ten or more dwelling units.
(20) Non-conforming sign. An existing sign, lawful at the time of enactment of this chapter, which does not conform to the requirements of this code.
(21) Political sign. Any temporary sign which supports the candidacy of any candidate for public office or urges action on any other matter on the ballot of primary, general or special elections.
Illustration of a Political Sign
(22) Portable sign. Used to temporarily identify a new business until permanent identification signs are installed, or to identify an existing business while permanent identification signs are being repaired or replaced, or to temporarily identify a sale or business location during the hours of operation, or service station signs displaying the current prices for fuel sold on the same premises.
(23) Projecting sign. A sign projecting more than one foot from the wall of a building. Signs, other than wall signs, which are attached to and project from a structure or building face, usually perpendicular to the building face, including blade signs and marquee signs.
Illustration of a Projecting Sign
(24) Real estate sign. A sign indicating that the premises on which the sign is located, or any portion thereof, is for sale, lease or rent.
Illustration of a Real Estate Sign
(25) Roof sign. A sign constructed or maintained wholly upon or over the roof of any building with the principal support on the roof structure. Any sign, other than painted signs, erected upon, against or directly above a roof or top of or above the parapet of a building.
Illustration of a Roof Sign
(26) Rotating sign. A sign which turns/revolves around as on an axis or center point.
(27) Suspended sign. A sign that is hanging or suspended from an awning, a canopy or a marquee, not supported from the ground.
Illustration of a Suspended Sign
(28) Temporary sign.
(a) A sign which is not permanently affixed to the ground or to a permitted structure. These include all devices such as banners, pennants, flags (not including flags of nations), searchlights, sandwich boards, sidewalk signs, curb signs, balloons or other symbols designed to attract attention.
(b) Temporary signs include: signs advertising the sale, rental or lease of commercial or industrial premises or identifying a property developer, lease agent or builder; or advertising a legally recorded subdivision.
(29) Time and temperature sign. A message display providing only time, date and/or temperature information to the public. This information can be updated at intervals of no less than one second.
Illustration of a Time and Temperature Sign
(30) Wall graphics. Any mosaic, mural or painting, or graphic art technique, or combination or grouping of mosaics, murals or paintings or graphic art techniques applied, implanted or placed directly onto a wall or fence and containing no copy, advertising symbols, lettering, trademarks or other references to any product, service, goods or advertising anything sold on or off the premises.
Illustration of Wall Graphics
(31) Wall sign. A sign attached to, or erected against, or painted upon the wall of a building with the face in a parallel plane of the building wall and extends no more than 12 inches from a wall.
Illustrations of a Wall Sign
(32) Wind sign or device. Any sign or device in the nature of a series of one, two or more banners, flags or other objects, fastened in such a manner as to move upon being subject to pressure by wind or breeze.
(33) Window sign. A sign attached to, suspended behind, displayed behind, placed or painted upon the window or glass door of a building, which is intended for viewing from the exterior of the building. Windows signs include: posters and other signs which advertise or inform the public of current prices or events may be displayed on the inside of a window or door of a business located in a commercial or industrial district.
Illustration of a Window Sign
(F) Zone districts.
(1) Highway Commercial (H-C), Central Commercial (C-C), Light Industrial (L-I) and General Industrial (G-I).
(a) Free-standing and ground-mounted signs shall be allowed subject to the following conditions:
1. Shall not exceed 40 square feet in size;
2. Shall not exceed a height of 20 feet;
3. Only one such sign shall be allowed per street frontage; and
4. Sign clearance and setback: see division (G) below.
(b) On-building wall signs, roof signs, projecting signs, canopy signs shall be allowed subject to the following conditions:
1. Shall not exceed 120 square feet in sign per building side;
2. A maximum of three such signs shall be allowed per building side; and
3. On-building signs shall be incorporated into the design of the building, and shall not be placed in locations which interrupt, detract from or change the architectural character of the building.
(c) Such signs may be illuminated.
(2) Town Center Commercial (T-C). Signs in the Town Center shall meet requirements described in § 152.030.
(3) Neighborhood Commercial (N-C).
(a) Free-standing and ground-mounted signs shall be allowed subject to the following conditions:
1. Shall not exceed 40 square feet in size;
2. Shall not exceed a height of ten feet;
3. Only one such sign shall be allowed per street frontage; and
4. Sign clearance and setback: see division (G) below.
(b) On-building wall signs, roof signs, projecting signs, canopy signs identifying the use of the premises shall be allowed subject to the following conditions:
1. Shall not exceed 40 square feet in size per sign;
2. Three such signs shall be allowed per street frontage; and
3. On-building signs shall be incorporated into the design of the building, and shall not be placed in locations which interrupt, detract from or change the architectural character of the building.
(c) Illumination: such signs may be illuminated.
(4) Multiple Use Residential (R-O).
(a) Signs identifying multiple use development, multi-family development or subdivisions:
1. Free-standing and ground-mounted signs:
a. Shall not exceed 24 square feet, as viewed from a single direction;
b. Shall not exceed a height of five feet above the natural ground elevation; and
c. No more than one free-standing or ground-mounted identification sign shall be allowed for a development or complex, even when more than one tax lot or ownership is included in the development. However, in mixed-use developments, a separate freestanding sign may be allowed to identify the multiple uses and multi-family portion of the development.
2. On-building signs:
a. Shall be reviewed as part of the architecture of the building; and
b. Shall not exceed 24 square feet in size.
3. Directional signs within the development shall not exceed three square feet except as provided in the district.
4. Illumination: signs may only be externally illuminated by indirect lighting.
(b) Signs identifying commercial businesses and public facilities:
1. Free-standing and ground-mounted signs:
a. Shall not exceed 24 square feet, as viewed from a single direction;
b. Shall not exceed a height of five feet above the natural ground elevation;
c. No more than one free-standing or ground-mounted identification sign shall be allowed per development or complex, even when more than one tax lot or ownership is included in the development. However, in mixed-use developments, a separate freestanding sign may be allowed to identify the multiple uses and multi-family portion of the development; and
d. Sign clearance and setback: see division (G) below.
2. On-building wall signs, projecting signs, canopy signs:
a. Shall not exceed 24 square feet in size; and
b. No more than one on-building identification sign shall be allowed per use of the development.
3. Directional, on-site traffic control and identification signs:
a. Shall not exceed three square feet in size; and
b. Shall not exceed a height of five feet.
4. Illumination:
a. Signs located adjacent to an arterial roadway may be internally illuminated outright;
b. Signs located adjacent to a local or collector roadway may be internally illuminated subject to a conditional use permit as per the provisions of § 152.071; and
c. Signs may be externally illuminated if at any other location.
(5) Residential (R-7.5 and R-5.0).
(a) Signs permitted outright. Residential name plates:
1. Shall not exceed two square feet;
2. Shall be limited only to the title, name and address of the occupant of the premises upon which the sign is located;
3. Only one such sign shall be permitted upon the premises; and
4. May be externally illuminated lighting only.
(b) Signs permitted with a sign permit. Signs pertaining to home occupations, as provided under § 152.051(M):
1. If located inside or flush against the dwelling, the sign shall not exceed three square feet in size. If not affixed to or inside the dwelling, the sign shall not exceed two square feet in size;
2. Only one such sign shall be permitted upon the premises;
3. May be located within the required setback area of the district provided it is situated in a manner so as not to adversely affect safety, corner vision or other similar conditions; and
4. May be externally illuminated lighting only.
(6) Public and Semi-Public:
(a) Free-standing and ground-mounted signs shall be allowed subject to the following conditions:
1. Shall not exceed 40 square feet in size.
2. Shall not exceed a height of 20 feet.
3. Only one such sign shall be allowed per street frontage.
4. Sign clearance and setback: see division (I)(7) below.
(b) On-building wall signs, roof signs, projecting signs, canopy signs shall be allowed subject to the following conditions:
1. Shall not exceed 120 square feet in sign per building side.
2. A maximum of three such signs shall be allowed per building side.
3. Design: on-building signs shall be incorporated into the design of the building, and shall not be placed in locations which interrupt, detract from, or change the architectural character of the building.
(c) Additional signage, or signage above the permitted size, may be allowed subject to a conditional use permit as per provisions of § 153.070.
(d) Illumination: such signs may be illuminated.
(7) Open Space (O):
(a) Free-standing and ground-mounted signs for public and semipublic facilities, schools, churches, hospitals, and similar uses shall be allowed subject to the following conditions:
1. Shall not exceed 18 square feet in size.
2. Shall only pertain to the use on the premises.
3. Only two such sign shall be permitted upon the premises.
4. Sign clearance and setback: see division (I)(7) below.
(b) On-building wall, roof signs, projecting, canopy signs shall be allowed subject to the following conditions:
1. Shall not exceed 18 square feet in size.
2. Shall only pertain to the use of the building.
3. Only two such sign per street frontage shall be permitted upon each building.
4. Design: on-building signs shall be incorporated into the design of the building, and shall not be placed in locations which interrupt, detract from, or change the architectural character of the building.
(c) Illumination: such signs may be illuminated.
(G) Sign permit requirements.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter or relocate any sign or other advertising structure, as defined in this chapter, within the city, without first obtaining a permit from the City Planning Department. The Planning Department may require the filing of sufficient data to determine compliance with these requirements and zoning requirements.
(2) It shall be the duty of the Planning Department to examine such plans and specifications and other data needed to erect the sign or other advertising structure and, if it appears that the proposal is in compliance with all the requirements of this section and all other laws and ordinances of the city, the City Planner shall issue the sign permit.
(3) No person shall place on, or apply to, the surface of any building, any painted sign, or erect, construct, place or install any other sign, unless a sign permit has been issued by the city for such sign.
(4) Application for a sign permit shall be signed by the property owner and the permittee in accordance with these provisions.
(5) No person having a permit to erect a sign shall construct or erect in any manner, except in the manner set forth in his approved application permit.
(6) The application for a sign permit (both existing signs and proposed) shall be accompanied by a filing fee in an amount established by resolution of the City Council.
(H) Sign permit application.
(1) A sign permit application is required for the erection of any new sign or the structural alteration of an existing sign, except those signs that are exempt. A sign permit application is required for modification or alteration of the sign face, or any portion of the sign or supporting structure.
(2) The applicant shall submit three copies of the following with a sign permit application:
(a) An accurate in-scale rendering of the sign fully indicating its colors, lettering, symbols, logos, materials, size, area and the like;
(b) An elevation and plot plan drawn to scale indicating where the proposed sign will be located on a structure or lot, method of illumination, if any, and similar information;
(c) One completed copy of the city sign permit application; and
(d) No notification is required upon application for a sign.
(I) General requirements, provisions and standards applicable to signs.
(1) Sign illumination/glare. The artificial illumination of signs, either from an internal or external source, shall be designed to eliminate negative impacts to prevent the casting of glare or direct light from artificial illumination on surrounding right-of-way and surrounding properties, and shall be placed, directed and shielded to limit direct illumination so as not to shine into residential dwelling units or structures, or impair the vision of the driver of any vehicle. Lights and illuminated signs requiring an outside power source shall use a state approved power outlet. Illuminated signs shall conform to current electrical codes and shall be designed by a state licensed signs contractor and erected by a state licensed electrician.
(2) Conflicting standards. Signs shall be allowed subject to the provisions of this section, except when the provisions conflict with the specific standards for signs in the subject zoning or overlay district.
(3) Signs subject to state approval. All signs visible to the traveling public from state highways are additionally subject to the regulations and permit requirements of the State Department of Transportation. Where the regulations of the state and city differ, the more restrictive regulations shall govern.
(4) Uniform Sign Code. All signs shall comply with and meet the material and construction methods requirements of the provisions of the current Uniform Sign Code of the Uniform Building Codes, except as otherwise provided in this section.
(5) Pre-existing signs. Signs and sign structures existing prior to the adoption of this chapter, which complied with the applicable regulations existing when the sign was established, but which do not comply with one or more of the requirements of this section, shall be subject to the provisions for non-conforming uses in § 152.073 except:
(a) Alterations to a non-conforming sign which reduces, or does not increase its non-compliance with the provisions of this chapter, including changes in display surface, sign area, height and setback, may be allowed; and
(b) Sign copy which identifies or advertises a business, product or service no longer located on the same site or premises on which the sign is posted shall be replaced, or removed, within 12 months of the change of occupancy of the premises or vacancy of the premises. Failure to use the copy area of a non-conforming sign for purposes permitted under this section for a period of more than 12 consecutive months shall constitute a discontinuation of use as provided under § 152.073 and such sign shall be removed or modified to satisfy all applicable requirements of this section and the underlying district.
(6) Abandoned, obsolete and damaged signs to be removed or repaired. Any sign now or hereafter existing, which no longer advertises a bonafide business conducted or a product sold, a current event or is otherwise abandoned or obsolete, shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building or structure upon which such sign may be found within 30 days after closure of said business.
(7) Sign clearance and setbacks for free-standing or ground-mounted signs.
(a) No signs shall be erected or maintained if any part of such sign extends less than 15 feet above driveways.
(b) Signs less than 28 square feet in size must observe at least one-half of the yard setback requirements of the zone district in which it is located.
(c) Signs greater than 28 square feet in size must observe the setback requirements of the zone district in which it is located.
(d) All signs shall be situated in a manner so as not to adversely affect safety, corner vision or other similar conditions.
(8) Sign measurements. The following diagrams shall be used to determine sign measurements:
(9) Height measurements. The following diagrams shall be used to determine sign height measurements:
(J) Wind pressure, seismic and dead load requirements. All signs shall be designed and constructed to withstand pressure loads, seismic loads and dead loads as required by the current State Uniform Building Code.
(K) Freestanding sign requirements.
(1) All letters, figures, characters or representations in uncut or irregular form, maintained in conjunction with, attached to or superimposed upon any sign shall be safely and securely built or attached to the sign structure and shall comply with all requirements in this section.
(2) No freestanding sign shall project or extend into any vision clearance area prescribed by any provision of this chapter. One or two sign poles supporting a freestanding sign may be located within the vision clearance area if they do not exceed a combined total width of 12 inches and if no other portion of the sign proper is located within the vision clearance area between three and seven feet above grade.
(3) All posts, anchors and bracing or wood shall be treated to protect them from moisture by creosoting or together approved methods when they rest upon or enter the ground.
(L) On-building wall sign, roof sign, projecting sign, canopy sign requirements. On-building wall sign, roof sign, projecting sign and canopy sign requirements include the following:
(1) Shall not cover, wholly or partially, any wall opening nor project beyond the ends or top of the wall to which it is attached; and
(2) Shall not be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape.
(M) Construction standards for temporary signs.
(1) Standards. All temporary signs shall be constructed to the following standards: all exposed parts of the sign shall be constructed of such materials, or treated in such a manner, that normal rainfall or other moisture shall not harm, deface or otherwise affect the sign.
(2) Anchoring. All signs approved under this section shall be physically established in a manner, which both prevents the sign from being moved or blown from its approved location, and allows for removal of the sign.
(N) Maintenance. All signs, together with all of their supports, braces, guys, and anchors, shall be kept in good repair and be maintained in a safe condition. All signs and the site upon which they are located shall be maintained in a neat, clean and attractive condition. Signs shall be kept free from rust, corrosion, peeling paint or other surface deterioration. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted. All freestanding signs and the premises surrounding the same shall be maintained by the owner thereof in a clean, sanitary and inoffensive condition, and free and clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish and weeds.
(O) Voiding permits. If the work authorized under a sign permit has not been completed within six months after the date of issuance, the permit shall become null and void.
(P) Exempt signs and temporary signs. The following signs and devices shall be exempt from the approval of a sign permit:
(1) Bunting or flags of national, state or local government, provided they are displayed or draped so as to not obstruct or hinder traffic or pedestrian access, or cause a safety hazard;
(2) Signs placed by local, state or federal governments for the purpose of construction, maintenance or identification of roads or other public agencies for the direction of traffic, and designed to fulfill the requirements of state and federal funding agencies;
(3) Signs within a building or within a window; and
(4) A portable sign may be used to temporarily identify a new business until permanent identification signs are installed, or to identify an existing business while permanent identification signs are being repaired or replaced, or to temporarily identify a sale or business location during the hours of operation under the following conditions and limitations.
(a) Need. No portable sign shall be allowed under this provision when any other permanent or portable sign visible from adjacent roads accurately identifies the premises.
(b) Number. Only one portable identification sign shall be displayed for a development or complex.
(c) Time period. The use of a portable identification sign shall be valid for 90 consecutive days, or until a permanent identification sign is installed, whichever occurs first.
(d) Design review. The application for permanent identification signing for the business shall be submitted for review and shall be subject to the approval of a sign permit, prior to, or concurrent with, the establishment of a temporary display or portable sign under this section.
(e) Size limits. Portable signs shall not exceed a sign area of 32 square feet, or a height of six feet above the natural ground elevation.
(f) Portable service station signs. A service station may maintain one portable sign displaying the current prices for fuel sold on the same premises provided such sign does not exceed an area of 12 square feet, or a height of five feet. Such signs shall be subject to clear vision area requirements and one-half the setback requirements of the district.
(5) Temporary signs advertising the sale, rental or lease of commercial or industrial premises, or identifying a property developer, lease agent or builder, or advertising a legally recorded subdivision in its entirety, or residential property in excess of one acre, may be allowed, subject to the following limitations:
(a) Shall not exceed 40 square feet in area;
(b) Shall pertain only to property upon which they are located, unless they are temporary off-premises directional signs indicating a sale on another piece of property;
(c) Shall observe the setback provisions under division (I)(7) above;
(d) Only one such sign shall be permitted on the premises;
(e) Shall not be artificially illuminated;
(f) Such signs shall be removed from the premises after the premises are sold, rented or leased. Signs pertaining to recorded subdivisions shall not remain upon the premises in excess of 18 months from the date of filing of the subdivision; and
(g) These signs are not included in the required sign face area.
(6) Real estate signs advertising individual lots:
(a) Shall not exceed six square feet;
(b) Shall pertain only to the property upon which they are located, unless they are temporary off-premises directional signs indicating a sale on another piece of property;
(c) Shall be located at least five feet behind the front lot line;
(d) Shall not exceed five feet in height;
(e) Shall be temporary in nature and shall be removed within two weeks after the date of sale; and
(f) Shall not be artificially illuminated.
(7) Signs which support or oppose ballot measures, persons running for political office and other issues subject to a vote by the public may be allowed subject to the following:
(a) Approval. Approval by the owner of the property on which the sign is to be posted;
(b) Setbacks. Such signs may be located within the required setback area of the district, provided they are situated in a manner so as not to adversely affect safety, corner vision or other similar conditions;
(c) Size. Signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in size, as viewed from one direction; and
(d) Time limit. All such signs shall be removed within one week after the election for which the sign is posted.
(8) Temporary paper signs that serve as notice of a public meeting when removed promptly after such meeting is held;
(9) A combination of banners (both vertical and horizontal), streamers, strings of lights, flags, beacon lights, sandwich board signs and/or other similar apparatus may be displayed for the purpose of advertising a grand opening, sale or similar event on the same property under the following conditions and limitations.
(a) Time period and duration. The temporary display shall not exceed a total time period of four weeks in any calendar year and must coincide with an actual event. Such signs must be removed ten days after the event concludes.
(b) Hazards. No sign, light, electrical cord, streamer, banner or other apparatus shall be situated or used in a manner which creates a hazard.
(c) Size limits. Temporary signs shall not exceed a sign area of 32 square feet, which shall include sign face and any lighting strips, and, if freestanding, a height of six feet above the natural ground elevation.
(10) The signing program for a multi-family, commercial or industrial development shall include the display of the street number(s) for the development on the sign, support structure or building where it can be seen from adjacent roads; and
(11) Electronic reader boards, banners (both vertical and horizontal), streamers, strings of lights, flags, beacon lights, sandwich board signs and/or other similar apparatus may be displayed for the purpose of promoting an event open to the general public, held at an offsite property, under the following conditions and limitations.
(a) Time period and duration. The temporary display shall not exceed a total time period of six weeks in any calendar year and must coincide with an actual event. Such signs, including displays, must be removed within ten days after the event concludes.
(b) Hazards. No sign, light, electrical cord, streamer, banner or other apparatus shall be situated or used in a manner which creates a hazard.
(c) Size limits. Temporary signs shall not exceed a sign area of 48 square feet per sign, which shall include sign face and any lighting strips, and, if freestanding, a height of six feet above the natural ground elevation.
(Q) Temporary off-premises directional signs temporarily directing traffic to an event. Temporary off-premises directional signs temporarily directing traffic to an event shall be subject to the following requirements:
(1) Shall not exceed 60 square feet;
(2) Shall be located at least five feet behind the front lot line;
(3) Shall not exceed five feet in height;
(4) Shall be temporary in nature and shall be removed immediately at the end of the day on which the event is conducted;
(5) Shall not be artificially illuminated;
(6) All temporary off-premises signs which are visible from a state highway are subject to approval by the State Highway Division pursuant to the Motorist Information Act, being O.R.S. 377.700 et seq.; and
(7) Temporary off-premises directional signs are subject to the approval of a sign permit.
(R) Directional, on-site traffic control and identification signs.
(1) Directional on-site traffic control signs. Directional on-site traffic control signs shall be those permanent signs which are oriented toward internal circulation roads, driveways and walkways, or which direct the flow of traffic to and from the site from adjacent roads or walkways, and within the site area, and shall observe the clear vision requirements of the district and shall:
(a) Not exceed a maximum of three square feet in area;
(b) Observe the clear vision requirements of the district and not exceed a maximum of three feet in height; and
(c) Placement and design of any such sign shall be the responsibility of the city. Costs for the sign and placement shall be assessed to the applicant. No more than five signs shall be allowed at any one location. Each property owner shall be responsible for maintaining any sign approved under its application. Costs for replacement of any sign for any cause shall be assessed to the applicant.
(2) Identification signs. An on-site permanent ground-mounted tenant identification sign for an individual building and/or informational sign providing on-site information to the users of the subject property within a development may be allowed as an alternative to an on-building identification sign provided such sign shall:
(a) Be located on the most visible side of the building being identified;
(b) Not exceed 12 square feet in area;
(c) Not exceed six feet in height;
(d) Use materials and colors, which are the same, or substantially the same, as those used on the building identified by the sign;
(e) Public facility identification signs shall be placed internally to avoid conflicting with other signs on the premises; and
(f) Placement and design of any such sign shall be the responsibility of the city. No more than five signs shall be allowed at any one location. Each public facility shall be responsible for maintaining any sign approved under its application. Costs for replacement of any sign for any cause shall be assessed to the applicant.
(3) Illumination. Such signs may be illuminated.
(4) Approval. All on-site traffic control and identification signs shall be subject to the approval of a sign permit.
(S) Permanent off-premises signs. Any sign not located on the site of the use or activity for which it is advertising shall be considered off-premises and, if not determined to be a billboard by ODOT after examination of the location and upon due proof that such sign, signboard or other advertising will not be unduly detrimental to the adjacent and surrounding property, but the same front and side yard provisions as required for buildings, may be required and shall be subject to the approval of a sign permit.
(1) Along state highways. All off-premises signs which are visible from a state highway are subject to approval by the State Highway Division, pursuant to the Motorist Information Act, being O.R.S. 377.700 et seq.
(2) Permanent off-premises signs. All permanent off-premises signs shall be subject to the approval of a sign permit and the following:
(a) Shall not exceed a size of 40 square feet;
(b) Shall not exceed a height of ten feet;
(c) Shall not be internally illuminated;
(d) Shall only be allowed to be placed in the Multiple Use Residential (R-O), Neighborhood Commercial (N-C), Central Commercial (C-C), Highway Commercial (H-C), Light Industrial (L-I), General Industrial (G-I) or Public and Semi-Public (P & S-P) Zone Districts;
(e) Only one sign shall be allowed per property off-premises site in addition to on-premises signage; and
(f) Signs placed by a government (city, county, state) signage program shall be exempt.
(T) Other signs. All other signs, signboards and other forms of outdoor advertising may be allowed including the following alternatives.
(1) Changeable copy signs. Changeable copy signs may be incorporated into a permanent identification sign for a business or development. The following conditions shall apply.
(a) Only one such sign shall be used in development.
(b) The changeable copy sign shall be included in the maximum sign area allowed under this section.
(c) A changeable copy sign shall not be used on a sign, which includes a time and/or temperature display.
(2) Directory sign. An on-site sign oriented primarily toward vehicle circulation which identifies and directs traffic to a number tenants, uses or buildings within the development, shall be limited in area to a maximum of two square feet per tenant, use or building specifically identified, up to a maximum of 40 square feet. Directories oriented toward pedestrian circulation areas, including those attached to buildings, shall be a maximum of 24 square feet in area and eight feet in height.
(U) Prohibited signs.
(1) Illumination of any sign or portion thereof, in the shape of an arrow, or any other shape which may be construed as a traffic control device is prohibited.
(2) No sign shall be situated in a matter which results in the blanketing/covering/blocking from view of an existing sign.
(3) No sign or other illuminating devices shall have blinking, flashing or fluttering lights/displays, with the exception of a time and temperature sign. This includes, but is not limited to, all lights on or within a building or premises or vehicles on or off the premises for the purpose of attracting attention for commercial purpose. This section shall not apply to holiday lights (e.g., Christmas lights). No sign or window display shall be so placed or illuminated as to be hazardous to pedestrians or traffic or in any or any manner tending to create a nuisance to the occupants of any other building or premises.
(4) No colored lights shall be used at any location or in any manner, which may be confused with or construed to be traffic signals or lights on emergency vehicles.
(5) No sign structure, or portion thereof, shall be designed to rotate, flutter or appear to move, with the exception of barber shop poles.
(6) Paper or plastic signs or banners are not allowed on the exterior of any building, except as provided in division (P) above.
(7) No sign shall be attached to a utility pole nor placed within any public right-of-way, unless approved by the City Council through franchise agreement.
(8) No sign, light, electrical cord, streamer, banner or other apparatus shall be situated or used in a manner which creates a hazard.
(9) New billboards, as defined by the state (O.R.S. 377.700 to 377.840) as an outdoor advertising sign, not at the location of a business or an activity open to the public the owner of which leases out the space to others in the exchange of compensation for posting their message, visible from the right-of-way, shall not be allowed in any zoning district within the city and its UGB. Billboards or off-premises advertising signs are prohibited, except as allowed in divisions (P), (Q) and (T) above.
(10) Any unofficial sign which purports to be, is in imitation of or resembles an official traffic light/sign or a portion thereof, or which hides from view any official traffic sign or signal, is prohibited.
(11) Signs shall not be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape.
(Ord. 1285, passed 3-3-2014; Ord. 1320, passed 3-20-2017; Ord. 1335, passed 7-2-2018; Ord. 1349, passed 8-19-2019; Ord. 110722, passed 11-21-2022) Penalty, see §
152.999