22B.10.040 Office, research and development, and multifamily residential land use districts signs – PO, O, BR-ORT, EH-D, R-10, R-15, R-20, and R-30.
A. General. The following provisions govern signs in the PO, O, BR-ORT, EH-D, R-10, R-15, R-20, and R-30 land use districts:
B. Dimensional Limitations. Signs shall conform with the setback, area, and height limitations set forth below:
1. Setback Limitations – Freestanding Signs. The size of any freestanding sign shall not exceed the following limits, based on the sign setback of the sign:
|
Setback |
Maximum Area |
|---|---|
|
Between property line and building line |
25 sq. ft. |
|
On building line, or behind it |
35 sq. ft. |
2. Sign Height – Freestanding Signs. The height of any freestanding sign shall not exceed the following limits, based on the setback of the sign:
|
Setback |
Maximum Height |
|---|---|
|
Between property line and building line |
5 ft. |
|
On building line, or behind it |
10 ft. |
3. Sign Area Limitations – Building-Mounted, Roof and Canopy-Mounted Signs. The surface area of any building-mounted, roof or canopy-mounted sign shall not exceed the figures derived from the following schedule:
|
Relevant Surface Area or Facade Area as Determined Pursuant to BCC 22B.10.020 |
Maximum Sign Surface Area for That Facade |
|---|---|
|
Below 100 sq. ft. |
21 sq. ft. |
|
100 – 199 sq. ft. |
21 sq. ft. + 9% of facade area over 100 sq. ft. |
|
200 – 499 sq. ft. |
30 sq. ft. + 10% of facade area over 200 sq. ft. |
|
500 – 999 sq. ft. |
60 sq. ft. + 9% of facade area over 500 sq. ft. |
|
Over 1,000 sq. ft. |
105 sq. ft. – maximum square footage |
In multiple occupancy buildings the facade area for each enterprise is derived by measuring only the surface area of the exterior facade of the premises actually used by the enterprise, except as provided in this section. The sign displayed by that enterprise (including unused sign surface area used by another enterprise) must be located on the facade used to determine the size of the sign.
Unused sign surface area for a facade may be used by any enterprise within the same multiple occupancy office building if:
a. The applicant files with the city a written statement signed by the enterprise that earned the sign area under this code permitting the applicant to utilize the unused sign surface area.
b. The display of a sign on that facade by the applicant will not create a significant adverse impact on other sign users of that facade.
c. The display of the applicant’s sign is necessary to reasonably identify the enterprise, and the provisions of this code do not provide the enterprise with adequate sign display options.
In no case may the maximum sign surface area or number of primary signs permitted on a building facade be exceeded.
4. Sign Height – Building-Mounted Signs. No building-mounted sign, regardless of type, shall exceed the height of 20 feet above grade, or the height of the building to which it is attached, whichever is less. However, the height may be modified subject to design review approval.
5. Limitation. Freestanding or building-mounted signs shall only identify the building, the name of the firm or enterprise, and the principal service or product of that firm or enterprise.
C. Number of Primary Signs Permitted.
1. Buildings or building complexes facing on one street, or buildings or building complexes with no street frontage, may have a maximum of two primary signs, only one of which may be freestanding.
2. Buildings or building complexes on street corner locations are permitted a maximum of four signs. Two of the four signs may be freestanding only if they are located on two different streets and are separated more than 100 feet, measured in a straight line between the signs.
3. Buildings or building complexes which extend through a block to face on two parallel streets are permitted two primary signs on each street, only one of which may be freestanding for each street.
4. Multiple Buildings on Five Acres or More. A multiple building complex encompassing at least five acres may display one complex identification sign along each right-of-way, which provides direct access to the complex. Each sign shall not exceed 75 square feet in area and 15 feet in height. Such complex identification signs may be freestanding, and shall not be included in determining the number of primary signs allowed for each building or building complex set forth in subsections (C)(1) through (C)(3) of this section.
D. Types and Placement. The permissible types of primary signs, their placement and other limitations are as follows:
1. Freestanding Signs. Requirements are identical to BCC 22B.10.030(E)(1).
2. Building-Mounted Signs. Requirements are identical to BCC 22B.10.030(E)(2).
3. Signs or portions of signs indicating premises for rent (e.g., “apartment for rent,” “apartment available,” “vacancy,” “now renting,” “free rent,” etc.) shall not exceed a surface area of 16 square feet.
4. The illumination of any sign may be internal or external. If externally illuminated, the source of illumination shall be so located, shaded, shielded, or directed that it is not visible from a public street or adjoining residential property; provided, that halo lighting of solid letters shall be permitted.
5. Street Address Identification. Each building or complex of buildings shall display and maintain on-premises street address number identification. Such sign shall not be included in determining the number of primary signs. (Ord. 6427 §§ 16, 17, 18, 2018; Ord. 5877 § 4, 2009; Ord. 5490 § 15, 2003; Ord. 5357 §§ 7, 8, 2002; Ord. 4818 § 4, 1995; Ord. 3218 § 1, 1983; Ord. 2953 § 4, 1981; Ord. 2045 § 3, 1974; 1961 code § 17.01.040.)