A. Structural Requirements. The structure and erection of signs within the city shall be governed by Chapters 2 and 4 of the Uniform Sign Code, 1985 Edition (or by superseding edition adopted by the city), and the International Building Code, 2006 Edition (or any superseding edition adopted by the city), Volume I (including appendices), as promulgated by the International Conference of Building Officials, which are adopted and made a part hereof by this reference. Not less than one copy of said codes are on file in the office of the city clerk. Compliance with the Uniform Sign Code and International Building Code shall be a prerequisite to issuance of a sign permit under BCC 22B.10.160.

B. Electrical Requirements. Electrical requirements for signs within the city shall be governed by the National Electrical Code, 2008 Edition (or any superseding edition adopted by the city), promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association, which is adopted and made a part hereof by this reference. Compliance with the National Electrical Code shall be required by every sign utilizing electrical energy as a prerequisite to issuance of a sign permit under BCC 22B.10.160.

C. Sign Illumination. Illumination from or upon any sign shall be located, shaded, shielded, directed or reduced so as to avoid undue brightness, glare or reflection of light on private or public property in the surrounding area, and so as to avoid unreasonably distracting pedestrians or motorists. “Undue brightness” is illumination in excess of that which is reasonably necessary to make the sign reasonably visible to the average person on an adjacent street.

D. Sign Maintenance. All signs, including signs heretofore installed, shall be constantly maintained in a state of security, safety and repair. If any sign is found not to be so maintained or is insecurely fastened or otherwise dangerous, it shall be the duty of the owner and/or occupant of the premises on which the sign is located to repair or remove the sign within five days after receiving notice from the director. The premises surrounding a freestanding sign shall be free and clear of rubbish and landscaping area free of weeds.

E. Sign Obstructing View or Passage. No sign shall be located so as to physically obstruct any door, window or exit from a building. No sign shall be located so as to be hazardous to a motorist’s or pedestrian’s ingress and egress from parking areas or any way open to the public. All signs shall comply with the sight distance requirements of BCC 14.60.240, as now or hereafter amended.

F. Landscaping for Freestanding Signs. All primary freestanding signs shall include landscaping at their base to prevent automobiles from hitting the sign-supporting structure and to improve the overall appearance of the installation. The planting area shall be a minimum of one square foot for each square foot of sign surface area and shall include shrubs and groundcover so that at the time of installation a minimum of 25 percent of the required planting is covered by plant material.

If the landscaping is not installed concurrently with the sign, the applicant for a sign permit shall provide a performance assurance device in accordance with LUC 20.40.490. All required landscaping must be installed within 60 days of completion of the sign installation, unless the director grants an extension in writing for reasons of weather, good planting practices, or unforeseeable construction delay.

G. Sign Inspection. All sign users shall permit the periodic inspection of their signs by the city upon city request.

H. Conflicting Provisions. Whenever two provisions of this code overlap or conflict with regard to the size or placement of a sign, the more restrictive provision shall apply.

I. Painted Signs – Mounting. Painted signs may be painted on plywood or other backing material or directly on the building wall itself. (Ord. 6427 § 24, 2018; Ord. 5877 § 6, 2009; Ord. 5490 § 24, 2003; Ord. 5403 § 17, 2002; Ord. 4818 § 14, 1995; Ord. 4683 § 4, 1994; Ord. 3683 §§ 2, 3, 4, 1986; Ord. 2133 § 9, 1974; 1961 code § 17.01.110.)