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A. Computation of Frontage and Sign Area Calculations.

1. Sign area” is defined as the area of a rectangle drawn around the outermost area of sign copy, graphics, background materials, and borders or frame, and any similar display area which is capable of receiving copy at a future time. The structure supporting a sign is not included in determining the sign area, unless the structure contains advertising copy or business logo.

2. The area of all signs which are governed by this chapter shall be included when determining compliance with the maximum allowable sign area.

3. The width of a building frontage on a public street or right-of-way, excluding alleys or service ways, shall be used to calculate the allowable sign area. (See Table 17.120-1.) If a building houses more than one tenant space, the total sign area permitted for each tenant space shall be calculated as follows:

Sign Area =

Total Allowable Sign Area (based on total building frontage)

Number of Tenant Spaces

Example: If a building has 50 feet of frontage and four tenant spaces, including two on the ground floor area and two on the second story, the sign area for each tenant space would be calculated as follows: 15.625 square feet/tenant space. The proportional distribution of sign area that is allowed for each individual tenant space may be modified through a comprehensive approved sign program.

4. For buildings fronting on more than one public right-of-way, the length of two frontages may be used to calculate the total allowable sign area for all signs on the premises.

5. Both sides of a double-faced sign shall be used for the calculation of allowable sign area.

6. For monument signs proposed as part of a sign program, the maximum sign size thresholds shall comply with SMC 17.120.060(B), and shall not be counted toward the overall sign allowances outlined in Table 17.120-1.

Table 17.120-1. Maximum Allowable Sign Area (Sq. Ft.)

Building Frontage

Max. Allowable Sign Area

Building Frontage

Max. Allowable Sign Area

Building Frontage

Max. Allowable Sign Area

Up to 25'

25.0

43'

52.0

61'

79.0

26'

26.5

44'

53.5

62'

80.5

27'

28.0

45'

55.0

63'

82.0

28'

29.5

46'

56.5

64'

83.5

29'

31.0

47'

58.0

65'

85.0

30'

32.5

48'

59.5

66'

86.5

31'

34.0

49'

61.0

67'

88.0

32'

35.5

50'

62.5

68'

89.5

33'

37.0

51'

64.0

69'

91.0

34'

38.5

52'

65.5

70'

92.5

35'

40.0

53'

67.0

71'

94.0

36'

41.5

54'

68.5

72'

95.5

37'

43.0

55'

70.0

73'

97.0

38'

44.5

56'

71.5

74'

98.5

39'

46.0

57'

73.0

75'

100.0

40'

47.5

58'

74.5

76' – 100'

125.0

41'

49.0

59'

76.0

101' – 125'

150.0

42'

50.5

60'

77.5

126' +

175.0

B. Projection Limits and Sign Clearances.

1. Freestanding signs must be located a minimum of five feet behind the back of the sidewalk (or right-of-way if there is no sidewalk). Freestanding signs may not project into any public right-of-way.

2. The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured from the natural grade at the base of the sign to the highest portion of the sign.

3. Projecting signs (hanging signs) may not exceed six square feet in area, and may not project more than three feet from the wall of a building. The bottom of projecting signs shall be at least seven and one-half feet above the ground.

C. Lighting of Signs.

1. No sign shall be illuminated with such intensity as to prevent normal perception of objects, buildings, streets and other signs in the immediate area.

2. External illumination is preferred over internal illumination in all zoning districts. Internally illuminated signs must be reviewed and approved by the Design Review Board, and are generally not allowed within the CD Central Core District, within any residential district, or in proximity to an existing residential use.

3. No backlighting of the panel(s) is allowed on internally illuminated signs unless the background has been rendered opaque, allowing light through the letters and logo only. This limitation does not apply to theater marquee signs or similar signs, as determined by the Planning Director.

4. Identification signs in a single-family or multifamily residential district, or which are located within 25 feet of a residential use may not be illuminated. However, internally illuminated address signs which do not exceed one square foot in size, and which display only the address numbers of the residence upon which the sign is affixed are allowed. (Ord. 1111, 2018)