HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Works/Planning - 06/02/1999 I
• June 2, 1999
THE AGENDA COVER SHEET FOR THE 6/07/99
PUBLIC WORKS/PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
• TITLE OF ITEM: #ZCA-99-2 OFF-PREMISE SIGNS ZONING CODE AMENDMENT
ACTION: Information Item Only
Presentation by Planning staff on billboard sign amortization.
BACKUP MATERIAL: June 7, 1999 Staff Report from Diana Nelson.
May 12, 1999 Letter to Mr. Frank Podany, President
May 13, 1999 Letter to Mr. Pat Selzer
May 3, 1999 Staff Report from Diana Nelson
April 12, 1999 Staff Report from Diana Nelson
April 12, 1999 Section 15.02.430 Zoning Code Change Recommendation
Agenda Cover Sheet for 5/3/99 Public Works/Planning Committee
PRESENTER: Diana Nelson, Planner
TIME: 10 minutes
U:WSERDATA IPublicWorb-PlanningCommittee 1990607pwpc-cvrsht.doc
•
#ZCA=99=2 OFF-PREMISE SIGNS
ZONING CODE AMENDMENT
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
CITY OF
Jim White, Mayor
rNVICTA
CITY OF KENT
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
(253) 859-3390
STAFF REPORT
JUNE 7, 1999
MEMO TO: TIM CLARK, CHAIR AND CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC WORKS AND
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
FROM: DIANA C. NELSON, PLANNER
SUBJECT: #ZCA -99-2 OFF-PREMISE SIGNS ZONING CODE AMENDMENT
In response to the City Council Public Works and Planning Committee's directive to research the
issue of amortization of billboard signs, the Planning Department staff investigated the permits
issued for billboard signs in recent years. The two most recent billboard sign permits, issued in
1999 and 1997, established the construction value of a single-sided billboard at $5,000 while the
third most recent billboard sign permit, issued in 1996, set the construction value at $4,000. The
construction value of a billboard is among those costs that should be amortized, if the amortization
option is pursued.
In order to obtain additional information about costs, the Planning Department staff wrote letters to
AK Media/ NW and Lamar Outdoor Advertising, the two outdoor advertising companies that own
93% of all the billboard signs within the City of Kent. The intent of these letters was to request
additional information about the costs of locating and constructing a billboard sign in order to
analyze all the expenses that should be amortized. As of June 2, 1999, the Planning Department
has not received any information or written comments in response to the letters, however, a
telephone message was received from Lamar Outdoor Advertising stating that they were
researching the issues in order to respond to the questions. The letters to the two outdoor
advertising companies are attached to this staff report.
Staff from the Planning Department will be prepared to present this issue and answer questions at
the June 7, 1999 meeting. A copy of the Planning Department staff report for the May 3, 1999
Public Works and Planning Committee meeting has been included for your information. If you
have any questions prior to the meeting, please contact Diana Nelson at (253) 856-5437.
DN:pm P.kADMIMbillboardstaff5.doc
Enclosure
cc: Brent McFall, Director of Operations
is James P. Harris, Planning Director
Fred N. Satterstrom, Planning Manager
Kevin O'Neill, Senior Planner—Long Range
Charlene Anderson, Senior Planner—Current Planning
2204th AVENUE SOUTH / KENT,WASHINGTON 98032-5895
ri
CITY OF
Jim White, Mayor
lX VICTA
Planning Department (253)856-5454/FAX(253) 856-6454
James P. Hams, Planning Director
May 12, 1999
Mr. Frank Podany, President
AK Media /NW
3601 6th Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98134
Dear Mr. Podany:
As you may be aware, the City of Kent is currently reviewing its zoning code regarding
off-premise signs and studying different options for amending the sign regulations
relating to billboards. In the course of these discussions, the City Council has
requested additional information on which to base their decision on the issue of
amortization. In order to provide the best data available to the City Council, I am writing
you to request information in response to the following questions relating to your
billboards located in the City of Kent.
1. What is the average current construction cost of:
a) a single-sided 12' X 25' billboard with lighting?
b) a double-sided 12' X 25' billboard with lighting?
c) a single tri-vision 12' X 25' billboard with lighting?
d) a double-sided tri-vision 12' X 25' billboard with lighting?
e) retrofitting a stationary 12' X 25' billboard into a tri-vision billboard?
2. What is the life expectancy of a stationary billboard and of a tri-vision billboard?
3. Are all AK Media billboard sites in the City of Kent under a lease agreement with the
property owner(s)?
4. Do the lease agreements contain a contingency clause allowing termination of the
lease under certain circumstances?
5. Is there a standard lease term?
6. What is the average lease term for property in the City of Kent?
7. If they are not renewed, on what date will all current leases in the City of Kent have
expired?
8. What is the lease term for the site of the newly permitted (April 1999) billboard on
West Valley Highway, north of S 228th Street?
• 9. Is there a standard cost for property leases for billboard sites in the City of Kent?
10. What is the average lease cost for billboard sites in the City of Kent?
11. What is the cost of the most expensive lease for a billboard site in the City of Kent?
220 4[h AVE.SO., /KENT,WASHINGTON 98032-5895 1 TELEPHONE (253)856-5200
AK Media/NW
May 11, 1999
Page 2
Thank you for your assistance with this request. Your responses will help the Kent City
Council understand the financial investment made by your company and the fiscal
impacts on the outdoor advertising industry of various sign code amendment
alternatives. The requested information will help the Council reach a fair decision and
set a reasonable amortization period, should they decide upon that option.
The sign code amendment item is scheduled to return to the City Council Planning and
Public Works Committee on June 7, 1999 at 4 P.M. However, if possible, I would
greatly appreciate receiving your comments by May 27, 1999 so that they could be
incorporated into the staff report for review prior to the meeting. If you have any
questions about the code amendment process or need further information, please
contact me at 253-856-5454.
Respectfully,
Tana C. Nelson, AICP
Planner
DN:pm AKamorfizltndoc
cc: James P. Harris, Planning Director
Fred N. Satterstrom, Planning Manager
Kevin O,Neill, Senior Planner
Roger Lubovich, City Attorney
Nicole Roifness, Director of Community Relations, AK Media/NW
•
CITY OF ly� �
Jim White, Mayor
fllf VICTIM
Planning Department (253)856-5454/FAX(253) 856-6454
James P. Harris, Planning Director
May 13, 1999
Mr. Pat Selzer
Lamar Advertising Company
10111 So. Tacoma Wy., Suite D-1
Tacoma, WA 98499
Dear Mr. Selzer:
As you may be aware, the City of Kent is currently reviewing its zoning code regarding
off-premise signs and studying different options for amending the sign regulations
• relating. to billboards. In the course of these discussions, the City Council has
requested additional information on which to base their decision on the issue of
amortization. In order to provide the best data available to the City Council, I am writing
you to request information in response to the following questions relating to your
billboards located in the City of Kent.
1. What is the average current construction cost of:
a) a single-sided 12' X 25' billboard with lighting?
b) a double-sided 12' X 25' billboard with lighting?
c) a single tri-vision 12' X 25' billboard with lighting?
d) a double-sided tri-vision 12' X 25' billboard with lighting?
e) retrofitting a stationary 12' X 25' billboard into a tri-vision billboard?
2. What is the life expectancy of a stationary billboard and of a tri-vision billboard?
3. Are all Lamar billboard sites in the City of Kent under a lease agreement with the
property owner(s)?
4. Do the lease agreements contain a contingency clause allowing termination of the
lease under certain circumstances?
5. Is there a standard lease term?
6. What is the average lease term for property in the City of Kent?
7. If they are not renewed, on what date will all current leases in the City of Kent have
expired?
8. Is there a standard cost for property leases for billboard sites in the City of Kent?
9. What is the average lease cost for billboard sites in the City of Kent?
10. What is the cost of the most expensive lease for a billboard site in the City of Kent?
220 4th AVE.SO., /KENT,WASHINGTON 98032-5895 1 TELEPHONE (253)856-5200
Mr. Pat Selzer
Lamar Advertising Company
Page 2
Thank you for your assistance with this request. Your responses will help the Kent City
Council understand the financial investment made by your company and the fiscal
impacts on the outdoor advertising industry of various sign code amendment
alternatives. The requested information will help the Council reach a fair decision and
set a reasonable amortization period, should they decide upon that option.
The sign code amendment item is scheduled to return to the City Council Planning and
Public Works Committee on June 7, 1999 at 4 P.M. However, if possible, I would
greatly appreciate receiving your comments by May 27, 1999 so that they could be
incorporated into the staff report for review prior to the meeting. If you have any
questions about the code amendment process or need further information, please
contact me at 253-856-5454.
tlespectfully,
c �
Diana C. Nelson, AICP
Planner
DN:pm P.kG CV-amaramortizltr.doc
• cc: James P. Harris, Planning Director
Fred N. Satterstrom, Planning Manager
Kevin O'Neill, Senior Planner
Roger Lubovich, City Attorney
CITY OF ��]`/,'��
Jim White, Mayor
hVICTA
Planning Department (253) 856-5454/FAX(253) 856-6454
James P. Harris, Planning Director
CITY OF KENT
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
(253) 859-3390
STAFF REPORT
MAY 3, 1999
MEMO TO: TIM CLARK, CHAIR AND CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC WORKS AND
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
FROM: DIANA C. NELSON, PLANNER
SUBJECT: #ZCA -99-2 OFF-PREMISE SIGNS ZONING CODE AMENDMENT
INTRODUCTION
In response to the City Council's directive to research the issue of billboard signs and
traffic safety, the Planning Department staff presented information to the Land Use and
Planning Board during several work sessions on February 8, March 8 and March 22,
1999. A public hearing was held on April 12, 1999 to consider a proposed amendment to
the zoning code regarding off-premise signs. The staff report from the April 12, 1999
Land Use and Planning Board hearing is included as an attachment to this report. When
thjs report refers to billboards, it is also referring to off-premise signs.
BACKGROUND
The existing sign regulations for off-premise signs were adopted in June 1973 and have
remained virtually unchanged for nearly 26 years. The current City of Kent Zoning Code
allows off-premise signs in zoning districts M1, M2 and M3 subject-t6Tertain standards.
However, of the 45 existing billboards within the City of Kent, 20 billboards (over 44
percent) are located in commercial or other zones that do not allow billboard placement
under the adopted sign code regulations.
The Planning Department staff has created a photographic inventory of all existing
billboards within the city limits as well as within the Potential Annexation Area. Billboard
locations have been mapped and a database has been compiled on various sign
characteristics. This inventory provides specific information about the number, type, size,
height and location of billboards in the City.
220 4th AVENUE SOUTH / KENT,WASHINOTON 98032-5895
Off-Premise Sign Zoning Code Amendment
May 3, 1999
Page 2
During the April 12, 1999 public hearing, the Land Use and Planning Board revised the
proposed zoning code amendment language as follows to address certain issues:
1. The definition of off-premise sign was revised to add the phrase "and is generally
available by means of rental to persons other than the owner of the sign". This
revision was in response to concern about the possible reclassification of certain
types of signs, such as the one at the Kent Commons. This type of sign provides
information or advertises activities other than those occurring on the site but has
always been considered as an on-premise sign because the primary function of the
sign is to advertise the uses occurring on the site and the sign space is not available
for rent to others. The addition of the language addressing the rental of such signs
emphasizes the difference between billboards and these types of signs as well as
further clarifying the intent of these regulations.
2. The text of Subsection 15.06.040 (R)(6) was changed to add the word "project' before
the phrase "permit application". This revision addressed the need to clarify that lease
copies were not required for permits related to the off-premise sign, prior to
development of the site and also to determine at what stage of site development that
copies of the current billboard lease(s) are required to be submitted. The phrase
"project permit" is used to describe any land use permit required by the City for a
project action, such as building permits, land use preparation or site development
permits, subdivisions, conditional uses or other development plan review processes.
The proposed zoning code text amendment is attached to this staff report. The revisions
made by the Land Use and Planning Board are shown in bold italic font for language
added to the proposed amendment text and in double strike-through for language to be
deleted from the proposed amendment text. The underlined text denotes language to be
added to the current zoning code text and the single strike-through text indicates
language to be deleted from the current zoning code text.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Land Use and Planning Board voted to recommend approval of the following
amendments to the zoning code at their April 12, 1999 public hearing:
Revised Zoning Code Amendment
Kent Zoning Code Section 15.02.430. Sign, off-premises.
„
"Off-premises sign means a sign w4i@h that contains a message or directs attention to a
business profession product activity, or service that is not tRrelated to am use or
activity conducted or offered on the premises or at the location where the sign is
Off Premise Sign Zoning bode Amendment
May 3, 1999
Page 3
located excluding road directional signs and is generally available by means of
rental to persons other than the owner of the sign".
Kent Zoning Code Section 15.06.040
R. Off-premises signs.
1.
lineal feet aFe peffnitted. No new off-premise signs shall be constructed or
installed within the city. The total number of off-premise sign structures and
faces allowed within the incorporated city limits of Kent shall not exceed the
total number of legally existing off-premise sign structures and faces as of
the effective date of this code and listed in the City of Kent Off-Premise Sign
Inventor}. Off-premise signs in existence as of the effective date of this
requirement shall be inventoried.
2.
M3, distri6tG. They aFe net -peFFAiffed in any ether district. Except as
provided in Subsection 15.06.040(R)(3). off-premise signs shall not be
altered with regard to size, shape, orientation, height, or location without the
prior issuance of a sign permit. Alterations or replacements of off-premise
signs shall comply with the design and location standards of this section.
3 Standards.
a hfax4 ^• m size- Maximum size is three hundred (300) square feet for
a total of all sign faces on one structure.
b. Ma*kwu a height-. Maximum height is thirty-five (35) feet.
C. Dist.. Ge fF nt s +;, , Signs shall be located a distance of
three hundred (300) feet from any street intersection.
d. Deuble faeed 6kjn&-. Back-to-back and V-type sign structures shall be
considered one (1) sign structure.
e. No off-premise sign shall extend beyond the property line of the sign
site.
f. Off-premise signs shall observe the same setbacks as buildings
r within the zone.
g. Off-premise signs shall not rotate or have parts that move, revolve, or
rotate.
h. Off-premise signs shall not utilize interior illumination, electronic, or
digital video displays including, but not limited to flashing, blinking, or
scrolling lights, animation, or other moving messages or display.
i. Off-premise signs may utilize stationary exterior lighting focused on
the sign face.
L Repair, alteration, or replacement of an existing off-premise sign
structure requires a building and zoning permit. Replacement of off-
Off-Premise Sign Zoning Code Amendment
May 3, 1999
Page 4
premise sign face copy may occur at any time and is exempt from the
reauirement for a permit provided that the size of the face copy does
not exceed the erevious face copy and is no greater than 300 square
feet in size and provided that the number of sign faces does not
exceed the previous number of sign faces.
4 Sign faces that contain moving_parts and that are located on a legally
existing sign structure shall be considered non-conforming and the sign
face(s) with moving parts shall be removed or replaced with a stationary
sign face in compliance with the standards of subsection 15.06.040(R)(3).
within five (5) years of the effective date of this ordinance.
5 Off-premise signs shall not be relocated to another parcel of land. Off-
premise signs can only be relocated to another portion of the parcel on
which the sign is located, only in response to the design standards required
in subsection 15.06.040(R)(3) and with approval of the Planning Director.
6 Off-premise signs located on vacant land that is being developed shall be
removed upon expiration of the lease(s), which are in effect at the time of
prof ct permit application for the site. A copy of the current lease(s) shall be
provided to the Planning Department as part of the project permit
application materials.
7 No removal, cutting or other alteration of any vegetative screening on public
property or private landscaping required by code or as a condition of permit
approval is permitted in order to improve the visibility of a nearby off-premise
sign. This regulation shall not prohibit the normal maintenance of trees and
landscaping,
8 All off-premise signs, which have a permit as of the date of this Ordinance or
which were in existence prior to June 20, 1973, shall be considered legal,
and may be rebuilt in the case of destruction by natural cause or accident or
for safety purposes.
Staff from the Planning Department will be prepared to present this issue and answer
i' questions at the May 3, 1999 meeting. If you have any questions prior to the meeting,
please contact Diana Nelson at (253) 856-5437.
DN:pm P:IADM/NWi11boardstaff4.doc
Enclosure
cc: Brent McFall, Director of Operations
James P. Harris, Planning Director
Fred N. Satterstrom, Planning Manager
Kevin O'Neill, Senior Planner—Long Range
Charlene Anderson, Senior Planner—Current Planning
CITY OF
Jim White, Mayor
H V ICtA
Planning Department (253) 859-3390/FAX(253) 850-2544
James P. Harris, Planning Director
CITY OF KENT
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
(253) 859-3390
STAFF REPORT
APRIL 12, 1999
MEMO TO: RON HARMON, CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE LAND USE AND
PLANNING BOARD
FROM: DIANA C. NELSON, PLANNER
SUBJECT: #ZCA -99-2 OFF-PREMISE SIGNS ZONING CODE AMENDMENT
INTRODUCTION
Over the past year, concern has been expressed by members of the City Council about
the potential for proliferation of billboards along the new 272"d/ 277th and 192nd/ 1961h
Street corridors as well as State Route 167 and other major arterials in the City. The City
Council requested that the Planning Department research the issue of billboard signs and
prepare information for review by the Land Use and Planning Board. The Planning
Department staff has presented information to the Land Use and Planning
Board during Board work sessions on February 8, March 8 and March 22, 1999.
Subsequently, the Land Use and Planning Board scheduled a public hearing for April 12,
1999 to consider proposed amendments to the zoning code regarding off-premise signs.
When this report refers to billboards, it is also referring to off-premise signs.
BACKGROUND
In June 1973, the Kent City Council approved Ordinance 1827, adopting a new zoning
code for the City. The new zoning code became effective on June 20, 1973 and included
a section on sign regulation and a subsection specifically addressing off-premise signs.
This,subsection has remained virtually unchanged since adoption, nearly 26 years ago.
The current City of Kent Zoning Code classifies billboards as off-premise signs and Kent
City Code (KCC) Section 15.06.040(R) allows off-premise signs only in zoning districts
M1, M2 and M3 subject to certain standards. However, there are a number of billboards
located in the commercial zones and one located in a residential zone in the City.
220 Jth AVENUE SOUTH / KENT,WASHINGTON 98032-5895
Billboard/Off-Premise Sign Code Amendment
April 12, 1999
Page 2
The Planning Department staff has created a photographic inventory of all existing
billboards within the city limits as well as within the Potential Annexation Area. Billboard
locations have been mapped and a database has been compiled on various sign
characteristics. This information provides specific data about the number and type of
billboards in the city, thereby helping to better understand the impacts of billboards on the
community.
BILLBOARD IMPACTS
Billboards are designed, built and leased in order to attract public attention. When
billboards are located within the visibility of a roadway, the effect is to draw drivers'
attention to the outdoor advertising, thereby distracting their focus away from the road. A
1980 Federal Highway Administration study on the effects of billboards on highway safety
found a positive correlation between the existence of billboards and accident rates.
Federal and state courts have consistently ruled that traffic safety is a legitimate basis for
billboard regulation. The U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals stated that " No empirical
studies are necessary for reasonable people to conclude that billboards pose a traffic
hazard, since by their very nature they are designed to distract drivers and their
passengers from maintaining their view of the road"—Major Media of the Southeast v. City
of Raleigh, 621 F. Supp 1446, 1451 affd 792 F. 2d 1269 (4th Cir. 1986) cert denied, 107
S. Ct. 1334 (1987). The California Supreme Court said, "We hold as a matter of law that
an ordinance which eliminates billboards designed to be viewed from streets and
highways reasonably relates to traffic safety."—Metromedia v. San Diego, 610 P. 2d 407.
In the decision of Ackerley Communications of the Northwest v. Krochalis relating to the
City of Seattle sign code, the US Court of Appeals stated "It is beyond cavil that billboards
contribute to visual blight and traffic hazards."--Ackerey Communications of the
Northwest v. Krochalis, US Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, March 7, 1997: 108 F.3d 1095,
49 ZD 252, Washington.
Based on these and other court rulings, it appears that a jurisdiction is not required to
document the specific negative impacts of billboards in their community in order to
regulate, restrict or prohibit billboards, provided that the intent of the ordinance is to
further the community's interests in traffic safety and aesthetics.
NEED FOR POSSIBLE AMENDMENTS
The current City of Kent Zoning Code Section 15.06.040(R) allows new billboards (off-
premise signs) to be located in the M1, M2 and M3 industrial zones at a spacing of 4
billboards per 1,000 lineal feet. The implications of this provision is that under maximum
potential "build-out" for off-premise signs, approximately 44 billboards could be placed
along the 192"d/ 196t' Street corridor, 72 billboards along the west side of State Route 167
between 180t' and James Street and another 36 billboards along the east side of SR 167
between SR 516 and the city limits at 277"'.
Billboard/Off-Premise Sign Code Amendment
April 12, 1999
Page 3
In addition, approximately 72 billboards could be placed along West Valley Highway, 40
billboards along East Valley Highway between 212`h and the city limits at 180th, 44
billboards along the 212th corridor and 6 billboards along S. 277`h between the Union
Pacific Railroad tracks and SR 167. The current code allows the potential for the
placement of 314 billboards along 6 major transportation arterials within the City. This
enormous number of potential billboards does not take into consideration the remaining
4,000+ acres of M1, M2 and M3 industrial zoned land in the valley that could have 4
billboards spaced within every 1,000 lineal feet area, nor does it account for those non-
conforming billboards located in the commercial zones around the City.
The negative effects on traffic safety and community aesthetics of the placement of this
potential number of billboards along major arterials and highways cannot be disputed
since by their very nature and intended purpose, billboards are distracting to drivers'
attention to traffic. The size and height of billboards and the currently allowed density of
placement significantly contributes to visual clutter throughout the city.
The Planning staff surveyed a number of cities in the Seattle metropolitan area regarding
their land use policies on billboards. Most of the cities now prohibit new billboards
including Renton, Des Moines, Federal Way, Sea Tac, Seattle, and King County. While
some cities such as Federal Way and SeaTac have specific deadline dates for removal of
• all billboards, many cities have "grandfathered" existing billboards, including Renton, Des
Moines, Tumwater, Bellevue, Issaquah, Edgewood, Lacey, and Mountlake Terrace.
While these cities do allow repair of existing billboards within certain parameters, they do
not allow replacement or relocation. Cities such as Bellingham and Lakewood as well as
King County allow replacement and/or relocation of billboards within strict limitations. All
of these cities have taken either a "cap" or "no net gain" approach to billboard advertising
signs; thereby placing a limit on the total number of billboards allowed to exist in their
jurisdiction.
a
Legal counsel is currently researching several issues, which have been raised during
work session discussions including the possibility of a billboard moratorium during the
amendment process and the legality of restricting off-premise sign messages to local
businesses only. Legal counsel will be present at the public hearing to provide this
information.
PLANNING RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning Department recommends approval of the attached zoning code amendment
to address concerns about the proliferation of off-premise signs and the negative impacts
on traffic safety and aesthetics associated with billboards.
The definition of off-premise sign in Section 15.02.430 is somewhat confusing and the
. characteristics of off-premise signs should be more accurately described. The current
language states "Off-premise sign means a sign not located on or supported by a
Billboard/Off-Premise Sign Code Amendment
April 12, 1999
Page 4
structure not located on the same premises as the business, product, service or activity
being identified or advertised by such sign or an advertising sign".
The Planning staff recommends that the definition continue to use the title of"off-premises
sign" rather than "billboard" because off-premise signs not only include billboards but also
other kinds of signs not typically considered to be billboards. It is further recommended
that the definition be amended to state: "Off-premises sign means a sign which contains a
message or directs attention to a business, profession, product, activity, or service that is
unrelated to any use or activity conducted or offered on the premises or at the location
where the sign is located, excluding road directional signs.
The Planning staff recommends that the City of Kent adopt a "no net gain" policy as
specified in the proposed amendment which would prohibit the placement of any new off-
premise signs in the City but would allow legally existing off-premise signs to remain, be
repaired and be altered or replaced subject to certain standards. Relocation of off-
premise signs would not be allowed.
The amendment would also add standards relating to setbacks from property lines,
lighting and allowable types of display mediums, and permit requirements. Other
provisions in the amendment prohibit moving or electronic off-premise signs and require
shutter-type billboard sign faces to be replaced with a stationary sign face, restrict the
• relocation of off-premise signs, and prohibit the cutting or removal of private landscaping
or public screening to improve visibility of an off-premise sign.
Numerous other local cities have already adopted similar versions of this "no net gain"
amendment. The proposed amendment would effectively address the issues of traffic
safety, aesthetics and visual blight relating to billboard placement within the accepted
parameters set by the courts for billboard regulation.
Staff from the Planning Department will be prepared to present this issue and answer
questions at the April 12, 1999 public hearing. If you have any questions prior to the
hearing, please contact Diana Nelson at (253) 859-2793.
DN:pm PAADM/Nlbil1boardstaff2.doc
Enclosure
cc: Brent McFall, Director of Operations
James P. Harris, Planning Director
Fred N. Satterstrom, Planning Manager
Kevin O'Neill, Senior Planner—Long Range
Charlene Anderson, Senior Planner—Current Planning
f
nt Zoning Code Section 15.02.430. Sign, off-premises.
adveFtising-sign"..
"Off-premises sign means a sign which contains a message or directs attention to a business,
profession product activity, or service that is unrelated to any use or activity conducted or offered on
the premises or at the location where the sign is located, excluding road directional signs".
Kent Zoning Code Section 15.06.040
R. Off-premises signs.
1. •
No new off-premise signs shall be constructed or installed within the city. The total number of off-
premise sign structures and faces allowed within the incorporated city limits of Kent shall not
exceed the total number of legally existing off-premise sign structures and faces as of the effective
date of this code and listed in the City of Kent Off-Premise Sign Inventory. Off-premise signs in
existence as of the effective date of this requirement shall be inventoried.
• DiSkkk VAeF8 PefMitted. Off PFeFnises ig iRted in IVII, M2 and M3 distFiets.
Except as provided in Subsection 15.06.040(R)(3). off-premise
signs shall not be altered with regard to size shape orientation height or location without the
prior issuance of a sign permit. Alterations or replacements of off-premise signs shall comply with
the design and location standards of this section.
3 Standards.
a. L'aw size: Maximum size is three hundred (300) square feet for a total of all sign faces
on one structure.
b. hfa*imum hekjht-. Maximum height is thirty-five (35) feet.
c. Signs shall be located a distance of three hundred (300) feet
from any street intersection.
d. Double fa6ed skjn&. Back-to-back and V-type sign structures shall be considered one (1) sign
structure.
e No off-premise sign shall extend beyond the property line of the sign site
f Off-Qremise signs shall observe the same setbacks as buildings within the zone.
g Off-premise signs shall not rotate or have parts that move revolve or rotate.
h Off-premise signs shall not utilize interior illumination electronic, or digital video displays
incWding, but not limited to flashing blinking, or scrolling lights, animation, or other moving
messages or display.
i Off-premise signs may utilize stationary exterior lighting focused on the sign face
Re air alteration or replacement of an existing off-premise sign structure requires a building
and zoning permit Replacement of off-premise sign face copy may occur at any time and is
exempt from the requirement for a permit provided that the size of the face copy does not
exceed the previous face copy and is no greater than 300 square feet in size and provided
that the number of sign faces does not exceed the previous number of sign faces.
4 Sign faces that contain moving parts and that are located on a legally existing sign structure shall
be considered non-conforming and the sign face(s) with moving parts shall be removed or
replaced with a stationary sign face in compliance with the standards of subsection
15 06 040(R)(3) within five (5) years of the effective date of this ordinance.
5 Off-premise signs shall not be relocated to another parcel of land. Off-premise signs can only be
relocated to another portion of the parcel on which the sign is located only in response to the
design standards required in subsection 15.06.040(R)(3) and with approval of the Planning
Director.
6 Off-premise signs located on vacant land that is being developed shall be removed upon
expiration of the lease(ss). which are in effect at the time of permit application for the site. A copy of
the current lease(s) shall be provided to the Planning Department as part of the permit application
materials.
7 No removal cutting or other alteration of any vegetative screening on public property or private
.mJandscaping required by code or as a condition of permit approval is permifted in order to im rove
Me visibility of a nearby off-premise sign. This regulation shall not prohibit the normal
maintenance of trees and landscaping.
8 All off-premise signs which have a permit as of the date of this Ordinance or which were in
existence prior to June 20 1973 shall be considered legal, and may be rebuilt in the case of
destruction by natural cause or accident or for safety purposes.
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