HomeMy WebLinkAbout4340 ORDINANCE NO.4340
AN ORDINANCE of the City Council of the
City of Kent, Washington, amending sections
6.07.020 and 6.07.050 of the Kent City Code,
regulating signage in the public right of way, and
amending chapters 15.02 and 15.06 of the Kent
City Code, regulating signage generally within the
City.
RECITALS
A. In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the case of Reed v.
Town of Gilbert that when a municipality regulates the content of signs,
those regulations will be subject to "strict scrutiny," the highest
constitutional hurdle, which requires a municipality to show that its
content-based signage regulations further a compelling governmental
interest and are narrowly tailored to serve that interest. The Court also
observed, however, that content-neutral regulations (size, building
materials, lighting, etc.) will be subject to lesser judicial scrutiny.
B. Subsequently, in 2017, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
recognized in Contest Promotions v. City and County of San Francisco
that, under Reed v. Town of Gilbert, commercial signage is not subject to
the same high level of free speech protection as non-commercial signage.
The Court determined that, while non-commercial signs were entitled to
the highest level of constitutional protection and regulations of such would
be reviewed under the "strict scrutiny" test, commercial signs receive less
protection and regulations of such will be reviewed under "intermediate
scrutiny." The Court in Contest Promotions also noted that aesthetics and
1 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
safety are considered a "substantial government interest." Together, these
cases suggest that local signage regulations are not unconstitutionally
restrictive if they are content-neutral, regulate only commercial signage,
and serve to address aesthetic or safety interests.
C. In order to evaluate the City's existing sign regulations in
light of these significant free speech cases, the City Council included a staff
proposed work program item in the 2018 Annual Docket.
D. Staff review determined that the City's sign regulations are
generally content-neutral and mainly address only commercial signage.
But, some amendments are necessary to better align the regulations with
the guidance recently provided by federal courts.
E. Staff also identified minor areas requiring clarification and
cleanup, including the need to relocate duplicative sign regulations in KCC
6.07.020 and 6.07.050 into 15.02 and 15.06.
F. The amendments to the City's signage regulations made by
this ordinance are necessary to serve the City's substantial interest in
preserving the City's aesthetic values and are essential to promote the
health, safety, and welfare of its residents.
G. On October 23, 2019, pursuant to RCW 36.70A.106, a request
for expedited review was sent to the Washington State Department of
Commerce, which acknowledged that the request was received on October
23, 2019. On November 6, 2019, the City was granted expedited review.
H. On October 25, 2019, the City's SEPA Responsible Official
issued a Determination of Nonsignificance for the 2019 Sign Code
Amendments (ENV-2019-5, KIVA # RPSW-2194250).
2 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
I. The Land Use and Planning Board held a workshop to discuss
these code amendments on April 22, 2019. After appropriate public notice,
the board held a public hearing on October 28, 2019 to consider the
proposed amendments. Following the hearing, the Board recommended
the City Council approve the amendments as presented by staff.
]. On November 12, 2019, the Committee of the Whole
considered the recommendation of the Board.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENT,
WASHINGTON, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
ORDINANCE
SECTION 1. - Amendment - KCC 6.07.020. Section 6.07.020 of
the Kent City Code, entitled "Definitions," is hereby amended as follows:
Sec. 6.07.020. Definitions.
The following words and phrases, wherever used in this chapter, shall have
the meanings ascribed to them in this section except where otherwise
defined and unless the context shall clearly indicate to the contrary:
A. Abutting property means and includes property bordering upon and
contiguous to a public place.
B. Applicant means any person or entity applying for the issuance or
renewal of a street use permit or any person or entity that has been issued
a street use permit.
C. Banner means any pliable canvas or cloth sign material or holiday or
festival decor such as garland or similar decor stretched over or across any
public place.
3 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
D. Director means the director of public works or the director's
designee including Kent City Code enforcement officials.
E. Driveway means that portion of a public place which provides
vehicular access to abutting property through a depression in the
constructed curb or, when there is no constructed curb, that area in front
of such abutting property as is well-defined or that is designated by
authorized signs or markings.
F. Motorist information follow through sign means a supplemental sign
erected or installed to direct motorists to a qualifying business that
provides services of specific interest to the traveling public.
++ G. Public place means and includes streets, avenues, ways, boulevards,
drives, places, alleys, sidewalks, planting (parking) strips, squares,
triangles, and other rights-of-way open to the use of the public, and the
space above or beneath the surface of same. This definition specifically
does not include streets, alleys, ways, planting strips, and sidewalks which
have not been deeded, dedicated, or otherwise permanently appropriated
to the public for public use.
1-.H. Sidewalk cafe means a portion of a public sidewalk on which tables
and chairs are placed for the use of patrons while consuming food and/or
beverages, including liquor as defined in RCW 66.04.010, served by a cafe,
restaurant, or tavern located on abutting property.
9-.I. Sidewalk display means a display of goods and wares on a public
sidewalk for retail sale to the public by the owner or manager of a business
4 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
upon abutting property, which products are being offered for sale inside
the business.
K.J. Sidewalk vending unit or vending unit means a movable cart or
similar device that is operated from a fixed location on a public way from
which food, beverages (excluding liquor), flowers, plants, and/or
merchandise are provided to the public with or without charge. The
provisions of this chapter shall not apply to mobile caterers, generally
defined as person(s) engaged in the business of transporting food and
beverages in motor vehicles to residential, business, and industrial
establishments pursuant to prearranged schedules, and dispensing items
from the vehicles for retail sale to the personnel of such establishments.
L--.K. Sign means any medium, including its structure and component
parts, which is used or intended to be used out of doors to attract
attention to the subject matter for advertising, identification, or
informative purposes.
M-.L. Special events means carnivals, fairs, festivals, parades, and other
similar short-term uses of public places.
N-.M. Use means and includes, but is not limited to, the following types of
uses: to conduct a parade or other similar event upon any public place; to
operate any sidewalk display, cafe, or restaurant, or any food cart or other
similar vending unit upon any public place; to construct, store, erect,
place, maintain, or operate in, upon, over, or under any public place any
sidewalk cafe, food cart, or restaurant, staging, scaffold, structure, or
material, machinery, or tools used or to be used in connection with the
erection, alteration, repair, or painting of any building; or to move any
building across or along any public place; or to use or occupy any public
place for the storage or placement of any material, equipment, or thing; or
5 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
to allow any vehicle to be upon that portion of roadway designated as
parking or curb space for purposes of selling or soliciting in addition to
merely parking; or to open, excavate, or in any manner disturb or break
the surface or foundation of any permanent pavement of a public place; or
to alter the established grade of any street; or to disturb the surface of,
dig up, cut, excavate, or fill in any public place; or to construct,
reconstruct, maintain, or remove any sidewalk or crosswalk, pavement,
sewers, water mains, grading, street lighting, or appurtenances thereto,
except when permitted by ordinance; or to do any work in, or erect any
structure under, along, or over, any public place and other such uses.
GA. Vending means the commercial sale of food, beverages (excluding
liquor), flowers, plants, and/or merchandise only from a sidewalk vending
unit upon public ways of the city of Kent. "Vending" does not include liquor
as defined in RCW 66.04.010, tobacco, firearms, munitions, or any article
which a minor is prohibited by law from purchasing, or any materials
restricted by the fire code from direct access or handling by the public.
SECTION 2. - Amendment - KCC 6.07.050. Section 6.07.050 of
the Kent City Code, entitled "Signs," is hereby amended as follows:
Sec. 6.07.050. Signs.
The following provisions shall apply to the placement of signs on public
places:
A. 3nly as
fellow
i. PeFtab'e signs. PeFtab'e signs as defined herein n9ay be placed
pedeStFian passage en the sidewalk �e less than fE),,F (4) �eet te the
6 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
I
trees, utility peles, tFaffic eOHtFel signs and r
iggeteFSrfiFe hydFants, buildings and etheF similaF deviees .
wheelehaiF
r
Fan9prbus,
upen
peweF rtelephene peles, StFeet light standaFds, sign Pests, tFees,
tFaffiE rngaFkeFs, en any Failing, bFidge, eveFpassr r
EFesswalkrpublie building,
e. —Ne peFtable sign shall be plaeed within ten (10) feet e
rwheelehauF Fan9p, r
ef the
height ef the public plaee-.
fFE)R9 the highest edge ef the bike path eF walkway. WheFe these
weed, Canvas,
r r r
width ef the sign.
vehiele
r
r
rexeept, heweveF,
ne sign shall
7 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
Fespensible feF theiF pest eleetien remeval within seven (7) days fellewing
4fef
peles, street light standaFds, sign pests, tFees, tFaffie eeiqtFelleFs, nqaFkel=s�,
fef
ten9peFat:y events shall be Fespensible feF theiF Fengeval within seven (7)
days fellewing the last date ef the event eF the aetivity feF whieh the sig
weFe displayed-.
B.A. Motorist information signs may be placed in the public right-of-way,
subject to the following conditions:
1. The city is authorized to permit erection of motorist
information follow through signs, in conformance with the requirements of
this chapter, adjacent to city streets or roads. The applicant is responsible
for manufacturing the sign panel and submitting it to the city. Upon the
director's approval of an application for a street use permit the city shall
erect and maintain the motorist information follow through sign. The
applicant is responsible for the initial installation cost, and the city shall
thereafter charge an annual administration and maintenance fee of one
hundred dollars ($100.00).
8 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
2. The applicant must be a qualifying business eligible for
specific information signs pursuant to the Washington State Department of
Transportation Motorist Information Sign Program, Chapter 47.42 RCW,
and Chapter 468-66 WAC, as the same may be amended, and must have a
primary motorist information sign currently erected on a nearby state
highway.
3. Motorist information follow through signs and their locations
shall comply with all applicable provisions of this chapter; Sections 131
and 315 of Title 23, United States Code; Chapter 47.42 RCW; Chapter
468-66 WAC; and such regulations as may be adopted by the Washington
State Department of Transportation, including but not limited to the
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways.
4. Motorist information follow through signs shall be located no
more than five hundred (500) feet in advance of any required turn.
5. The location of other traffic control devices shall take
precedence over the location of a motorist information follow through sign.
6. The logo sign panel on a motorist information follow through
sign shall be a duplicate of the logo sign panel displayed on the authorized
motorist information sign erected on the nearby state highway.
7. Motorist information follow through signs for multiple
qualifying businesses may be combined into one (1) sign assembly;
provided, that the assembly contain no more than four (4) logo sign
panels.
8. Appropriate legends, such as directional arrows or messages
indicating direction, shall be displayed with the logo sign panel to provide
property guidance. The directional legend and border shall be white and
shall be displayed on a blue background.
9. The letter height for the service category indicated on the
motorist information follow through sign shall not exceed six (6) inches.
The letter height used on the logo for the business name shall not exceed
four (4) inches.
9 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
C—.B. Violations. In addition or as an alternative to the remedies provided
in this chapter, the director may remove or relocate signs which are placed
on a public place in violation of the provisions of this section, or which the
director determines, in his or her discretion, constitute a threat to the
health, safety and welfare of the public or interfere with the use of the
public place.
SECTION 3. - Amendment - Chapter 15.02 - New KCC 15.02.391.
Chapter 15.02 of the Kent City Code is hereby amended to add a new
section entitled "Sign, electronic messaging center," as follows:
Sec. 15.02.391. Sign, electronic messaging center.
Electronic messaging center sign means a variable message sign that
utilizes computer- generated messages or some other electronic means of
changing copy. These signs include displays using incandescent lamps,
LEDS's, LCD's or PDP's.
SECTION 4. - Repealed- KCC 15.02.445. Section 15.02.445 of the
Kent City Code, entitled "Sign, political," is hereby repealed in its entirety.
SECTION S. - Amendment - KCC 15.02.475. Section 15.02.475 of
the Kent City Code, entitled "Sign, temporary," is hereby amended as
follows:
Sec. 15.02.475. Sign, temporary.
Temporary sign means a sign intended to be displayed for a limited period
of time. ,
estate fei= sale ei: lease, eF ethei= speeial events en a tengpeFaFy basis.
10 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15,06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
SECTION 6. - Amendment - KCC 15.06.030. Section 15.06.030 of
the Kent City Code, entitled 'Prohibited signs," is hereby amended as
follows:
Sec. 15.06.030. Prohibited signs.
The following signs are prohibited in all districts within the municipal
boundaries of the city, except as specifically allowed as temporary signs:
A. Banners, streamers, pennants, and balloons.
B. Any sign using the words "stop," "look," or "danger," or any other
word, symbol, or character which might confuse traffic or detract from any
legal traffic control devices.
C. Stationary motor vehicles, trailers, and related devices used to
circumvent the intent of this chapter.
D. Signs which are pasted or attached to utility poles, trees, fences, or
other signs, or to rocks or natural features.
E. Signs within seventy-five (75) feet of the public right-of-way which
are anin,ated, -revolving more than eight (8) revolutions per minute,
blinking or flashing, except public service signs such as those which give
the time, temperature, and humidity.
F. Roof signs.
G. All lighted signs which are adjacent to and directed toward a
residential district and which detract from the welfare of the residential
district.
11 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
SECTION 7. - Amendment - KCC 15.06.040. Section 15.06.040 of
the Kent City Code, entitled "General restrictions and limitations for all
districts...," is hereby amended as follows:
Sec. 15.06.040. General restrictions and limitations for all
districts.
A. Sign Material. All signs must be made of durable and weather
resistant wood, stone, masonry, metal or plastic material.
B. Electronic Messaging Center Sign. Electronic messaging centers are
allowed in any non-residential zone, except as provided by 15.06.050
(A)(4), subject to the allowed sign area for each property. Electronic
message centers shall not contain video, animation, blinking or flashing
messages or images, and shall not change message more than eight (8)
times per minute.
A-.C. Signs in street right-of-way or future street right-of-way. No sign
shall be located in or project into the present or future right-of-way of any
public street unless such location or projection is specifically authorized by
other provisions of this section.
8-.D. Signs interfering with sight distance. No sign shall be so designed or
constructed as to interfere with the sight distance of motorists proceeding
on or approaching adjacent streets, alleys, driveways, or parking areas, or
of pedestrians proceeding on or approaching adjacent sidewalks or
pedestrian ways.
12 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
EE. Signs over driveways. No sign suspended over or projecting into the
area above a driveway located on private property shall be situated at a
height of less than fifteen (15) feet above the surface of the driveway.
9-.F. Signs over public sidewalks and pedestrian ways. No sign suspended
over or projecting into the area above a public sidewalk or pedestrian way
shall be situated at a height of less than eight and one-half (8 1/2) feet
above the surface of the sidewalk or pedestrian way, and no sign may
project more than seventy-five (75) percent of the distance between the
property line and the curbline except for signs attached to the underside of
a canopy or other architectural projection.
E—G. Directional signs. Directional signs and signs indicating entrances,
exits, service areas and parking areas shall be excluded from the sign
provisions of this title, and may be erected on private property upon
approval of the planning director.
These signs shall not contain advertising or promotional information, and
may be restricted in size.
F-.H. Removal of signs on closure of business. Upon the closure and
vacation of business or activity, the owner of the business or activity shall
have one hundred twenty (120) calendar days from the date of closure to
remove all signs related to the business or activity.
G-.I. Window signs. Window signs shall be considered as a sign and
computed as part of the aggregate sign area and number of signs. Any
painted-over window shall be considered as a wall. The following signs, if
used in the specified manner, are not computed as part of the aggregate
sign area and do not require a permit:
1. Decals indicating credit cards honored.
13 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
2. Banners or posters on the inside of windows. Such signs may
be used in conjunction with national advertising programs, or as weekly
marketing specials, or as decorations customary for special holidays.
+-.]. Painted signs. Signs painted on exterior wall, window, or structure of
any kind shall be computed as part of the aggregate sign area and number
of signs.
�K. Barber poles. In addition to any other signs authorized by the
provisions of this chapter, any barbershop shall be entitled to display a
barber pole. The design of the pole and its location and manner of erection
shall be subject to the approval of the bum g-planning_director.
1 L. Credit card signs. Signs indicating credit cards honored may be
displayed in window areas only. Such signs are not computed as part of
the aggregate sign area and do not require a permit.
L--.M. Gate or entrance sign. Gate or entrance signs may be permitted,
and may be located in public rights-of-way, if approved by the planning
public works department.
14 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
WN. Community bulletin board. Subdivisions and residential communities
may be allowed to erect a permanent structure as a community bulletin
board if approved by the planning directors.
N-.0. Business hours signs. Signs stating business hours shall be excluded
from the provisions of this title, and may be erected upon private property
if approved by the planning
director. These signs shall not contain advertising or promotional
information. Maximum number permitted shall be one (1) per entrance,
with a maximum size of four (4) square feet.
G-.P. Public service signs. Nonadvertising or nonpromotional signs may be
erected as a public service to the community by public service clubs or
other nonprofit organizations. Such signs may be located in any zone upon
approval by the planning director.
Pl-.� Real estate signs. Real estate signs are permitted as follows. No sign
permit is required.
1. Residential uses.
a. Single-family dwellings and duplexes. One (1) real
estate sign shall be permitted for each street frontage of a lot. The sign
may have two (2) faces, shall not exceed a height of five (5) feet above
the surface of the street unless placed in a window, shall not exceed an
area of four (4) square feet per face, and shall be unlighted.
b. Multiple-family dwellings. One (1) real estate sign shall
be permitted for each street frontage of a development. The sign shall not
exceed an area of twelve (12) square feet, shall be attached flat against a
principal building, shall not project above the eave of the roof or the top of
the parapet of the building, and shall be unlighted.
15 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
2. Commercial and industrial uses. One (1) real estate sign shall
be permitted for each public entrance, but there shall not be more than
four (4) signs per lot. The sign shall not exceed an area of eight (8) square
feet, shall be attached flat against the building or freestanding, shall not
project above the eave of the roof or the top of the parapet of the building,
and shall be unlighted.
3. Unimproved acreage. One (1) real estate sign shall be
permitted for each lot. The sign shall not exceed an area of one-fourth
(1/4) square foot for each foot of lot frontage and shall not in any event
exceed fifty (50) square feet. The sign shall not exceed a height of ten
(10) feet above the surface of the nearest street, and shall be unlighted.
4. Portable signs. Portable signs are allowed for limited duration
sales events such as open houses, on the premises for sale and in the
right-of-way pursuant to KCC 15.06.060. Owners of the signs shall be
responsible for their removal within seven (7) calendar days following the
last date of the sales event.
Q-.R. Temporary signs. Temporary signs may be authorized by the
planning department for a time period specified for each type of temporary
sign.
1. Temporary subdivision or apartment signs. A temporary real
estate sign declaring a group of lots, dwellings, or occupancies within a
subdivision or apartment complex for sale or rent shall be permitted
subject to the following conditions:
a. One (1) such sign shall be permitted for each street
frontage of the premises being sold or leased. The sign shall be located on
the premises being sold or leased.
b. The area of such signs shall not exceed an area of
twenty-five (25) square feet each.
C. The signs shall not exceed a height of ten (10) feet
above the level of the street.
16 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
d. The signs shall be unlighted.
e. The signs shall not interfere with the sight distance of
pedestrians and motorists proceeding on or approaching adjacent streets.
f. The signs may remain as long as the project remains
unsold or unleased, or for one (1) year, whichever period shall be lesser;
provided, however, that the planning director shall have the authority to
extend the time period one (1) year.
,
be posted thiFty (39) days PFieF te the event, drive, carnpaign.-
depesit. Sueh signs shall be Femoved within seven (7) days afteF tl=�e
2.3. Construction signs. One (1) sign identifying a project under
construction shall be permitted for each street frontage of the building or
structure under construction. The sign n9ay eentain the name ef the
building eentFacteF and his subeeHtFaEteFS, the aFehiteet, and the engineeF.
The sign shall be permitted during the period of construction, and shall not
exceed a total of fifty (50) square feet for all faces.
3.4 Grand openings and special events signs. Special permits may
be issued by the planning department for a period not to exceed thirty
(30) calendar days for banners; and streamers, and teFnPOFaFy OF peFtable
s+gf�s for special events such as carnivals, outdoor affairs and sales, grand
openings, and events of a similar nature.
4. Portable signs. Portable signs may be placed on private
property without a permit only as follows:
a. A portable sign shall be made of weather resistant
wood, metal or plastic and shall be no greater than thirty- six (36) inches
wide by thirty-six (36) inches tall. Canvas, fabric, cardboard and paper
signs are prohibited.
17 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
b. Not more than two (2) portable signs may be utilized
per business. No commercial uses are allowed offsite portable signs in
residential zones, except as allowed by KCC 15.06.040(q)(4) and KCC
15.06.060
C. Portable signs shall not be placed within 10 feet of a
driveway, wheelchair ramp, crosswalk, or situated in such a way as to
constitute a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
d. Owners of signs related to a limited durations event
shall be responsible for their removal within seven (7) calendar days after
the termination of the event.
e. Portable signs advertising a property actively for sale
are governed by KCC 15.06.040(4)(4.
R_.S. Off-premises signs.
1. Authorized. The total number of off-premises sign structures
allowed within the city of Kent shall not exceed the total number of off-
premises sign structures in existence as of March 5, 2000, the date the
ordinance originally establishing this code section became effective. t4=e
eet;ve .ate f the „_d*nanee d'fwed this bseetien , Off-premises
��-v-�—aur�6,--�rr��-i�ra��--�vvn-i�a--i-i=r-�rrrs suv.s��rorr.T
sign structures shall be inventoried by the city. In order to assist the city in
its inventory, the owner of any off-premises sign located within the city
shall, to the best of its ability, provide the city with information as to the
dates of installation, repair, or alteration of the owner's off-premises signs
within the city and no repair, alteration, or replacement of any such off-
premises sign may occur until such information is provided to the city.
Subject to any permitting requirements, any person, firm, or corporation
who owns or maintains off-premises sign structures within the city of Kent
shall be authorized to alter, repair, maintain, and relocate their off-
premises sign structures in existence as of the effective date of the
ordinance codified in this subsection. As unincorporated areas are annexed
to the city of Kent, the total number of off-premises sign structures in the
18 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
area annexed will constitute an addition to the number authorized in the
city of Kent and shall be added to the inventory and shall be eligible to be
relocated.
To the extent the provisions of KCC 15.08.100(F) are inconsistent with this
subsection (R)(1), the provisions of this subsection shall prevail.
2. Districts where permitted. Off-premises signs are permitted in
M1, M2, and M3 districts. Off-premises signs not in one of the above zones
shall be categorized as legal nonconforming signs. A sign structure
authorized to be relocated pursuant to subsection (R)(1) of this section
may only be relocated to an M1, M2, or M3 zoning district. The owner of an
off-premises sign shall have two (2) years to relocate an inventoried off-
premises sign that has been removed under the authority of a demolition
permit. A one (1) year extension may be granted by the city planning
director in instances where relocation cannot be undertaken due to
circumstances beyond the control of the owner of the off-premises sign to
be relocated.
3. Standards.
a. Maximum size. As of the effective date of the ordinance
codified in this subsection, the maximum size per sign face is three
hundred (300) square feet.
b. Maximum height. Maximum height is thirty-five (35)
feet.
C. Distance from any intersection. Off-premises signs shall
be located a distance of three hundred (300) feet from any intersection.
d Double-faced signs. An off-premises sign structure may
contain up to two (2) sign faces arranged either back-to-back or in a V-
shape arrangement. The use of tri-vision panels on a sign face shall not in
itself constitute additional sign faces.
19 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
e. Spacing. Not more than four (4) sign structures per one
thousand (1,000) lineal feet are permitted.
4. Permits. Off-premises signs shall not be altered with regard to
size, shape, orientation, height, or location without the prior issuance of a
building permit. Ordinary maintenance shall not require building permits.
Off-premises sign copy replacement may occur at any time and is exempt
from the requirement for building permits. .
5. Tri-vision panels. Subject to applicable permitting
requirements, the allowable faces on off-premises sign structures listed on
the official city of Kent off-premises sign inventory may contain tri-vision
panels which rotate, subject to KCC 15.06.030(E). Tri-vision panels are the
only type of moving parts authorized on off-premises signs.
6. Unpermitted signs. Owners of off-premises signs that have
unpermitted tri-vision panels as of the date of the ordinance codified in this
subsection shall have one (1) year from the effective date of the ordinance
enacting this provision to apply for and obtain permits for such.
7. Electronic video signs prohibited. Off-premises signs that
contain electronic video displays similar to or otherwise depicting a
television screen are prohibited.
8. Hazard or nuisance. All off-premises signs, together with all of
their supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in good repair and
in a proper state of preservation and safety. If an off-premises sign is
determined by the Kent building official to be in a state of disrepair so as
to constitute a safety hazard or a nuisance as defined by the building code
or Kent City Code, the building official may initiate enforcement
proceedings pursuant to KCC 15.10.070.
9. Enforcement. Any violation of the provisions of this subsection
(fkS) shall be subject to enforcement pursuant to KCC 15.10.070.
20 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
'j
gFeateF than thiFty sox (36) inehes wide by feFty twe (42) inches tall.
nay be
•ttcu Lv.d to tz.
business pFengises shall be in lieu ef peFtable signs plaeed en the publiFe
T. Stadium signs. One double-faced freestanding or wall identification
sign is allowed for each street frontage. The sign may have an aggregate
area of one (1) square foot for each ten (10) lineal feet of street frontage,
up to a maximum sign area of two hundred (200) square feet per display
face. However, each stadium is guaranteed a minimum sign area of twelve
(12) square feet per display face regardless of street frontage. The sign
may be illuminated. The sign may include on each regulated display face
advertising on up to forty (40) percent of the total square footage for that
display face. The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be twenty
(20) feet.
U. Motorist information follow through signs. Motorist information
follow through signs may be located in the public right-of-way when
permitted pursuant to KCC 6.07.050(B).
SECTION S. - Amendment - KCC 15.06.050. Section 15.06.050 of
the Kent City Code, entitled "Regulations for specific districts," is hereby
amended as follows:
21 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
Sec. 15.06.050. Regulations for specific districts.
In all districts the planning director shall have the option to waive sign
type requirements in unique and special cases where, due to building
design or other special circumstance, the development is unable to
conform to stated standards.
A. Signs permitted in residential districts.
1. Identification signs for single-family dwellings and duplexes.
One identification sign shall be permitted for each occupancy. The sign
shall not exceed an area of three square feet, shall not exceed a height of
six feet above the surface of the street, shall be attached directly to a
building, fence, standard, or mailbox, and shall be unlighted or provided
with indirect illumination. Home occupations shall not be allowed additional
sign area.
2. Identification signs for multifamily dwellings. One
identification sign shall be permitted for each development, except that
multifamily dwellings with more than one street frontage may be allowed
an additional sign for each street frontage of such lot. Each sign shall not
exceed an area of 25 square feet, may be a wall or freestanding sign, shall
be unlighted or indirectly lighted, and shall not exceed a height of six feet
above the ground if freestanding.
3. Farm product identification signs. No permit is required, but
such signs may not be located in the public right-of-way.
4. Institutional signs. For institutional uses allowed in single
family zones, one (1) double-faced freestanding or wall identification sign
is permitted for each street frontage. The sign may have an aggregate
area of one (1) square foot for each ten (10) lineal feet of street frontage.
However, each use is guaranteed a minimum sign area of twenty-five (251
square feet per display face regardless of street frontage. The sign shall be
unlighted or indirectly illuminated. The sign may be an electronic
22 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
messaging center subject to the restrictions of KCC 15.06.040 (B). `
Freestanding symbols of sculpture used as identification may be permitted
with the approval of the planning and building divisions. Freestanding signs
and symbols of sculpture shall not exceed the maximum height of the
underlying zoning district. Wall signs, lettering, or symbols may also be
approved by the planning department.
B. Signs permitted in community commercial, general commercial, and
commercial manufacturing districts. The aggregate sign area for any lot
shall not exceed one and one-half square feet for each foot of street
frontage. Aggregate sign area for corner lots shall not exceed one square
foot for each foot of street frontage. The permitted signs enumerated in
this subsection shall be subject to the total aggregate sign area.
1. Identification signs for occupancies. Each business
establishment may have one freestanding sign for each street frontage if
not located in a shopping center, and three additional signs.
a. Freestanding sign. The freestanding sign shall not
exceed a height of 30 feet. The maximum sign area permitted is 200
square feet for the total of all faces. No one face shall exceed 100 square
feet. The sign may be illuminated.
b. Additional signs. Three additional signs shall be
permitted subject to the following restrictions:
i. The total area of all signs, graphics, or other
advertising shall not be more than 10 percent of the building facade to
which they are attached or on which they are displayed.
ii. On properties where a pole sign cannot be
erected due to setback requirements or building placement, a projecting
sign may be allowed in lieu of the permitted freestanding sign. The
projecting sign may not exceed 15 square feet in outside dimension.
2. Identification signs for shopping centers. One freestanding
identification sign, which may list the names of the occupants of the
23 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
shopping center, shall be permitted for each street frontage of each
shopping center. The maximum sign area permitted for a freestanding sign
is 200 square feet for the total of all faces. No one face shall exceed 100
square feet. A freestanding sign shall not exceed a height of 30 feet, and
may be illuminated.
3. Automobile service station signs. The aggregate sign area for
any corner lot shall not exceed one square foot for each foot of lot
frontage, and the aggregate sign area for any interior lot shall not exceed
one and one-half square feet for each foot of lot frontage; and the
permitted signs enumerated in this subsection shall be subject to the total
aggregate sign area.
a. Freestanding signs. One freestanding lighted double-
faced identification sign, not exceeding 200 square feet for the total of all
faces, with no such face exceeding 100 square feet, is permitted. Such
sign shall not exceed a height of 30 feet. If on a corner lot, two monument
signs not exceeding 100 square feet per sign for the total of all faces are
permitted. Such monument signs shall not exceed a height of 15 feet.
Freestanding signs shall be lighted during business hours only.
b. Additional signs. Three additional signs shall be
permitted subject to the following restrictions: The total area of all signs,
graphics, or other advertising shall not be more than 10 percent of the
building facade to which they are attached or on which they are displayed.
C. Fuel price signs. Fuel price signs shall be included in
the aggregate sign area.
4. Farm product identification signs. No permit is required, but
such signs may not be located in the public right-of-way.
C. Signs permitted in downtown commercial and downtown commercial
enterprise districts. The aggregate sign area for any lot shall not exceed
one and one-half square feet for each foot of street frontage. The
aggregate sign area for corner lots shall not exceed one square foot for
24 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
each foot of street frontage. The permitted signs enumerated in this
subsection shall be subject to the total aggregate sign area.
1. Identification signs for multitenant buildings.
a. Wall sign. Each multitenant building may have one
identification wall sign for the building's identification for each street
frontage. The sign shall not exceed a total of five percent of the facade to
which it is attached. The sign shall not name or advertise the individual
tenants of the building. Aggregate sign area shall apply. A multitenant
building will have the option of the sign described in this subsection
(C)(1)(a) or the identification sign described in subsection (C)(1)(b) of this
section.
b. Freestanding sign. Each building may have one
freestanding sign on each street frontage. The sign may not exceed 15 feet
in height. The maximum sign area permitted for the freestanding sign is
100 square feet for the total of all faces. No one face shall exceed 50
square feet. Multitenant freestanding signs shall not name or advertise the
individual tenants of the building.
2. Identification signs for occupancies. Each occupant of a
multitenant building shall be permitted two wall signs. Such signs shall not
exceed 10 percent of the facade of the individual business unit. Aggregate
sign area shall not apply.
3. Identification signs for single-tenant buildings.
a. Each building may have one freestanding sign for each
street frontage. The sign may not exceed a height of 15 feet. The
maximum sign area permitted for the freestanding sign is 100 square feet
for the total of all faces. No one face shall exceed 50 square feet.
b. Three additional signs shall be permitted. All signs are
subject to the aggregate sign area allowed. The total area of all signs,
graphics, or other types of signs shall not exceed 10 percent of the facade
to which they are attached or on which they are displayed.
25 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
D. Signs permitted in midway transit community-1 district. The
aggregate sign area for any lot shall not exceed one square foot for each
linear foot of street frontage. Aggregate sign area for corner lots shall not
exceed three-fourths of a square foot for each linear foot of street
frontage. The permitted signs enumerated in this subsection shall be
subject to the total aggregate sign area and may be permitted subject to
Midway Design Guidelines.
1. Identification signs for occupancies. Each single business
property may have one freestanding monument sign per street frontage or
one projecting sign per street frontage if located along or at the
intersections of SR 99, SR 516, South 240th Street, South 246th Street, or
South 272nd Street, if not located in a multitenant building, and one wall
sign and one suspended sign per street frontage.
a. Freestanding monument signs. Freestanding monument
signs shall not exceed a height of 20 feet. The maximum sign area
permitted is 100 square feet for the total of all faces. No one face shall
exceed 50 square feet. The sign may be internally illuminated; provided,
that it shall be constructed using individual letters/characters, or sign
cabinets with an opaque field or background so that only the individual
letters/characters are illuminated. Freestanding monument signs shall not
rotate, blink, flash, or be animated. Freestanding monument signs shall
include landscaping and curbing around the base of the sign to prevent
vehicles hitting the structure and improve the visual appearance of the
sign structure. Landscaping shall be in proportion to the structure, with a
minimum of one-half square foot of landscaping for each square foot of
sign area, and shall be maintained throughout the life of the sign.
b. Projecting or suspended signs. Projecting or suspended
signs shall not protrude less than eight feet above the surface of the
sidewalk. The following are recognized projecting signs:
i. Blade signs. Blade signs shall be double-faced,
may be nonilluminated, internal or internal indirect illuminated, or neon
26 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
tube illuminated. Internal illumination shall be constructed using individual '
letters/characters, or sign cabinets with an opaque field or background so
that only the individual letters/characters are illuminated. The maximum
sign area permitted is 80 square feet. No one face shall exceed 40 square
feet. The maximum sign height permitted is 20 feet. Blade signs shall not
rotate, blink, flash, or be animated.
ii. Hanging signs. Hanging signs shall be double-
faced and shall be nonilluminated.
C. Wall signs. Wall signs shall not exceed an area of 10
percent of the building first floor facade to which they are attached, or 24
square feet, whichever is greater. Wall signs shall be attached flat against
the building, and placement shall not exceed 35 feet above median
sidewalk grade measured from the top of the sign. Wall signs may be
nonilluminated, internally or indirectly illuminated. Internal illumination
shall be constructed using individual letters/characters, or sign cabinets
with an opaque field or background so that only the individual
letters/characters are illuminated.
2. Identification signs for multitenant buildings. Each multitenant
property may have one freestanding monument sign per street frontage or
one projecting sign per street frontage if located along or at the
intersections of SR 99 and SR 516, South 240th Street, South 246th
Street, or South 272nd Street and each occupancy may have one wall sign
and one suspended sign per occupancy, except the anchor tenants with a
business frontage of at least 100 linear feet shall be allowed two wall
signs. The aggregate wall sign area shall not exceed 10 percent of the first
floor building facade to which the signs are attached.
a. Freestanding monument signs. Each multitenant
property may have one freestanding monument sign on each street
frontage. The sign may not exceed a height of 20 feet. The maximum sign
area permitted is 100 square feet for the total of all faces. No one face
shall exceed 50 square feet. The sign may be internally illuminated;
27 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
provided, that it shall be constructed using individual letters/characters, or
sign cabinets with an opaque field or background so that only the
individual letters/characters are illuminated. Freestanding monument signs
shall not rotate, blink, flash, or be animated. Freestanding monument
signs shall include landscaping and curbing around the base of the sign to
prevent vehicles hitting the structure and improve the visual appearance of
the sign structure. Landscaping shall be in proportion to the structure, with
a minimum of one-half square foot of landscaping for each square foot of
sign area, and shall be maintained throughout the life of the sign.
b. Wall signs. Each multitenant building may have one
identification wall sign for the building's identification for each street
frontage. The sign shall not exceed a total of five percent of the first floor
facade to which it is attached. The sign shall not name or advertise the
individual tenants of the building. The sign may be internally illuminated;
provided, that it shall be constructed using individual letters/characters, or
sign cabinets with an opaque field or background so that only the
individual letters/characters are illuminated. Aggregate sign area shall
apply. A multitenant building shall have the option of the sign described in
this subsection (D)(2)(b) or the identification sign described in subsection
(D)(2)(c) of this section.
C. Identification signs for occupancies. Each occupant of a
multitenant building with street frontage shall be permitted two wall signs
and one projecting or suspended sign. Each occupancy shall be allowed at
least 24 square feet of sign area. The aggregate wall sign area shall not
exceed 10 percent of the first floor facade to which the signs are attached.
The wall sign may be internally illuminated. Internal illumination shall be
constructed using individual letters/characters, or sign cabinets with an
opaque field or background so that only the individual letters/characters
are illuminated. The projecting or suspended sign shall be nonilluminated.
3. Freestanding signs, exceptions. The director may permit
freestanding signs other than monument-type freestanding signs within
28 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
the MTC-1 zoning district along the SR-99 street frontage to a maximum
sign area of 150 square feet for the total of all faces, and a maximum
height of 20 feet, where the applicant demonstrates all of the following:
a. No single cabinet face is greater than 40 square feet;
b. Creativity in design that creates visual interest for
motorists and pedestrians consistent with the goals of the Midway Subarea
Plan and Design Guidelines. Examples include sculptural signs or multi-
cabinet signs with variation in face shape, size, and height;
C. The sign's support structure(s) is (i) ornamented for
pedestrian-level visual interest, or (ii) screened from view at the
pedestrian eye level using landscaping or other creative screening
element;
d. The subject property has at least 200 linear feet of
frontage on SR-99 where the sign is to be located;
e. The proposed signage will not adversely impact or
detract from the welfare of nearby residences;
f. The proposed sign location will not obstruct or
otherwise interfere with pedestrian movement, the location of pedestrian
facilities within the public right-of-way, or on the private development site;
and
g. A projecting or suspended sign would not achieve the
intended purpose of such signage.
E. Signs permitted in midway transit community-2 district. The
aggregate sign area for any lot shall not exceed one square foot for each
linear foot of street frontage. Aggregate sign area for corner lots shall not
exceed three-fourths of a square foot for each linear foot of street
frontage. The permitted signs enumerated in this subsection shall be
subject to the total aggregate sign area and may be permitted subject to
Midway Design Guidelines.
29 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
1. Identification signs for occupancies. Each single business
property may have one freestanding monument sign per street frontage or
one projecting sign per street frontage, if not located in a multitenant
building, and two wall signs and one suspended sign per street frontage.
a. Freestanding monument signs. Freestanding monument
signs shall not exceed a height of five feet. The maximum sign area
permitted is 30 square feet for the total of all faces. No one face shall
exceed 15 square feet. The sign may be illuminated indirectly.
Freestanding monument signs shall include landscaping and curbing
around the base of the sign to prevent vehicles hitting the structure and
improve the visual appearance of the sign structure. Landscaping shall be
in proportion to the structure, with a minimum of one-half square foot of
landscaping for each square foot of sign area, and shall be maintained
throughout the life of the sign.
b. Projecting or suspended signs. Projecting or suspended
signs shall not protrude less than eight feet above the surface of the
sidewalk. The following are recognized projecting signs:
i. Blade signs. Blade signs shall be double-faced,
may be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated, or neon tube illuminated.
The maximum sign area permitted is 30 square feet. No one face shall
exceed 15 square feet. The maximum sign height permitted is 15 feet.
Blade signs shall not rotate, blink, flash, or be animated.
ii. Hanging signs. Hanging signs shall be double-
faced and shall be nonilluminated.
C. Wall signs. Wall signs shall not exceed an area of five
percent of the building first floor facade to which they are attached, or 24
square feet, whichever is greater. Wall signs shall be attached flat against
the building, and placement shall not exceed 15 feet above median
sidewalk grade measured from the top of the sign. If a single business
building is greater than 65 feet in height, one building identification wall
sign for each street frontage may be placed on the parapet. Wall signs
30 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
i may be nonilluminated, internally or indirectly illuminated, or neon tube
illuminated. Internal illumination shall be constructed using individual
letters/characters, or sign cabinets with an opaque field or background so
that only the individual letters/characters are illuminated. Wall signs shall
not blink, flash, or be animated.
2. Identification signs for multitenant buildings. Each multitenant
property may have one freestanding monument sign or one projecting sign
and each occupancy with street frontage may have two wall signs and one
suspended sign. The aggregate wall sign area shall not exceed five percent
of the first floor building facade to which the signs are attached.
a. Freestanding monument signs. Each multitenant
property may have one freestanding monument sign on each street
frontage. The sign may not exceed a height of five feet. The maximum
sign area permitted is 30 square feet for the total of all faces. No one face
shall exceed 15 square feet. The sign may be illuminated indirectly.
Freestanding monument signs shall include landscaping and curbing
around the base of the sign to prevent vehicles hitting the structure and
improve the visual appearance of the sign structure. Landscaping shall be
in proportion to the structure, with a minimum of one-half square foot of
landscaping for each square foot of sign area, and shall be maintained
throughout the life of the sign.
b. Projecting or suspended signs. Projecting or suspended
signs shall not protrude less than eight feet above the surface of the
sidewalk. The following are recognized projecting signs:
i. Blade signs. Blade signs shall be double-faced,
may be nonilluminated, internal indirect illuminated, or neon tube
illuminated. The maximum sign area permitted is 30 square feet. No one
face shall exceed 15 square feet. The maximum sign height permitted is
15 feet. Blade signs shall not rotate, blink, flash, or be animated.
ii. Hanging signs. Hanging signs shall be double-
faced and shall be nonilluminated.
31 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
C. Wall signs. Each multitenant building may have one
identification wall sign for the building's identification for each street
frontage. The sign shall not exceed a total of five percent of the first floor
facade to which it is attached, or 24 square feet, whichever is greater. Wall
signs shall be attached flat against the building, and placement shall not
exceed 15 feet above median sidewalk grade measured from the top of the
sign. If the multitenant building is greater than 65 feet in height, one
building identification wall sign for each street frontage may be placed on
the parapet. The sign shall not name or advertise the individual tenants of
the building. Wall signs may be nonilluminated, internally or indirectly
illuminated, or neon tube illuminated. Internal illumination shall be
constructed using individual letters/characters, or sign cabinets with an
opaque field or background so that only the individual letters/characters
are illuminated. Wall signs shall not blink, flash, or be animated. Aggregate
sign area shall apply. A multitenant building shall have the option of the
sign described in this subsection (E)(2)(c) or the identification sign
described in subsection (E)(2)(d) of this section.
d. Identification signs for occupancies. Each occupant of a
multitenant building with street frontage shall be permitted two wall signs
and one projecting or suspended sign. Each occupancy with street frontage
shall be allowed at least 24 square feet of sign area. The aggregate wall
sign area shall not exceed five percent of the first floor facade to which the
signs are attached. The wall sign may be internally illuminated. Internal
illumination shall be constructed using individual letters/characters, or sign
cabinets with an opaque field or background so that only the individual
letters/characters are illuminated. The projecting or suspended sign shall
be nonilluminated. Wall signs shall not blink, flash, or be animated.
F. Signs permitted in midway commercial/residential district. The
aggregate sign area for any lot shall not exceed one square foot for each
linear foot of street frontage. Aggregate sign area for corner lots shall not
32 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
exceed three-fourths of a square foot for each linear foot of street
frontage. The permitted signs enumerated in this subsection shall be
subject to the total aggregate sign area and may be permitted subject to
Midway Design Guidelines.
1. Identification signs for occupancies. Each single business
property may have one freestanding monument sign per street frontage or
one projecting sign per street frontage, if not located in a multitenant
building, and two wall signs and one suspended sign per street frontage.
a. Freestanding monument signs. Freestanding monument
signs shall not exceed a height of 15 feet. The maximum sign area
permitted is 80 square feet for the total of all faces. No one face shall
exceed 40 square feet. The sign may be internally illuminated; provided,
that it shall be constructed using individual letters/characters, or sign
cabinets with an opaque field or background so that only the individual
letters/characters are illuminated. Freestanding monument signs shall not
rotate, blink, flash, or be animated. Freestanding monument signs shall
include landscaping and curbing around the base of the sign to prevent
vehicles hitting the structure and improve the visual appearance of the
sign structure. Landscaping shall be in proportion to the structure, with a
minimum of one-half square foot of landscaping for each square foot of
sign area, and shall be maintained throughout the life of the sign.
b. Projecting or suspended signs. Projecting or suspended
signs shall not protrude less than eight feet above the surface of the
sidewalk. The following are recognized projecting signs:
i. Blade signs. Blade signs shall be double-faced,
may be nonilluminated, internal or internal indirect illuminated, or neon
tube illuminated. Internal illumination shall be constructed using individual
letters/characters, or sign cabinets with an opaque field or background so
that only the individual letters/characters are illuminated. The maximum
sign area permitted is 80 square feet. No one face shall exceed 40 square
33 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
feet. The maximum sign height permitted is 20 feet. Blade signs shall not
rotate, blink, flash, or be animated.
ii. Hanging signs. Hanging signs shall be double-
faced and shall be nonilluminated.
C. Wall signs. Wall signs shall not exceed an area of 10
percent of the building first floor facade to which they are attached, or 24
square feet, whichever is greater. Wall signs shall be attached flat against
the building, and placement shall not exceed 35 feet above median
sidewalk grade measured from the top of the sign. Wall signs may be
nonilluminated, internally or indirectly illuminated. Internal illumination
shall be constructed using individual letters/characters, or sign cabinets
with an opaque field or background so that only the individual
letters/characters are illuminated.
2. Identification signs for multitenant buildings. Each multitenant
property may have one freestanding monument sign or one projecting sign
and each occupancy with street frontage may have two wall signs and one
suspended sign per street frontage, except the anchor tenants with a
business frontage of at least 100 linear feet shall be allowed three wall
signs. The aggregate wall sign area shall not exceed 10 percent of the first
floor building facade to which the signs are attached.
a. Freestanding monument signs. Each multitenant
property may have one freestanding monument sign on each street
frontage. The sign may not exceed a height of 15 feet. The maximum sign
area permitted is 80 square feet for the total of all faces. No one face shall
exceed 40 square feet. The sign may be internally illuminated; provided,
that it shall be constructed using individual letters/characters, or sign
cabinets with an opaque field or background so that only the individual
letters/characters are illuminated. Freestanding monument signs shall not
rotate, blink, flash, or be animated. Freestanding monument signs shall
include landscaping and curbing around the base of the sign to prevent
vehicles hitting the structure and improve the visual appearance of the
34 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
sign structure. Landscaping shall be in proportion to the structure, with a
minimum of one-half square foot of landscaping for each square foot of
sign area, and shall be maintained throughout the life of the sign.
b. Wall signs. Each multitenant building may have one
identification wall sign for the building's identification for each street
frontage. The sign shall not exceed a total of five percent of the first floor
facade to which it is attached. The sign shall not name or advertise the
individual tenants of the building. The sign may be internally illuminated;
provided, that it shall be constructed using individual letters/characters, or
sign cabinets with an opaque field or background so that only the
individual letters/characters are illuminated. Aggregate sign area shall
apply. A multitenant building will have the option of the sign described in
this subsection (F)(2)(b) or the identification sign described in subsection
(F)(2)(c) of this section.
C. Identification signs for occupancies. Each occupant of a
multitenant building with street frontage shall be permitted two wall signs
and one projecting or suspended sign. Each occupancy shall be allowed at
least 24 square feet of sign area. The aggregate wall sign area shall not
exceed 10 percent of the first floor facade to which the signs are attached.
The wall sign may be internally illuminated. Internal illumination shall be
constructed using individual letters/characters, or sign cabinets with an
opaque field or background so that only the individual letters/characters
are illuminated. The projecting or suspended sign shall be nonilluminated.
G. Signs permitted in neighborhood convenience commercial districts.
1. Generally. One freestanding double-faced identification sign
shall be permitted for each lot. The sign shall not exceed a maximum area
of 50 square feet for the total of all faces. No one face shall exceed 25
square feet. A freestanding sign shall not exceed a height of 15 feet and
shall be unlighted or provided with indirect illumination.
35 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
2. Identification signs for buildings. One identification sign shall
be permitted for each principal building. The sign shall not exceed an area
of five percent of the facade to which it is attached, shall be attached flat
against the building, shall not project above the eave of the roof or the top
of the parapet, and shall be unlighted or provided with indirect
illumination. Such signs shall not advertise or name individual tenants of
the building.
3. Identification signs for occupancies. Signs not exceeding a
total of five percent of the facade of the business unit to which they are
attached shall be permitted for each occupancy in a multitenant building
when the occupancy has outside frontage.
H. Signs permitted in industrial districts.
1. Aggregate sign area. The aggregate sign area for lots in the
M1 and AG districts shall not exceed one-half square foot for each foot of
street frontage. The aggregate sign area for lots in the M2 district shall not
exceed three-fourths of a square foot for each foot of street frontage. The
aggregate sign area for lots in the M3 district shall not exceed one square
foot for each foot of street frontage. In no case shall the aggregate sign
area exceed one-half square foot for each foot of street frontage on a
corner lot. The permitted signs enumerated in this subsection shall be
subject to the total aggregate sign area.
a. Identification signs for buildings. One identification sign
shall be permitted for each lot on each street frontage, which may be a
freestanding sign or a wall sign. The maximum sign area permitted for a
freestanding sign is 200 square feet for the total of all faces. No one face
shall exceed 100 square feet. If the sign is a wall sign, its size shall not
exceed 20 percent of the building facade. A freestanding sign shall not
exceed a height of 20 feet. The sign may be illuminated.
b. Identification signs for occupancies. One identification
sign shall be permitted for each occupancy on each street frontage and
36 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 - '
Re: Sign Regulations
shall be a wall sign. The maximum size of the sign shall be 10 percent of
the building facade. This sign may be illuminated. If the identification sign
permitted under subsection (H)(1)(a) of this section is a wall sign, an
additional wall sign may be permitted on a building facade not facing a
street frontage.
2. Farm product identification signs. No permit is required, but
the sign may not be located in the public right-of-way.
I. Signs permitted in planned unit developments, special use
combining districts, and mobile home park districts and for conditional
uses. All signs in planned unit developments, special use combining
districts, and mobile home parks and for conditional uses shall be
incorporated as part of the developmental plan and approved with the
developmental plan. Subsequent changes which conform to the adopted
signing program may be granted by the planning director.
J. Signs permitted in shopping centers. The aggregate sign area for
each occupant of a shopping center shall not exceed 20 percent of the
front facade of the unit. Wall signs are permitted on each exterior wall of
the individual business unit. A minimum of 30 square feet shall be
permitted for any occupancy. No combination of signs shall exceed 10
percent of the facade to which they are attached. If there is an attached
canopy or overhang, a 10-square-foot sign may be attached to the canopy
or overhang in addition to the other permitted signs. Such sign shall be at
least eight feet above any pedestrian walkway.
SECTION 9. - Amendment - Chapter 15.06 KCC - New KCC
15.06.060. Chapter 15.06 of the Kent City Code, entitled "Sign
Regulations," is hereby amended to add a new section 15.06.060
establishing regulations for sign placement within public places and city
rights-of-way.
37 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
Sec. 15.06.060. Regulations for Public Places and City Right-
of-Way. Signs may be placed on a public place without a permit only as
follows:
A. Portable signs. Portable signs as defined herein may be placed on a
public place without a permit upon the following conditions:
1. The location of the sign shall not reduce or obstruct
pedestrian passage on the sidewalk to less than four (4) feet to the
nearest street trees, utility poles, traffic control signs and devices, parking
meters, fire hydrants, buildings and other similar devices and structures.
Furthermore, such placement shall be consistent with any applicable
standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act and shall not
obstruct vehicular traffic or parking or the use of any crosswalk,
wheelchair ramp, bus, or taxi zone.
2. No portable signs shall be installed or placed upon power
poles, telephone poles, street light standards, sign posts, trees, traffic
controllers, markers, on any railing, fence, bridge, overpass, street
crosswalk, public building, or lawn or open area surrounding any public
building.
3. No portable sign shall be placed within ten (10) feet of a
driveway, wheelchair ramp, crosswalk, or intersection or placed or situated
on a public place in such a way as to constitute a threat to the health
safety and welfare of the public or interfere with the use of the public
place. Such signs shall not obstruct site distance per 15.06.040 LD).
4. Portable signs shall be installed so that the top of the sign
does not exceed an elevation of thirty-six (36) inches higher than the
height of the sidewalk, bike path or walkway. Where these improvements
do not exist, the thirty-six (36) inch height limitation shall be measured
from the highest edge of the street, alley or driveway. Signs may also not
38 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
exceed a width of third-six (36) inches and shall not be installed in
locations where the width of the sign would impede safe travel.
5. Portable signs shall be constructed of weather-resistant
wood, metal or plastic. Canvas, cardboard and paper signs are prohibited.
6. Attachment of paper, plastic, balloons, or cardboard to a sign
is not permitted if such attachment extends the approved height or width
of the sign.
7. Portable signs shall not be weighted down, or otherwise
attached to public property in such a way as to resist impact by a traveling
vehicle, bicycle or pedestrian.
B. Banners. Banners may be placed on a public place only by permit
pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
C. Other. All other signs are prohibited on public places for private
purposes and on any equipment, facilities and structures located upon
public places, including, but not limited to, power poles, telephone poles,
street light standards, sign posts, trees, traffic controllers, markers,
railings, bridges, overpasses, and public buildings.
D. Removal. Owners of signs and banners displayed for temporary
events shall be responsible for their removal within seven (7) calendar
days following the last date of the event or the activity for which the signs
were displayed. Signs that are faded, torn, broken or otherwise in a state
of disrepair shall be removed by the owner immediately.
SECTION 10. - Amendment - KCC 15.06.070. Section 15.06.070
of the Kent City Code, entitled "Structural safety and maintenance of
signs," is hereby amended as follows:
39 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
Sec. 15.06.070. Structural safety and maintenance of signs.
All parts, portions, units, and materials composing a sign, together with
the frame, background, supports, or anchorage thereto, shall be
maintained in a proper state of safety and repair and a proper state of
preservation. The surface of all signs shall be kept neatly painted. Signs
that are faded, torn, broken or otherwise in a state of disrepair shall be
removed by the owner immediately or repaired within 14 calendar days of
notification by the City.
SECTION 11. - Amendment - KCC 15.06.080. Section 15.06.080
of the Kent City Code, entitled "Administrative procedures", is hereby
amended as follows:
Sec. 15.06.080. Administrative procedures.
A. Permits. -1--. To ensure compliance with the regulations of this
chapter, a permit shall be required for all signs hereafter installed or
altered within the corporate boundaries of the city, except as otherwise
provided in this
chapterseet+en. No sign shall be erected, installed, applied, affixed, altered,
or relocated without a permit from the building department and the
planning department. The sign permit shall certify that the sign, as
represented by plans, drawings, or statements, is in conformance with the
regulations of this chapter.
chapteF bUt n9ay be eFeeted, installed, affixed,altered, eF Felecatedwitheut
a s+g+g peFm+t
b.
40 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
r r
'Ong the
type of sign as designated in this r r Of lighted,
illuminatien the n9ethed of
Fate as
and the height ef the sign.
te
rshewing all StFUetffes,
ffepeFty.
evatwen
ef the building faeade. This elevatien shall be fully dimensienal and
fing the
rdiagFams,
B. Fees and deposits. Fees shall be governed by the fee schedule
contained in the fee resolution adopted by the city.
C. The planning director shall make the final decision on a sign permit
application submitted pursuant to this chapter. Any appeal from the final
decision of the planning director shall be to the hearing examiner pursuant
to the requirements of Chapter 2.32 KCC and the appeal provisions of
Chapter 12.01 KCC.
41 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
D. Abatement of illegal signs. Any sign that violates the provisions of
this chapter shall be deemed a public nuisance and shall be in lien against
the property on which the sign was maintained and a personal obligation
against the property owner. The property owner shall first be served with a
notice to abate the nuisance, except in the case of portable signs. Illegal
portable signs may be immediately removed by the city, and the owner
shall be given notice that the sign will be destroyed if not claimed within
ten (10) calendar days. Appeal of the abatement notice may be made to
the hearing examiner. If, after such a hearing, the hearing examiner
orders agents of the city to remove the nuisance, they shall have authority
to enter upon private property to remove the nuisance.
E. Variances.
1. A sign variance is categorized as a Process III application and
shall be subject to the requirements of Chapter 12.01 KCC. Variances from
the terms of this chapter may be granted by the hearing examiner upon
proper application. Variances may be granted when, because of special
circumstances applicable to the property, including size, shape,
topography, location, or surroundings, the strict interpretation of the
regulations of this chapter deprives such property of privileges enjoyed by
other property in the vicinity and under identical zoning classifications.
2. The variance shall not constitute a grant of special privilege
inconsistent with a limitation upon uses of other properties in the vicinity
and zone in which such property is situated.
SECTION 12. - Severability. If any one or more section,
subsection, or sentence of this ordinance is held to be unconstitutional or
invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion
of this ordinance and the same shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 13. - Corrections by City Clerk or Code Reviser. Upon
approval of the city attorney, the city clerk and the code reviser are
42 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
authorized to make necessary corrections to this ordinance, including the
correction of clerical errors; ordinance, section, or subsection numbering;
or references to other local, state, or federal laws, codes, rules, or
regulations.
SECTION 14. - Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect and
be in force thirty days from and after its passage, as provided by law.
November 19, 2019
DANA RALPH, MA R - Date Approved
ATTEST:
ihUuUn� '
November 19, 2019
KIMBERLE . KOMOTO, CI CLERK Date Adopted
November 22, 2019
Date Published
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
HUR "PAT" FITZPATRICK; CITY ATTORNEY
�4
tl
.•4 �Rp: 4gr
xx .�
,
•..off
43 Amend KCC 6.07, 15.02, 15.06 -
Re: Sign Regulations
STATE OF WASHINGTON, COUNTY OF KING }
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
PUBLIC NOTICE
Polly Shepherd, being first duly sworn on oath that she is the Publisher of the
Kent - Covington Reporter
a weekly newspaper, which newspaper is a legal newspaper of general
circulation and is now and has been for more than six months prior to the date
of publication hereinafter referred to,published in the English language
continuously as a weekly newspaper in King County, Washington. The
Kent - Covington Reporter has been approved as a Legal Newspaper by order of
the Superior Court of the State of Washington for King County.
The notice in the exact form annexed was published in regular issues of
the Kent - Covington Reporter(and not in supplement form) which was regularly
distributed to its subscribers during the below stated period. The annexed
notice (881426), a:
Public Notice
was published on November 22"d, 2019.
The amo e fee charged for said foregoing publication is the sum of$542.99.
Ek
Polly Shepherd, Publisher, Kent - Covington Reporter
co "OTAAY ro;
PUBLIC
Subscri nd sworn to me this 22"d day of November, 2019. � :`o �:`p
NO �g°
!ale Gwin, Notary Public for the State of Washington, Residing in Covington,WA
Classified Proof
CITY OF KENT
NOTICE OF
ORDINANCES
PASSED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL
The following are sum-
manes of ordinances j
E passed by the Kent City
Council on November
( 19,2019:
! ORDINANCE NO.4338
i AN ORDINANCE of i
the City Council of the
i City of Kent, Washing-
ton,was adopted on No-
vember 5, 2019, which
i granted Zayo Group,
LLC, a 10-year non-ex-
clusive telecommunica-
tions franchise agree-
ment; authorized the
Mayor to sign all docu-
ments necessary to im-
plement the full terms of
the negotiated agree-
ment; and directed the
City Clerk to publish no-
lice of Council's grant of
this telecommunications
franchise. A complete
copy of the Telecommu-
nications Franchise
Agreement is available
through the City Clerk's
Office, located at 220
Fourth Avenue South in
the City of Kent, or on-
line at https/Mocu-
ments.kentwa.govL
This ordinance,being an
exercise of a power spe-
cifically delegated to the
City's legislative body,is
not subject to referen-
dum. It shall be pub-
lished and will take ef-
i feet 30 days after its
Passage. The Franchise
i Agreement, however,
shall become effective f
only upon its acceptance
by Zayo Group,LLC and
execution by the Mayor.
Should Zayo fail to time-
ly file its written accep-
lance Of the Franchise
Agreement,Zayo will be
deemed to have rejected `,
Classified Proof
i
and repudiated the Fran-
chise Agreement and
the franchise will be
voidable by the City.
ORDINANCE NO, 4339
- AN ORDINANCE of
the City Council of the
Gity of Kent, Washing-
fon, amending chapters f
15.02 and 15.04 of the
Kent City Code relating
to group homes, board-
ing homes, short-term
rentals and communal
residences.
This ordinance shall take
effect and be in force 30
days from and after its
passage,as provided by
taw.
ORDINANCE NO. 4340
AN ORDINANCE of
the City Council of the
City of Kent, Washing-
ton, amending sections
6.07.020 and 6,07.050
of the Kent City Code,
regulating signage in the
public right of way, and
amending chapters
15.02 and 15.06 of the
Kent City Code,regulat-
ing signage generally
within the City_
This ordinance shall take
effect and be in force
thirty days from and after
its passage,as provided
r by law.
ORDINANCE NO. 4341
( AN ORDINANCE of
the City Council of the
City of Kent, Washing-
ton, relating to local
sales or use taxes; im-
posing the maximum ca-
pacity of the tax author-
ized under the
provisions of RCW
82.14.540 for affordable
and supportive housing;
amending Chapter 3.16
of the Kent City Code by
adding a new section
3,16.035, entitled
`Additional sales or use
tax for housing`;and au-
thorizing the Mayor to
use the funds and pool
resources with South
King Housing and
Homelessness Partners.
This ordinance,pursuant
to RCW 35A.11.090(7),
shall take effect and be
in force five days after its
publication, as provided
by law.
ORDINANCE NO. 4342
- AN ORDINANCE of
the City Council of the
City of Kent, Washing-
ton, amending chapters
3.18, 3.21, 326, 3.26
and 3.29, of the Kent
City Code to consolidate
administrative provisions
for all taxes, align the
City's B&O tax provi-
sions with the model or-
dinance, and add vari-
ous clarifications.
This ordinance shall take
effect and be in force
thirty days from and after
its passage,as provided
by law. The amend-
ments to the Kent City
Code herein, however,
shall not be effective un-
til January 1,2020,
ORDINANCE NO. 4343
AN ORDINANCE of
Classified Proof
the ury uouncu of the
City of Kent, Washing-
ton, approving the con-
solidating budget adjust-
ments made between
July 1, 2019 and Sep-
tember 30,2019,reflect- i
ing an overall budget in-
crease of$12,002,345.
This ordinance shall take
effect and be in force
five days after publica-
tion,as provided by law.
ORDINANCE NO. 43"
- AN ORDINANCE of
the City Council of the
City of Kent, Washing-
ton, relating to the mid-
biennial review and
modification of the 2019-
2020 biennial budget as
required by RCW
35A.34.130 and Ordi-
nance No. 4230; adopt-
ing certain modifications
to the 2020 budget;and
establishing an effective
date.
This ordinance shall take
effect and be in force
January 1, 2020, which
is more than five days
after its publication, as
provided by law.
ORDINANCE NO. 4345
AN :ORDINANCE of
the City Council of the
City of Kent, Washing-
ton,levying 2019 proper-
ty taxes for the 2020 bi-
ennial budget for the
City of Kent.
This ordinance shall take
effect and be in force
January 1, 2020, which
is more than five days
after its publication, as
provided by law.
ORDINANCE NO. 4346
AN ORDINANCE of
the City Council of the
City of Kent, Washing-
ton, amending the Kent
Comprehensive Plan
and its Capital Facilities
Element to reflect a six-
year plan for capital rri-
provement projects
((2)020-2025)(CPA-2019-
This ordinance shall take
effect and be in force 30
days from and after its
Passage,as provided by
law.
ORDINANCE NO, 4347
- AN ORDINANCE of
the City Council of the
City of Kent. Washing-
ton, amending the Kent
Comprehensive Plan
and its Capital Facilities
Element to include the
Capital Facilities Plans
of the Kent, Federal
Way. Auburn and High-
line School Districts
(CPA-2019-1).
This ordinance will take
effect and be in force 30
days from and after its
Passage,as provided by
law.
ORDINANCE NO. 4348
- AN ORDINANCE of
the City Council of the
City of Kent, Washing-
ton, amending Section
12.13.160 of the Kent
City Code to adjust the
school impact fee sched-
ules(CPA-2019-1).
This ordinance shall take
Classified Proof
errecr ano oe in rorce ou j
days from and :after its
passage,as provided by
law.
I ORDINANCE NO. 4349
AN ORDINANCE of
the City Council of the
City of Kent, Washing-
ton,providing for the ac-
quisition by eminent do-
main of teal property j
generally located on the
north side of the Green j
River and commonly
known as 7641 S.259th
St., which property is
heeded for the construc-
tion of the Milwaukee II
Levee Improvement Pro-
ject.This ordinance pro- j
vides for the condemna-
tion, appropriation,
taking,and damaging of
real property necessary
for that project and pro-
vides for the payment
thereof out of the Mil-
waukee tl Levee Inn
provement Project(Fund
No. D20090)- This or&
nance also directs the
.City Attorney to prose- F
cute the appropriate le-
gal condemnation pro-
ceedings in King County i
Superior Court,to retain
any legal counsel re-
quired,and to enter into
settlements,stipulations,
or other agreements as
may be necessary, I
This ordinance shall take
effect and be in force
thirty days from and after
its passage,as provided j
by law.
ORDINANCE NO.4350
- AN ORDINANCE of
the City Council of the
City of Kent, Washing-
ton,providing for the ac-
quisitlon by eminent do-
main of real property i
generally located on the
north side of the Green
River, along S. 251st
Street,west of Washing-
ton Ave.S.,which prop-
erty is needed for the
construction of the Sig-
nature Pointe Levee Im
provement Project. This
ordinance provides for
the condemnation, ap-
propriation, taking, and
damaging of real proper-
ty necessary for that pro-
ject and provides for the
payment thereof out of
the Signature Pointe
Levee Improvement Pro-
ject(Fund No. D20085).
This ordinance also di-
rects the City Attorney to
prosecute the appropri-
ate legal condemnation
proceedings in King
County Superior Court,
to retain any legal coun-
sel required, and to en-
ter into settlements,
stipulations, or other
agreements as may be
necessary,
This ordinance shall take
effect and be in force
thirty days from and after
its passage,as provided
by law.
A copy of the complete
text of any ordinance will
be mailed upon request
of the City Clerk.
Classified Proof
s
1
nu nucnoy n. nvu wig,
City Clerk
Kkomoto(u)KentWA aov
253�56-5725
Published in the Kent-
Covington Reporter
November 22, 2019.
#881426