HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd2019-002 Sponsored by: Planning& Zoning Commission
Introduction Date: January 14, 2019
Public Hearing Date: January 28, 2019
Enactment Date: January 28, 2019
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2019-002
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AMENDING VARIOUS PORTIONS OF TITLE 15.20 SIGNS
OF THE SEWARD CITY CODE
WHEREAS,the Seward City Sign Code has been periodically updated since its adoption
in 1986; and
WHEREAS, the Planning & Zoning Commission held public discussions on sign code
updates at their July 17, 2018 and October 16, 2018 regular meetings; and
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to maintain a city code that reflects community
needs; and
WHEREAS, at its December 4, 2018 meeting, the Planning & Zoning Commission held
a public hearing and recommended City Council approval of the proposed sign code
amendments.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, HEREBY ORDAINS that:
Section 1. Seward City Code Section 15.20 Planning and Land Use Regulations, Seward
Sign Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
(Deletions are Bold Strip; Additions are Bold Underline.)
Chapter 15.20. - Signs
15.20.015. - Definitions.
For purposes of this section,the following definitions pertaining to signs shall apply:
Banner. A temporary sign made of fabric or similar nonrigid material with no enclosing
framework. National flags, state or municipal flags, or the official flag of any institution or non-
commercial organization business shall not be considered banners.
* * * * *
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2019-002
Political sign. A temporary Ary—pester—or sign used for the purpose of advertising,
promoting or endorsing a political candidate, party initiative, issue, referendum or ballot
proposition.
* * * * *
Real estate sign. A temporary sign which is used to offer for sale, lease, or rent the property
upon which the sign is placed " . (Note: cross reference deleted since
none of the other temporary signs (political, construction) in this chapter contained the cross
reference)
15.20.020. -Administration and enforcement.
A. Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful to display, erect, relocate or alter any sign
without the property owner first filing with the Administrative Official, as defined under
section 15.01.015, a written application and obtaining a sign permit.
B. When a sign permit is issued by the administrative official, it shall be unlawful to change,
modify, alter or otherwise deviate from the terms and conditions of said permit without prior
approval of the Administrative Official. A written record of such approval shall be entered
upon the original permit application and maintained in the files of the Administrative
Official.
C. A sign permit shall become null and void if the work for which the permit was issued has
not been completed within six months of its issuance. Before such work can be
recommenced, a new permit to do so shall first be obtained, and the fee shall be one-half the
amount required for a new permit.
D. Fees shall be set by resolution of the City Council.
E. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy for each new facility using a sign for identification or
advertising shall be contingent upon approval of a sign permit.
F. Exceptions:
1. Painting, repainting or cleaning of a sign or the changing of copy or message thereon
shall not be considered an erection or alteration which requires a sign permit, unless
structural change is made.
2. Other specific exceptions are listed under signs allowed without permits.
15.20.021 —Measurement Standards
The following regulations shall control the computation and measurement of sign area
and sign height:
A. The sign area shall include the face of all the display area(s), the sign frame, the
structural support, and any attendant construction of the sign, except as follows:
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2019-002
1. Structural support that is located below the sign face area and its accompanying
frame, does not contain a message other than the street number in conformance
with 12.01.020, and is clearly distinguishable from the sign face area, shall not be
considered sign area.
B. For a sign that is framed, outlined, painted, or otherwise prepared and intended to
provide a background for a sign display, the area of the sign shall be the area of not more
than three geometric shapes that encompass the entire area of the sign including the
background or frame.
C. For a sign comprised of individual letters, figures, or elements on a wall or similar
surface of a building or structure, or an irregular shaped freestanding sign, the area of the
sign shall be the area of not more than three regular geometric shapes that encompass the
perimeter of all the elements in the display.
D. For freestanding and projecting signs the sign area shall be computed by the
measurement of one of the faces when two display faces are joined, are parallel, or are
within 30 degrees of being parallel to each other and are part of the same sign structure.
For any sign that has two display surfaces that do not comply with the above regulation, or
has more than two display surfaces, then each surface shall be included when determining
the area of the sign.
E. The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured from the elevation of the edge of the
public right-of-way immediately adjacent to, or nearest the sign structure, to the highest
point of the sign, its frame, or decorative features.
15.20.025. - Requirements applicable to all signs.
The following provisions shall apply in all zoning districts to all signs governed by this
ordinance, subject to the specific regulations in each zoning district:
A. Whenever two provisions of this code overlap or conflict with regard to the size or
placement of a sign, the more restrictive provision shall apply.
B. In matters of unspecified uses or clarification, the administrative official shall make
determinations.
C. Except when approved by the City Council for civic purposes, signs are considered an
accessory use on a lot. Only signs identified under section 15.20.030 are allowed on
vacant lots.
D. Signs containing non-commercial speech are permitted anywhere business signs are
permitted and are subject to the same regulations applicable to such signs.
E. O: All signs, including signs heretofore installed, and the area around the base of each
freestanding sign, shall be constantly maintained in a state of security, safety and repair.
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2019-002
If any sign is found not to be so maintained or is insecurely fastened or otherwise
dangerous, it shall be the duty of the owner and/or occupant of the premises on which
the sign is fastened to repair or remove the sign within five days after receiving notice
from the administrative official.
E E Illumination from or upon any sign shall be shaded, shielded, directed or reduced so as
to avoid glare or reflection of light on private or public property in the surrounding area
and so as to avoid distracting pedestrians and motorists.
G. F: In those cases where a business or institution has frontage on more than one street,
signs are allowed on each street frontage, provided they are in conformance with
applicable district regulations, and that frontage limits are not combined.
H. C:The symbol, slogan or national trademark of a national brand beverage or other
product that is sold on the premises shall not comprise more than 25 percent of the total
area of the sign. National brand logo signs designed to hang in a window and not
exceeding four square feet, and signs advertising products that form the bulk of the
business transaction,are exempted from this provision.
J.
H,No sign shall be located so as to physically obstruct any door, window or exit from a
building or be hazardous to a motorist's ingress and egress from any public or private
parking area.
K 17 Signs used seasonally are to be included in the total square footage of sign area allowed
for that district.
L. J In no case shall any portion of a sign attached to a building exceed the maximum
allowable building height limit, or more than four feet above the roof line, facade or
parapet height,whichever is less.
M. I No sign shall exceed the roofline of a building within any historic district.
N.1 Freestanding signs are subject to the following limitations:
1. Maximum height of 20 feet or the height of the building,whichever is less;
2. One per parcel;
3. Only allowed within front yards or side yards which are adjacent to a street.
O.M No readerboard sign may exceed 32 square feet per side; changeable letters of such
signs must be adequately secured against wind loss, and each readerboard sign must be
one of the following:
1. A wall sign;
2. A marquee sign;
3. A freestanding sign within a structural framework.
P. N7 Except in the central business district (CBD) zone and along the west side of Fourth
Avenue between North and South Harbor Streets, no sign, except temporary street
banners, shall project into the airspace above any right-of-way or sidewalk.
Q G Projecting signs(fin or right angle signs)are subject to the following limitations:
1. One per pedestrian entrance;
2. Maximum height of 20 feet or the height of the building,whichever is less;
3. Shall not extend over a public sidewalk in excess of the width of the sidewalk;
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2019-002
4. Shall maintain a clear vertical distance above the nearest grade by a minimum of
eight feet.
15.20.030. - Signs allowed without permits.
The following signs are not subject to a permit requirement if the following standards are
met. They shall be regulated by the following size and placement standards and shall not be
included when calculating permitted sign area for any building or parcel. If a proposed sign
exceeds the limits of this section, a sign permit must be obtained and the signage must count
toward the total allowed signage for the building or parcel.
A. Nameplates not exceeding two square feet and building markers;
* * * * *
J. Structure or improvements intended for a separate use, such as phone-beeths, donation
containers,product dispensers, trash receptacles or recycling boxes;
* * * * *
O. Signs on vehicles, . • • . • . . . •• .• • • • . •• • • . . • . . • •• • , primarily and
actively used for business purposes, which identify the firm or its principal product (see
also section 15.20.035C.);
* * * * *
R. Temporary signs may be posted for not more than 30 days in a 180 day time period.
1. One temporary sign is allowed per property if non-commercial residential, and
one for each business in commercial districts
2. Temporary signs may include banners, flags, or pennants.
3. Temporary signs may not exceed twelve (12) square feet in residential areas and
thirty-two (32)square feet in commercial or industrial districts.
4. Temporary signs referencing a date or event must be removed within ten days
following the date or event.
S. Special noncommercial event signs may be erected two weeks prior to the event
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2019-002
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Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect ten (10)days following its enactment.
ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
this 28th day of January, 2019.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
‘4,
Davi, Squires, Ma 'u r
AYES: Towsley, Seese, Osenga, McClure, Horn, Squires
NOES: Lane
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Brenda J. allou, MC
City Clerk
(City Seal) �.•y of Sejoy,,,,
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City Council Agenda Statement
Ordinance 2019-0:XX
Page 2 of2
Seward City Code§15.01.035(c)(2)&(3) provides that the Planning and Zoning Commission
shall hold a public hearing and forward written recommendations to the City Council before the City Council amends or repeals any land use regulations, or changes zoning or land use
boundaries.
As per Seward City Code §15.01.040 the Planning and Zoning Commission held public hearings
on December 4, 2018 and approved P & Z Resolution 2018-017, recommending City Council
approve the attached Ordinance, amending Seward City Code Titles 15, relating to signs.
FISCAL NOTE:
Implementation of the code amendment will have no direct cost to the City.
Approved by Finance Department: J/1Ad1;:;;:) J wa75�
ATTORNEYREVIEW: Yes_�X�_No ___ NIA__
RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends the City Council approve Ordinance
2019-002, amending various portions of Seward City Code 15 .20 Signs.
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Full text of Chapter 15.20 signs, with proposed code changes in REDLINE for EASY review only
Council Meeting 01/28/2019
Chapter 15.20. - Signs
15.20.010. - Purpose and scope.
It is the purpose of this chapter to promote:
A. The protection of the health, safety, property and welfare of the citizens of Seward, and
aesthetics of the community;
B. Commercial and civic communications that accommodate the need of the community to convey
information to the public;
C. The protection and enhancement of the historic charm and natural beauty, and the visual
character and identity of the community, by the thoughtful placement and design of signs;
D. Flexibility and incentive for creative and innovative sign designs;
E. The proper maintenance of signs; and
F. Consistency with the goals and objectives of the Seward Comprehensive Plan.
(Ord. 98-02)
15.20.015. - Definitions.
For purposes of this section, the following definitions pertaining to signs shall apply:
Abandoned sign. A sign or sign structure which no longer identifies or advertises a bona fide
business, lessor, service, owner, product, or activity, and/or for which no legal owner can be found.
Animated sign. Any sign which uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or to create a
special effect or scene.
Banner. A temporary sign made of fabric or similar nonrigid material with no enclosing framework.
National flags, state or municipal flags, or the official flag of any institution or non-commercial
organization business shall not be considered banners.
Building marker. Any sign indicating the name of a building and date and incidental information
about its construction, which sign is cut into a masonry surface or made of bronze or other permanent
material.
Construction sign. A temporary sign identifying an architect, contractor, subcontractor, and/or
material supplier participating in construction on the property on which the sign is located.
Directional sign. A sign containing no advertising, and designed to direct, inform or guide pedestrian
or vehicular traffic to a location, place or convenience parking, drive through window, restrooms.
Electrical sign. A sign lit or put in motion by means of electrical power.
Facade (false front). A false, superficial or artificial facing on a building, given special architectural
treatment. It may or may not be part of the structural wall.
Flashing sign. A sign which contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source.
Freestanding sign (pole, monument or ground sign). A permanently mounted, self-supporting sign
supported from the ground by means of poles, standards, or any other type of base.
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Illuminated sign. A sign illuminated in any manner by an artificial light source.
Incidental sign. A sign, emblem, or decal informing the public of goods, facilities, or services
available on the premises, e.g., a credit card sign or sign indicating hours of business.
Identification sign. A nonelectric sign limited to the name, address and/or occupation of an occupant
or group of occupants.
Indirect illumination. Use of lights which are shielded from public view, to indirectly project
illumination onto a sign which is, itself, not internally lit.
Marquee (canopy or awning). A permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building wall at
an entrance to a building, or extending along and projecting beyond the building's wall, and generally
designed to provide protection against the weather.
Marquee sign. A sign that is a part of or attached to a marquee.
Nameplate. A nonelectric sign limited to the name and address of an occupant or group of occupants.
Nonconforming sign. Any sign which was legally erected, but does not now conform to the
regulations of this chapter.
Off-premises sign (billboard). A sign or structure which advertises a business, person, product,
activity or service not on or offered on the property on which subject sign is located, also known as a
billboard, off-site, or outdoor advertising sign.
On-premises sign. A sign which pertains to the use of the premises on which it is located.
Parapet. The extension of a false front or wall above a building roofline.
Point of purchase display. Advertising of a retail item accompanying its display, e.g., an
advertisement on a product dispenser.
Political sign. A temporary Any poster or sign used for the purpose of advertising, promoting or
endorsing a political candidate, party initiative, issue, referendum or ballot proposition.
Portable sign. A sign that is not attached to any building or structure. It may readily be picked up and
moved from one location or another. It may be with or without its own wheels.
Projecting sign (fin or right angle sign). A sign affixed to any building or structure, the edges of
which extend perpendicularly beyond such building wall.
Readerboard sign (bulletin board). A sign face consisting of tracks to hold readily changeable letters,
allowing frequent changes of copy.
Real estate sign. A temporary sign which is used to offer for sale, lease, or rent the property upon
which the sign is placed (see also "temporary sign"). (Note: cross reference deleted since none of the
other temporary signs (political, construction) in this chapter contained the cross reference)
Roof sign. Any sign erected over or on the roof of a building.
Roofline. Either the edge of the roof which is the junction of the roof and the perimeter wall of the
structure, or the peak or ridge line, whichever forms the line of the building silhouette.
Sign. Any device fixed to, painted on, or incorporated into the building surface; displayed from or
within a building or structure; or free-standing upon the site, and which is (a) visible from a public right-
of-way and (b) designed to convey or direct a message to the public concerning the identification of the
premises or to advertise or promote the interests of any private or public firm, person or organization.
Sign area. The area of all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with
the background on which they are displayed, but excluding any supporting framework and bracing which
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are solely incidental to the display itself provided the same do not contain any lettering, wording, designs,
or symbols. When two identical signs faces are placed back-to-back, so that both faces cannot be viewed
from any point at the same time, and when such sign faces are part of the same sign structure, only one
side shall be considered for the purpose of calculating total sign area.
Sign height. The vertical distance between the highest part of the sign or its supporting structure,
whichever is higher, and a level plane going through the nearest point of the improved public right-of-
way, other than an alley. In the event a sign is equidistant from more than one improved public right-of-
way, none of which are alleys, the highest point shall be used.
Sign, sandwich board (also V-shaped). Signs erected upon common or separate structures which
present a V-shape appearance and having an exterior angle between faces of not more than 45 degrees
with a distance between faces of such signs at their closest point not exceeding two feet.
Sign structure. A structure which supports or is capable of supporting any sign as defined in this
code. A sign structure may be a single pole or poles and may or may not be an integral part of a building.
If a "support" is "internally or decoratively illuminated," then it is counted as a sign and must conform to
this chapter.
Snipe sign. A temporary sign or poster affixed to a tree, fence or utility pole.
Special events sign. Signs that announce a civic, cultural, unique or random event.
Street frontage. The length of a property line that borders a public right-of-way which provides the
principal means of access. Alleys, public parking lots, emergency access and/or pedestrian easements are
not generally considered as public rights-of-way for purposes of this definition.
Suspended sign. A sign that is suspended beneath a canopy, ceiling, roof, or marquee.
Temporary sign. Any sign, banner, pennant, valance or advertising display constructed of cloth,
canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other light material with or without frames, intended to be
displayed for a short period of time only.
Traffic sign (safety sign). A sign which functions primarily to provide for the efficient, safe and
orderly flow of traffic.
Wall sign. A sign painted, mounted or otherwise affixed to the wall of a building or structure,
parallel to the building, and confined to the limits of outside wall, which includes windows and doors.
Window sign. All signs located inside and affixed to or within three feet of windows of a building,
whether temporary or permanent, lighted or unlighted, which may be viewed from the exterior of the
building. The term does not include merchandise.
(Ord. 98-02; Ord. 99-16, § 5, 1999; Ord. No. 2010-007, § 1, 10-25-2010)
15.20.020. - Administration and enforcement.
A. Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful to display, erect, relocate or alter any sign without the
property owner first filing with the Administrative Official, as defined under section 15.01.015, a
written application and obtaining a sign permit.
B. In case any provision in this chapter shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity,
legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected thereby.
C. B. When a sign permit is issued by the administrative official, it shall be unlawful to change,
modify, alter or otherwise deviate from the terms and conditions of said permit without prior
40
approval of the Administrative Official. A written record of such approval shall be entered upon the
original permit application and maintained in the files of the Administrative Official.
D. C. A sign permit shall become null and void if the work for which the permit was issued has not
been completed within six months of its issuance. Before such work can be recommenced, a new
permit to do so shall first be obtained, and the fee shall be one-half the amount required for a new
permit.
E. D. Fees shall be set by resolution of the City Council.
F. E. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy for each new facility using a sign for identification or
advertising shall be contingent upon approval of a sign permit.
G. F. Exceptions:
1. Painting, repainting or cleaning of a sign or the changing of copy or message thereon shall not
be considered an erection or alteration which requires a sign permit, unless structural change is
made.
2. Other specific exceptions are listed under signs allowed without permits.
(Ord. 98-02)
15.20.021 – Measurement Standards
The following regulations shall control the computation and measurement of sign area and
sign height
A. The sign area shall include the face of all the display area(s), the sign frame, the structural
support, and any attendant construction of the sign, except as follows:
1. Structural support that is located below the sign face area and its accompanying frame,
does not contain a message other than the street number in conformance with 12.01.020,
and is clearly distinguishable from the sign face area, shall not be considered sign area
B. For a sign that is framed, outlined, painted, or otherwise prepared and intended to provide a
background for a sign display, the area of the sign shall be the area of not more than three
geometric shapes that encompass the entire area of the sign including the background or frame.
C. For a sign comprised of individual letters, figures, or elements on a wall or similar surface of a
building or structure, or an irregular shaped freestanding sign, the area of the sign shall be the
area of not more than three regular geometric shapes that encompass the perimeter of all the
elements in the display.
D. For freestanding and projecting signs the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of
one of the faces when two display faces are joined, are parallel, or are within 30 degrees of being
parallel to each other and are part of the same sign structure. For any sign that has two display
surfaces that do not comply with the above regulation, or has more than two display surfaces, then
each surface shall be included when determining the area of the sign.
E. The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured from the elevation of the edge of the public
right-of-way immediately adjacent to, or nearest the sign structure, to the highest point of the sign,
its frame, or decorative features.
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15.20.025. - Requirements applicable to all signs.
The following provisions shall apply in all zoning districts to all signs governed by this ordinance,
subject to the specific regulations in each zoning district:
A. Whenever two provisions of this code overlap or conflict with regard to the size or placement of
a sign, the more restrictive provision shall apply.
B. In matters of unspecified uses or clarification, the administrative official shall make
determinations.
C. Except when approved by the City Council for civic purposes, signs are considered an
accessory use on a lot. Only signs identified under section 15.20.030 are allowed on vacant lots.
D. Signs containing non-commercial speech are permitted anywhere business signs are
permitted and are subject to the same regulations applicable to such signs.
E. D. All signs, including signs heretofore installed, and the area around the base of each
freestanding sign, shall be constantly maintained in a state of security, safety and repair. If any
sign is found not to be so maintained or is insecurely fastened or otherwise dangerous, it shall
be the duty of the owner and/or occupant of the premises on which the sign is fastened to repair
or remove the sign within five days after receiving notice from the administrative official.
F. E. Illumination from or upon any sign shall be shaded, shielded, directed or reduced so as to avoid
glare or reflection of light on private or public property in the surrounding area and so as to
avoid distracting pedestrians and motorists.
G. F. In those cases where a business or institution has frontage on more than one street, signs are
allowed on each street frontage, provided they are in conformance with applicable district
regulations, and that frontage limits are not combined.
H. G.The symbol, slogan or national trademark of a national brand beverage or other product that is
sold on the premises shall not comprise more than 25 percent of the total area of the sign.
National brand logo signs designed to hang in a window and not exceeding four square feet, and
signs advertising products that form the bulk of the business transaction, are exempted from this
provision.
J. H. No sign shall be located so as to physically obstruct any door, window or exit from a building
or be hazardous to a motorist's ingress and egress from any public or private parking area.
K. I. Signs used seasonally are to be included in the total square footage of sign area allowed for that
district.
L. J. In no case shall any portion of a sign attached to a building exceed the maximum allowable
building height limit, or more than four feet above the roof line, facade or parapet height,
whichever is less.
M. K. No sign shall exceed the roofline of a building within any historic district.
N. L. Freestanding signs are subject to the following limitations:
1. Maximum height of 20 feet or the height of the building, whichever is less;
2. One per parcel;
3. Only allowed within front yards or side yards which are adjacent to a street.
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O. M. No readerboard sign may exceed 32 square feet per side; changeable letters of such signs must
be adequately secured against wind loss, and each readerboard sign must be one of the
following:
1. A wall sign;
2. A marquee sign;
3. A freestanding sign within a structural framework.
P. N. Except in the central business district (CBD) zone and along the west side of Fourth Avenue
between North and South Harbor Streets, no sign, except temporary street banners, shall project
into the airspace above any right-of-way or sidewalk.
Q. O. Projecting signs (fin or right angle signs) are subject to the following limitations:
1. One per pedestrian entrance;
2. Maximum height of 20 feet or the height of the building, whichever is less;
3. Shall not extend over a public sidewalk in excess of the width of the sidewalk;
4. Shall maintain a clear vertical distance above the nearest grade by a minimum of eight feet.
(Ord. 98-02; Ord. No. 2010-007, § 1, 10-25-2010)
15.20.030. - Signs allowed without permits.
The following signs are not subject to a permit requirement if the following standards are met. They
shall be regulated by the following size and placement standards and shall not be included when
calculating permitted sign area for any building or parcel. If a proposed sign exceeds the limits of this
section, a sign permit must be obtained and the signage must count toward the total allowed signage for
the building or parcel.
A. Nameplates not exceeding two square feet and building markers;
B. Standard flags and insignia of government, religious, civic, charitable, educational or
philanthropic groups which can, in no way, be construed as advertising;
C. Signs identifying the historic name of a building, provided that such name is approved by the
historic preservation commission and the sign does not exceed 20 square feet in size;
D. Legal notices, traffic signs, information signs, historic signs or directional signs erected by
government bodies and signs required by law;
E. Directional signs not exceeding six square feet (directional signs contain no advertising);
F. Signs advertising subdivision tract developments of two or more acres, not exceeding 32 square
feet and limited to one such sign per street frontage;
G. Incidental signs not exceeding four square feet each;
H. Notices and warning signs of not more than two square feet each in area, i.e., vacancy, no
trespassing, beware of dog;
I. Point of purchase advertising displays;
J. Structure or improvements intended for a separate use, such as phone booths, donation
containers, product dispensers, trash receptacles or recycling boxes;
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K. Suspended signs provided they do not extend farther from the building facade than the marquee
or canopy to which they are attached, do not exceed four square feet in area, and maintain a
clear distance of eight feet between the sidewalk and the sign bottom. One sign per pedestrian
entrance;
L. Signs or scoreboards on athletic fields intended for on-premises viewing;
M. Fuel price signs not exceeding 20 square feet per sign face, with one sign allowed per abutting
street right-of-way;
N. Two-sided or three-sided signs mounted on the roof of a vehicle for hire (as defined in section
8.20.010) not exceeding 14 inches in height and 39 inches in length on each side; signs on the
side of said vehicle not exceeding four square feet; or a sign mounted between the bumper and
the lowest level of the rear window, not exceeding 18 inches by 36 inches;
O. Signs on vehicles, operated during the normal course of business, primarily and actively
used for business purposes, which identify the firm or its principal product (see also section
15.20.035C.);
P. Wall and freestanding murals which are purely decorative in nature and content, and do not
include advertising by picture or verbal message;
Q. Signs painted on or placed inside windows, as long as they do not extend beyond the first story
of the building and do not block any opening required for entrance or exit from buildings;
R. Temporary signs may be posted for not more than 30 days in a 180 day time period.
1. One temporary sign is allowed per property if non-commercial residential, and one for each
business in commercial districts
2. Temporary signs may include banners, flags, pennants, ribbons, streamers, or balloons.
3. Temporary signs may not exceed twelve (12) square feet in residential areas and thirty-two
(32) square feet in commercial or industrial districts.
4. Temporary signs referencing a date or event must be removed within ten days following the
date or event.
5. Special noncommercial event signs may be erected two weeks prior to the event
R. Temporary signs for the purposes listed below which shall be removed upon completion of
the activity or project denoted by the sign:
1. Grand opening and sale signs may be posted for not more than 30 days; these signs
may include banners, flags, pennants, ribbons, streamers, or balloons;
2. Special noncommercial event signs may be erected two weeks prior to the event;
3. Real estate signs not exceeding six square feet in residential areas and 32 square feet
in commercial and industrial districts;
4. Construction signs not exceeding 32 square feet and limited to one such sign per
street frontage;
5. Political signs not more than six square feet per sign in residential districts and 32
square feet per sign in commercial districts may be displayed no earlier than 30 days
prior to any election and shall be removed within seven days following the election;
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provided that signs erected for any primary election that remain relevant to the
following general election may be maintained for the period between elections;
6. Garage sale signs located at the site of the sale.
(Ord. 98-02; Ord. No. 2010-007, § 1, 10-25-2010)
15.20.035. - Prohibited signs.
Unless otherwise and specifically authorized, the following signs are prohibited in all districts:
A. Any sign contrary to the provisions of this chapter;
B. Signs within any sight distance triangle or right-of-way, unless otherwise authorized;
C. Signs attached to, or placed on, vehicles or trailers which are parked or located for the primary
purpose of displaying said sign (see also signs allowed without permits—vehicles with signs
used in the normal course of business);
D. Off-premises signs and/or billboards except the posting of temporary signs relating to civic
events subject to the limitations of this chapter;
E. Snipe signs;
F. Portable signs, except sandwich boards provided that they do not exceed ten square feet per side
and are located entirely on private property;
G. Signs which interfere with radio and television reception;
H. Flashing and animated signs; except time and temperature; and except open signs placed inside
a window;
I. Any sign with incandescent lamp bulbs exposed to view, with or without internal or external
reflectors; not to include neon signs as allowed in other sections of title 15;
J. Banners, clusters of flags, pennants, ribbons, streamers, balloons or bubble machines, except as
allowed under section 15.20.030R.;
K. Suspended strings of lights, spinners; twirlers or propellers; flashing, rotating (except barber
poles) or blinking light; beacons; chasing or scintillating lights; flares, or signs containing
elements creating sound;
L. Abandoned signs or sign structures;
M. Signs imitating or resembling a traffic-control sign, signal or device, or the light of an
emergency vehicle; or which obstructs the visibility of any traffic or street sign or signal device;
N. Projecting signs and freestanding signs fronting alleyways;
O. Signs advertising a home occupation.
(Ord. 98-02; Ord. No. 2010-007, § 1, 10-25-2010)
15.20.040. - Sign standards by zoning district which require permits.
All signs, except those specifically allowed without permits, shall be calculated in determining the
total square footage of sign area on a parcel.
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A. Residential districts. Only the following types of signs shall be permitted in the residential
zoning districts, except as provided for otherwise within this chapter and zoning code.
Illumination of these signs shall be limited to indirect lighting.
1. Signage for churches, public and quasi-public institutions, including schools and municipal
buildings may erect for their own use:
a. One identification sign not exceeding 20 square feet in area;
b. One announcement sign or bulletin board not exceeding 20 square feet in area;
c. The height of any freestanding signs shall not exceed eight feet.
2. Multiple family (two- to four-unit) dwellings are allowed one sign identifying the
premises, not exceeding six square feet in area, and five feet in height if freestanding.
3. Multiple family dwellings of five units or more may have one sign, not exceeding 20
square feet in area and if freestanding, not exceeding eight feet in height.
B. Office residential, auto commercial, and industrial districts.
1. For any permitted residential use, signs for such use shall conform to the requirements in
subsection A. of this section.
2. For all permitted uses, or legal nonconforming uses, the combined square footage of signs
shall not exceed one square foot per lineal foot of property street frontage, to a maximum
of 200 square feet per parcel.
3. Signage is not allowed within side yards or attached to sides of buildings which front side
yard areas, except in cases of multiple frontage lots where a side property line fronts an
alley.
4. Signage fronting alleys is limited to one identification sign, not exceeding two square feet,
unless a business has a customer entrance on the alley. If a business has a customer
entrance on the alley, up to 25 percent of the property's total allowed signage may be
reallocated, as a wall sign only, to front the alley.
5. Freestanding, projecting and marquee signs, if internally illuminated, shall not exceed 32
square feet in area per side; otherwise, a maximum of 50 square feet per side is allowed
(see subsections 15.20.025L. or O. for freestanding or projecting sign limitations).
C. Central business district. For all permitted or legal nonconforming uses, the following
limitations shall apply:
1. Combined square footage of signs shall not exceed two square feet per lineal foot of street
frontage to a maximum of 200 square feet per parcel.
2. Any portion of a property's total allowed signage may be allocated to the sides or rear of
the lot at the discretion of the property owner.
3. Freestanding signs, if internally illuminated, shall not exceed 32 square feet in area;
otherwise, a maximum of 50 square feet is allowed (see section 15.20.025L. for
freestanding sign limitations).
4. Marquee or projecting signs, which project over a public right-of-way may not extend
farther toward the street than the marquee or the width of the sidewalk and may not exceed
25 square feet in area (see section(s) 15.20.030K. for under-marquee signs, 15.20.025O.
for projecting signs).
D. Harbor commercial district.
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1. The following property frontages may be combined at one square foot per lineal foot of
frontage to maximum of 200 square feet of signage per parcel:
a. A street;
b. The harbor basin;
c. The public boardwalk;
d. Where a building faces toward a street but does not abut it; or
e. A public parking lot.
2. At the discretion of the property owner, any portion of a property's total allowed signage
may be allocated to the sides or rear of the lot not fronting 1.a.—e., above so long as it
does not exceed one square foot per lineal foot of that property line.
3. Freestanding, projecting and marquee signs, if internally illuminated, shall not exceed 32
square feet in area per side; otherwise, a maximum of 50 square feet per side is allowed
(see section 15.20.025L. for freestanding sign limitations).
4. Marquee or projecting signs, which project over a public right-of-way may not extend
farther toward the street than the marquee or the width of the sidewalk and may not exceed
25 square feet in area (see section 15.20.030K., for under-marquee signs, and section
15.20.025O., for projecting signs.)
E. Institutional, park and resource management districts.
1. Signs for any permitted commercial and industrial uses shall conform to the requirements
in subsection B. herein.
2. Signs for all other permitted uses, or legal nonconforming uses, are subject to the following
limitations:
a. One permanent identification sign is permitted for each premises. The area of the sign
shall not exceed one square foot for each lineal foot of street frontage, provided no
such sign shall exceed 40 square feet;
b. No sign shall exceed eight feet in height; and
c. Illumination for institutional facilities shall be restricted to indirect lighting.
(Ord. 98-02; Ord. 99-16, § 5, 1999; Ord. No. 2010-007, § 1, 10-25-2010)
15.20.050. - Nonconforming signs.
The intent of this section is to permit the continuance of nonconforming signs until such time as they
are removed, but not to encourage their perpetuation or expansion.
A. Nonconforming signs are allowed to continue, subject to the following:
1. Shall not be used as grounds for adding additional nonconforming signs;
2. Shall not be structurally altered so as to change the shape, size or type of the sign, or be
relocated, except into conformance with this Code;
3. Shall not be allowed to remain after the activity, business or use to which it relates has
been discontinued; and
4. Must be removed if damaged in such a manner that the estimated expense of repair exceeds
50 percent of its replacement value.
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B. Nothing in this section shall relieve the owner or user of a nonconforming sign, or owner of the
property on which the nonconforming sign is located, from the provisions of this Code
regarding the safety, maintenance and repair of signs.
C. An illegal sign is any sign within the city limits which does not comply with the requirements of
this Code or previous codes at the time the sign was erected, and which is not eligible for
characterization as nonconforming. The city may immediately remove any sign located on city
property or right-of-way.
(Ord. 98-02)
15.20.055. - Variance procedure provided.
A. The commission is hereby authorized to grant special variances from the provisions of this chapter in
accordance with the following restrictions:
1. To encourage the use of signs which are harmonious with Seward's scenic beauty and historic
character, the commission may issue a variance for specific signs up to 1.5 times larger than
provided in this chapter. Each applicant for such variance shall submit a scale drawing and a
color rendering of the proposed sign(s) in relation to its surroundings.
2. A variance may be granted in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this Code by
varying the application of rules, regulations or provisions so long as the spirit and benefits of
this Code will be preserved.
3. The commission may vary the rules and regulations or provisions of this Code provided the
commission, upon due and diligent investigation, makes specific findings that all of the
following conditions have been considered:
a. The variance will not constitute a grant of a special privilege inconsistent with the
limitation upon signage and uses of other properties in the vicinity and zone in which the
property, on behalf of which the application as filed, is located;
b. That such variance is necessary because of special circumstances such as, but not limited
to, health and safety or the size, shape, topography, location or surroundings of the subject
property, to provide it with signage use rights and privileges permitted to other properties
in the vicinity and in the zone in which the subject property is located;
c. That the granting of such variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare
or injurious to the subject property or improvements in the vicinity and in the zone in
which the subject property is situated.
4. In granting a variance, the commission may attach thereto such conditions regarding the
location, character and other features of the proposed sign as it may deem necessary to carry out
the spirit and purpose of this code of moderating the size, number and obtrusive placement of
signs and reduction of clutter in the public interest.
B. Fees for sign variances shall be set by resolution of the city council.
(Ord. 98-02)
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