This chapter recognizes the importance of signs in the community and establishes regulations intended to protect the public from damage or injury caused by or attributable to distractions and obstructions caused by poorly designed or improperly located signs. These regulations are also intended to stabilize or enhance the overall appearance of the community, preserve and enhance property values and attract tourists. (Ord. 980 § 3 (part), 1997).

As used in this chapter:
“Abandoned sign” means any sign, including its structure and other components, which is located on vacant property or an unoccupied building for a period of six months or more and which, during that time, is not used for legal sign purposes; or which relates to a time, event or purpose which no longer applies; and/or which has been allowed to deteriorate to become a public hazard or eyesore.
“Alteration” means any change in the size, shape, method of illumination, position, location, construction or the support structure of a sign.
“Area of a sign” means the total space or outer dimensions of a sign, including any logos or other artistic or architectural features that are directly related to or an integral part of the sign.

“Awning/canopy” means a temporary or movable shelter (awning) or a fixed rigid shelter (canopy) supported entirely by the exterior wall of the building and generally extending over a pedestrian walkway.
“Bulletin board” means a permanent sign structure intended to accommodate changeable copy, such as private or public notices, special event information, and other short-term messages, and generally at a scale suitable for pedestrians and not intended to be read by passing motorists.
“Changeable copy/message center/readerboard sign” means a permanent sign structure that may be internally or externally illuminated and intended to accommodate changeable lettering, numbering, graphic displays, or other short-term messages. Generally used for commercial advertising or for public service announcements or current or coming events. (Also see “public information/identification sign.”)
“Construction sign” means a sign that relates directly to a construction project taking place on site and may include such information as the name of the project and contractors, phone numbers, completion dates, and similar information about the project.
“Directional sign” means a permanent sign which is designed solely for the purpose of directing motor vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, or other traffic, or individuals, toward a specific destination or route.
“Freestanding sign” means a sign that is supported by columns, uprights or braces in or upon the ground and not attached to any building.
“Frontage” means the actual length of the front property line abutting a street or alley (if no street frontage), or the length of the property line of a flag lot that most closely parallels the street it most directly relates to.
“Grade” means the level of the surface of the ground that lies immediately below a sign or proposed sign location. When a slope is involved, the grade shall be the average of the levels at each support member of the sign’s structure.
“Identification sign” means a sign intended solely to inform the public of the use of a property, building, office or premise, and which may typically include the address, suite number, or other identifying information, but that does not include advertising or messages that are not necessary for the identification of the premises.
“Illegal sign” means any sign or advertising device which was erected or altered in violation of the sign codes in effect at the time of such action and which remain in violation of existing codes.
“Incidental signs” means signs that are intended for the convenience of the public, which are informational only and which do not include the advertising of products or services. Such signs include business hours signs, credit card signs, entrance and exit signs, and similar signs, some of which may be required by law for safety purposes.
“Maintain” means to allow to exist or continue to exist. Also, where the context indicates, to keep in a safe, neat and clean condition.
“Marquee” means a permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by a building and projecting away from the building, usually over a public walkway and typically common to theaters. A marquee itself is not a sign, but is commonly used to support signs.
“Moving, flashing or animated sign” means any sign that includes action or motion, including flashing lights, color changes, revolving or waving actions other than wind actuated elements such as flags, pennants, banners, and similar devices. These types of signs do not include time/temperature signs, nor electronic or electric readerboard or message center signs with messages that change no more frequently than two-second intervals.
“Multiple-building complex” means a group of structures housing a combination of business, office, residential, or other uses, and which shares a common area, access, parking and/or other facilities.
“Multiple-occupancy building” means a single building housing more than one retail business, office, commercial venture or other allowed land use.
“Nonconforming sign” means a sign that was legally established, but no longer conforms to the current sign standards or this chapter.
“Portable sign” means any sign designed to be moved easily and not permanently affixed to the ground or to a structure or building.

“Projecting sign” means a sign, other than a wall sign, which is attached to and projects from a structure or building facade and the face(s) of which is not parallel to the building’s facade. This sign may be supported by a structure in addition to its building or wall support.
“Public information/identification sign” means a sign intended solely to inform the public of events or activities or community interest, to identify the entrance to or exit from the city or a district or neighborhood within the city, and which does not include the advertising or any business, product or service of a commercial nature, nor any logo, symbol, or other indication of a commercial message or sponsorship.
“Sign.” Any communication device, structure or fixture which is intended to identify a building, place, use, business or event, to make a statement, or to promote the sale of products, goods or services using graphics, letters, figures, symbols, trademarks or written copy is a sign. Painted wall designs or patterns of an artistic or architectural nature which do not represent a product, service or registered trademark, do not identify these, and do not otherwise meet the above definition, are not considered signs. If a design or pattern is combined with a sign, only that part of the design or pattern which cannot be distinguished from the sign will be considered part of the sign.
“Sign structure” means any structure specifically intended to support a sign, and which may include supports, uprights, braces, framework, or other members needed for support.
“Temporary political and election signs” means temporary political and election signs shall include signs pertaining to nonpartisan elections, bond measures, initiatives, and similar matters as well as to the customary partisan politics. The term “signs” as used in this chapter shall not be deemed to include permanent outdoor advertising structures or billboards, which are regulated by the other sections of this chapter, regardless of whether political advertising is carried on such outdoor advertising structures or billboards. Temporary political signs are subject to the following requirements:
1. Size. The face of any such sign shall not exceed four feet in height or width and eight feet in length.
2. Public Property. It is unlawful to erect any such sign on public property.
3. Fee. Before erecting any such sign or signs on private property, the person desiring to erect the same shall pay to the city clerk a single fee which shall entitle such person to erect as many such signs as desired on any and all private property within the city for which permission of the owner or occupant thereof has been first secured. The fee shall be determined during the budget process for the city.
4. Deposit. In addition to such fee, the person desiring to erect any temporary political signs shall, before doing so, deposit a sum to be determined by city clerk to cover all such signs erected, as a guarantee that the same will be removed within ten days after the election for which such signs are displayed and thus will not contribute to visual pollution in the city; provided all such signs are removed within such time, which determination shall be made by the city, such deposit will be refunded, without interest, to the person presenting to the city clerk the deposit receipt issued by the city at the time of the deposit. If such signs are not so removed within such ten days, the deposit shall be deemed forfeited to the city to help defray the cost to the city of removing such signs. At the time of making such deposit, the person making the same shall designate to the city clerk the signs, by name of the individual or proposition listed on such signs, for which such deposits being made.
“Temporary/special purpose sign” means a sign that is not permanently affixed and which is intended for short-term use, such as to advertise a specific activity such as a special promotion, sale or fund-raising event. Signs advertising property for sale or rent, and garage/yard sale signs are other examples, as are banners, flags, pennants, searchlights and balloons and similar devices.
“Wall sign” means a sign attached directly to or erected against the wall of a building with the face parallel to the facade of the building and extending no more than twelve inches from the wall. (Ord. 980 § 3 (part), 1997).

This chapter is intended to regulate the number, size, placement and physical characteristics of signs and sign structures. These regulations are not intended to, and do not restrict, limit or control the content of any sign message. These regulations shall apply to all on-site or off-site signs in all zoning districts and may be subject to additional requirements of certain districts, or to state and federal regulations. In cases of conflict, the most stringent requirement shall prevail. (Ord. 980 § 3 (part), 1997).

A. Permit Required. No sign shall be placed, erected or displayed without first obtaining a sign permit, except in the case of signs that are specifically exempt.
B. Removal of Nonconforming Signs. No sign permit shall be issued to allow a new or additional sign on a property having a nonconforming sign until such time as the nonconforming sign(s) is removed or modified to conform to this code.
C. Permit Application. An application for a sign permit must be signed by the property owner, lessee, contract vendee, or other tenant of the property on which the sign is to be erected or placed. Such application shall contain the following information unless determined by the building official to be unnecessary for the processing of the application:
1. Site Plan. Drawn to scale showing the subject property, streets, all existing buildings, and the location of any existing freestanding signs, utility poles and other structures within fifty feet of the proposed new sign’s location;
2. Drawings. Showing the structural details of the proposed sign, including its dimensions, heights, materials, type of illumination, landscaping (freestanding signs) and structural support;
3. Photographs. Showing all existing signs on the subject property and building(s), and marked to indicate the proposed location of the new sign(s). (Ord. 980 § 3 (part), 1997).

The following signs are exempt from the provisions of this chapter, but may be subject to other provisions of the zoning code or building code.
A. Traffic signs, signals, and other traffic control devices erected by the city or other public authority;
B. Public notices pertaining to public health or safety issues, or for notification of legal or legislative actions of public interest that are erected by the city or other public authority, and of a temporary nature;
C. Permanent plaques, cornerstones, name plates, and other building identification markings attached to or carved into the building materials and which are an integral part of the structure;
D. Signs within buildings, provided they do not include moving, flashing or animated signs (see definition) that are visible from any private or public roadway, or from adjacent properties;
E. Incidental signs intended for public information or convenience and which consist of no more than ten square feet for a combination of such signs. These may include restroom signs, hours of operation signs, address numbers, help wanted, open/closed signs, credit card signs, and similar signs;
F. The American flag, state of Washington flag, special purpose flags, pennants or banners that are displayed properly and not intended to contribute to a commercial advertising display;
G. Wall graphics of an artistic nature and that do not conform to the definition of “sign;”
H. Temporary/special purpose signs related to short-term events. [See Section 17.38.090, Temporary/special purpose signs.];
I. Public information/identification signs which are approved through the special purpose permit process;
J. Bulletin boards are exempt from sign permits and size requirements if they are provided for the use of the general public and not for commercial advertising purposes. (Ord. 980 § 3 (part), 1997).

The following signs are prohibited within the city limits of Kalama and shall be subject to removal through amortization or other means:
A. Strobe lights and signs containing strobe lights or any other flashing, moving or animated features that are visible beyond any property line. Readerboard or message center signs that change copy no more frequently than two-second intervals, and time/temperature signs are exempt from this provision;
B. Signs placed or painted on any motor vehicle or trailer that is not operable and routinely used to transport or provide the goods or services being advertised, or that is parked with the primary purpose of providing a sign that would not otherwise be allowed;
C. Any private sign placed within a public right-of-way, on a public sidewalk, or overhanging a public right-of-way; except that signs overhanging a public sidewalk may be permitted if there is a minimum of eight feet of vertical clearance between the sidewalk and bottom of the sign. (Publicly owned or installed signs not included.);
D. Any sign that is determined by the city council to be an imminent hazard to public safety due to its design, materials, physical condition or placement;
E. Signs painted, attached to, or otherwise supported by rock formations, utility poles, trees, or other plant materials;
F. Portable signs within any public right-of-way when obstructing pedestrian walkways, bikeways or driveways on private property. (Ord. 980 § 3 (part), 1997).

A. The area of sign faces shall include the entire sign area, including any surrounding frames or cabinet edges.
B. Sign area does not include supports, foundations or structures that are not part of the sign.
C. Only one side of a double-faced sign is counted in the sign’s total area.
D. When signs are constructed of individual letters or other pieces attached to a wall or other flat surface, the sign area is determined by a perimeter line drawn around and containing all the pieces.
E. Multiple-copy signs or shopping center signs consisting of several individual signs on the same support structure are calculated as the total of all individual sign components.
F. A round or cylindrical sign is calculated as the maximum area that can be seen at one time from one position, or fifty percent of the total area, whichever is greater.
G. The height of a sign is measured from “grade” as defined, to the highest point of the sign or its structure, whichever is higher.

H. Sign clearances are measured from grade directly below the sign to the bottom of the sign or sign frame.
I. Street corner signs (at an intersection) shall be assigned to one of the frontages by the applicant and shall conform to the requirements of that frontage only.
J. Portable signs shall be calculated as part of the total freestanding sign area available to the site. (Ord. 980 § 3 (part), 1997).

A. All signs, including supporting structures, shall be erected or placed totally within the boundaries of the site and not within any public right-of-way, with the following exceptions:
1. Public authority and other traffic-related signs;
2. Approved signs overhanging public walkways.
B. Vision clearance areas shall be maintained at all intersections or private and public roadways, alleys and driveways, to prohibit any sign within fifteen feet of such intersections.
C. A vision clearance setback shall be maintained a distance of at least ten feet from the edge of any existing roadway or from the proposed edge of a planned road or road proposed to be widened. Any sign located within this strip shall be either (1) lower than thirty-six inches above grade, or (2) higher than eight feet above grade. Any posts or other supporting structures shall have a diameter no greater than twelve inches within this area.

D. Any pedestrian clearance vertical distance of eight feet from grade or sidewalk to the lowest part of the sign is required for any sign extending over public sidewalks or other walkways.

E. Any projecting sign may extend beyond the property line and over a public pedestrian walkway for a maximum distance of six feet beyond the property line.

F. Freestanding signs shall not extend beyond property lines. (Ord. 980 § 3 (part), 1997).

A. Temporary and special-purpose signs are subject to the same setback and clearance requirements that are applicable to other signs and shall not cause a hazard to public safety or block the visibility of motorists.
B. Unlimited time special purpose signs shall conform to the size, height and setback requirements of the zoning district in which they will be located.
C. A temporary sign shall not be permanently attached to the ground, a building, or to any other structure, other than necessary to secure it to prevent theft or wind damage.
D. Signs that are related to a specific event or date shall be removed within ten days of that occurrence, such as following an election, the sale of a property, close of a carnival, or similar event.
E. Wind signs or devices that flutter, wave, sparkle, or otherwise move from the pressure of the wind are considered to be temporary signs or devices and shall be used only for specific promotions or events and not as permanent sign devices.
F. Short- and long-term temporary and special-purpose signs may be placed in accordance with the following table anywhere in the city:

G. Any temporary sign that has been removed shall not be replaced by another temporary sign at the same site for a period of at least ninety days following its removal. (Ord. 980 § 3 (part), 1997).

The following regulations apply to signs in all zoning districts of Kalama:
A. Vision Clearance. Signs shall conform to the clearance requirements of Section 18.38.080.
B. Extension Above Rooftop. No sign that is attached to a building shall extend above the parapet or eave line.
C. Window Signs. Signs placed on the inside of windows and directed toward the outside of a building shall be included in the total sign area calculations.
D. Incidental Signs. Signs viewed from the outside of a building are exempt from permit requirements.
E. Canopies and Awnings. Signs placed on projecting canopies and awnings, whether lighted or not, shall be calculated only for the area of the canopy or awning taken up by the sign itself. Lighting of the awning or canopy, whether directly, indirectly or by back-lighting shall have no affect on the sign requirements, unless lighted signs are specifically prohibited in that area or zone. (Ord. 980 § 3 (part), 1997).

The following regulations shall pertain to signs placed within all commercial zoning districts:
A. Freestanding Signs.
1. Narrow Parcels. A parcel having less than fifty feet of street frontage may have a single freestanding sign not to exceed fifty feet in area.
2. Wide Parcels. A parcel having street frontage greater than fifty feet may have an aggregate freestanding sign area not to exceed one square foot per lineal foot of frontage, provided no sign exceeds one hundred square feet in area.
3. Multiple Signs. Lots having more than one hundred feet of street frontage may have more than one freestanding sign, per function, per street frontage.
4. Spacing. Freestanding signs on the same parcel shall be no closer than fifty feet to each other and no closer than twenty-five feet from adjacent properties.
5. Height. The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be thirty-five feet from grade directly below the sign to the highest point on the sign or its structure.
6. Shopping Center or Professional Complex. A shopping center, professional office complex, or similar large multiple building or multiple occupancy development may have an identification sign to a maximum size of three hundred square feet, placed along one or more street frontages that are longer than three hundred feet each, provided the sign is no closer than one hundred feet from adjacent property on the same side of the street and no other free-standing signs larger than fifty square feet are placed on the property.
B. Building Signs (Commercial).
1. Maximum Aggregate Area. The total area of wall signs, projecting signs, and other signs attached to buildings shall not exceed two square feet for each lineal foot of building facade width.
2. Maximum Sign Size. Any single sign attached to a building shall not exceed one hundred square feet in area unless the total sign area is less than ten percent of the total facade area.
3. Number of Signs. There is no limit to the number of individual signs, provided they are for on-premise advertising in commercial districts and provided the total sign area limitations are maintained.
4. Illumination. Signs may be illuminated directly, indirectly or internally, provided the lighting is directed away from any residences or other light-sensitive land uses, and away from oncoming traffic. (Ord. 980 § 3 (part), 1997).

The following regulations shall pertain to signs placed within the industrial district.
A. Freestanding Signs. Maximum Area. The freestanding sign requirements of the commercial districts shall apply, with the exceptions of schools, parks, and similar non-retail facilities which shall be limited to a single fifty- square-foot freestanding sign per street frontage.
B. Building Signs (Industrial).
1. Maximum Aggregate Area. The total area of wall signs, projecting signs, and other signs attached to buildings, including rooftop, shall not exceed one hundred square feet.
2. Maximum Sign Size. Any single sign attached to a building shall not exceed one hundred square feet.
3. Number of Signs. There is no limit to the number of individual signs, provided they are for on-premise advertising and the total sign area limitations are maintained.
4. Illumination. Signs may be illuminated directly, indirectly or internally provided the lighting is directed away from any residences or other light-sensitive land uses, and away from oncoming traffic. (Ord. 980 § 3 (part), 1997).

The following regulations shall pertain to signs placed within the residential zoning district.
A. Freestanding Signs (Residential).
1. Entrance Signs. One freestanding sign shall be permitted at each street entrance to a neighborhood, subdivision, manufactured home park, apartment/condominium complex, or other homogeneous residential area. Such sign shall be designed specifically to identify that development and is subject to review and approval during the site plan review and/or planned unit development review. Such sign shall be no larger than fifty square feet.
2. Individual Properties. Each residential property may have one freestanding permanent sign, not to exceed two square feet in area.
3. Multiple-Family Developments. Residential properties having four or more dwelling units may have one permanent sign per street frontage, not to exceed a total sign area of four square feet.
4. Height. Freestanding signs in residential zones shall be limited to six feet ft. in height, measured from grade directly below the sign to the highest point on the sign or its structure.
B. Building Signs. Any of the freestanding sign limitations of Sections 17.38.130(A)(2) or (A)(3) may be applied as wall signs in lieu of freestanding signs.
C. Other Provisions. Special care shall be taken in residential zones to direct sign lighting away from residences and traffic. External sign lighting shall be directed toward the sign and away from traffic. Internally illuminated signs are prohibited. Resident name plaques and address numbers shall not be included in the total sign area calculations. (Ord. 1073 § 2, 2001; Ord. 980 § 3 (part), 1997).

A. Strict application of sign regulations in the case of mixed-use areas may be subject to conditions of approval that are imposed to prevent adverse impacts on the neighborhood or adjacent properties and to ensure land use compatibility.
B. In zoning districts that permit a mixture of residential, commercial and/or industrial or special-purpose uses, the sign requirements of the district in which the permitted use is located shall apply. (For example: An office building in a residential zone may erect signs based on the residential district sign regulations.) (Ord. 980 § 3 (part), 1997).

A. The city of Kalama shall have the authority to grant administrative approval for minor adjustments to sign heights, numbers of signs, sign placement and sign size, provided:
1. The adjustments not to exceed ten percent of the basic requirements; and
2. The adjustment is based on a hardship or problem with the site, existing building placements or poor site visibility.
B. A variance application for adjustments beyond ten percent shall be presented to the hearing examiner. Upon receipt of a completed variance application, a public hearing date will be set for the next regularly scheduled meeting of the hearing examiner, not to exceed forty-five days after acceptance of the completed application. The application will be reviewed by city planning staff and written findings will be provided to the examiner prior to the public hearing. (Ord. 1040 § 1, 2000; Ord. 980 § 3 (part), 1997).

Legally established signs that no longer conform to these sign provisions may remain, subject to the following:
A. Maintenance, repairs and the changing of changeable copy are permitted.
B. The sign face may not be enlarged or wording changed, but may be reduced in size to lessen the degree of nonconformity.
C. Structural alterations to prolong the life of a nonconforming sign are prohibited. Improvements that eliminate nonconformities are encouraged.
D. Signs that have been specifically designated for amortization shall be removed in accordance with the amortization schedule, as established by the city.
E. A nonconforming sign may be relocated or structurally altered without achieving full compliance with code requirements when the proposed change will bring the sign closer to compliance, will remove a safety hazard, and/or the overall visual/aesthetic impact will be improved, provided the subject sign has not been targeted for amortization.
F. Any portable or temporary/special purpose sign that is found to be nonconforming shall be removed immediately following written notification from the city. (Ord. 980 § 3 (part), 1997).

A. The city of Kalama shall be authorized to remove or cause to be removed any abandoned, dangerous, defective, illegal or prohibited sign, subject to the notice requirements set forth in this section.
B. A notice describing the sign to be removed shall be prepared by the city and shall include a description of the violation or other problem, and shall specify a time period of not greater than thirty calendar days during which the violation or problem shall be corrected, or the sign removed.
C. The notice of violation and time limit for correction shall be mailed by certified mail to the owner of the sign, or the owner of record of the property on which the sign is located. Such notice shall also be posted at a conspicuous location on the subject property.
D. If the problems or violations have not been corrected within the required period and the sign has not been removed, the sign shall be removed by order of the city and the costs of removal and storage of the sign shall be assessed in the form of a lien against the property from which the sign was removed.
E. A sign which has been removed and held by the city longer than thirty days and not recovered by its owner, shall be declared abandoned and the title shall be vested in the city. (Ord. 980 § 3 (part), 1997).