Ordinance 1978-93 - Laserfiche WebLink

Sign means any device, structure, fixture, placard, painted surface, awning, banner or balloon using graphics, lights, symbols, and/or written copy designed specifically for the purpose of advertising, identifying or promoting the interest of any person, institution, business, event, product, goods or services, provided that the same is visible from any street, way, sidewalk or parking area open to the public. Sign area means the entire area of a sign on which copy is to be placed. Sign structure, architectural embellishments, framework and decorative features which contain no written or advertising copy shall not be included. Sign area shall be calculated by measuring the perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of the module or background containing the advertising or identifying message; provided, that individual letters using a wall as the background, without added decoration or change in wall color, shall have a sign area calculated by measuring the smallest rectangle enclosing each letter and totalling the square footage thereof. For double- faced signs, total sign area shall be calculated by measuring only one face. Sign height means the vertical distance from grade to the highest point of a freestanding sign or any vertical projection thereof, including its supporting columns. Grade shall be determined by taking the average elevation at finished grade for the midpoints of the four sides of the smallest rectangle that will enclose all area which is within a five (5) foot horizontal radius of the sign and its supporting structure. Significant Biological Areas means the following areas of the City: a. plant associations of infrequent occurrence; b. commercial and recreational shellfish areas; c. kelp and eelgrass beds; d. herring and smelt spawning areas; e. State natural area preserves and natural resource conservation areas; and f. those areas listed in the 1981 SEPA Resource Inventory as significant biological areas, which are: 10