Planning Comm PKT 03-02-2005
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4. AUDIENCE COMMENT
5. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
6. COMMISSION BUSINESS
.
PUBLIC HEARING
Signs in Ball Fields Code Amendment
7.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
8.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
9.
ADJOURN
Commissioners
John Caulfield, Chair
Dini Due/os
William Drake
Lawson Bronson
Tony Moore (Alternate #2)
Hope Elder, Vice-Chair
Dave Osaki
Merle Pfeifer
Christine Nelson (Alternate #1)
Pam Duncan-Pierce (Alternate #3)
City Staff
Kathy McClung, CDS Director
Margaret Clark, Senior Planner
E. Tina Piety, Administrative Assistant
253-835-2601
www.citvoffederalwav.com
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MEETING MINUTES
Commissioners present: John Caulfield, Dave Osaki, Dini Duclos, Bill Drake, Merle Pfeifer, and Lawson
Bronson. Commissioners absent: Hope Elder (unexcused). Alternate Commissioners present: None.
Alternate Commissioners absent: Pan Duncan-Pierce and Christine Nelson (excused) and Tony Moore
(unexcused). Staff present: Senior Planner Margaret Clark, Traffic Engineer Rick Perez, and
Administrative Assistant E. Tina Piety.
Chair Caulfield called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ApPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was m/s/c to adopt the January 19,2005, minutes as presented.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None.
ADMINISTRATIVE REpORT
Ms. Clark informed the Commission that Ms. McClung is still working on arranging a meeting with the
Mayor. There will be a public hearing on March 2,2005, on allowing signs on the inside offences in ball
fields. A public hearing is also scheduled for March 16,2005, on the 2004 Comprehensive Plan Updates.
Because some Commissioners will not be available, the March 16 public hearing was moved to March 23rd.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
WORKSHOP - Transportation
Mr. Perez informed the Commission that the Streets Division in the Public Works Department deals with,
maintenance, pavement condition, right-of-way issues (including permits), street sweeping, etc. The Traffic
Division deals with traffic signals, traffic safety program, transportation planning, reviewing development
projects, etc. He then went over the City's Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). The selection
for projects on this list is based on City Council criteria. Concurrency (which basically means that no
development is to occur without being able to provide for it) is a big driver. In addition to City funds,
grants help pay for these projects, but so do new developments. When a large development comes into the
City, they may be required to prepare a traffic study. Depending on the impact of the development on TIP
projects, they are required to mitigate the projects and can do so by paying a pro-rata share. The City must
use this money on the particular TIP project stipulated within five years of payment.
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Planning Commission Minutes
Page 2
February 16, 2005
Mr. Perez went on to explain some of the larger projects. The City is working with the Washington State
Department of Transportation (WSDOT) on what is called the Triangle Study. The intent of this project is
to relieve traffic congestion at the 1-5 and SRl8 interchange. A preferred alternate has been chosen for this
project. It will be further reviewed for environmental and traffic impacts. Another large project the City is
in the midst of is the City Center Access Study. The intent of this project is to relieve traffic congestion
throughout the City Center and the I-5/320th interchange. Two alternatives have been chosen for further
study of environmental and traffic impacts. A third large study is the 272od Interchange project, the purpose
of which is to improve traffic congestion and transit access.
The Traffic Division spends about 40 percent of its time on development review. Signal coordination also
takes up a good deal of time. Signal coordination gives significant improvement to travel time, but due to
changing traffic, the coordination should be redone about every three years for best performance.
In addition to the above, there are a number of issues that Mr. Perez would like the Traffic Division to
work on. These issues include: sidewalk and streetlight retro-fit programs; bicycle compatibility index;
concurrency/traffic impact fee; clarification of traffic calming requirements; clarification of the minimum
number of accesses in residential zones; lighting standards for pedestrian access; and others.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
None.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
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~
CITY OF /I !:õi'
Federal Way
STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Amendments to Federal Way City Code (FWCC) Chapter 22, Article XVIII
Sign Regulations
Planning Commission Meeting of March 2, 2005
I.
BACKGROUND
The current Federal Way City Code (FWCC) does not have a provision for advertising on fences
surrounding sports fields. The City has taken the position that absent regulations, outside advertising
is not permitted. Both the Little League Organization and the City of Federal Way Parks Department
have requested that a code provision be reviewed. The City Council placed this item on the 2004
Planning Commission work program on March 2, 2004. This code amendment proposal will address
this issue and offer an option where advertising is oriented to the interior of the field (see Exhibit 1,
FWCC Chapter 22, Article XVIII, "Signs").
The Issue
The City has a number of outdoor playfields that belong to private, non-profit organizations (i.e. Little
League), the Federal Way School District, or the City itself. One ofthe ways that these organizations
have historically been able to generate revenue for the maintenance of these facilities is to sell
advertising and post that advertising on fences.
When the City adopted its sign regulations in 1990 and amended the regulations in 1995, one of the
primary goals was to improve the aesthetic quality of the City. To this end, billboards (FWCC Section
22-1600) and off-site advertising were prohibited. However, the FWCC does provide a permit
exemption for interior signs that are located within a building and are not intended to be visible from
outside the structure (FWCC Section 22-1599[ d][2] [ 0 D.
The lack of clear code direction on this issue prevents the City from advertising at the sports fields in
Celebration Park and was recently raised as a nonconforming issue with an expansion at the Federal
Way Little League Fields.
ß. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED CODE AMENDMENTS
The inconsistency of the existing code is that product advertising within a gymnasium is permitted
under the FWCC sign permit exemptions for signs entirely within a building, but product advertising
at an outdoor event is prohibited as an off-site sign. As long as the advertising at an outdoor playfield
is oriented to the interior of the field rather than adjacent public rights-of-way or neighboring
properties, these signs should not be detrimental to the general public or to other properties.
The suggested size for these signs is no greater than 32 square feet per sign. This allows for a variety
of sizes up to 32 square feet. A four by eight-foot sign is a standard used in many ball field contracts.
Suggested language is to exempt these signs from a permit as long as the signs are maintained and are
not oriented to adjoining streets or property.
ill. STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the following code amendment be recommended for approval to the City Council:
A code amendment be adopted that exempts from sign permits advertising at sports fields up
to 32 square feet in size, as long as they are oriented to the interior of the ball field, do not
extend beyond the height of the fence or enclosure, and are securely fastened to the fence or
enclosure. Drafted Code language is in Exhibit 1. New language added is underlined.
All signs must be maintained in good repair per FWCC Section 22-1600(5).
IV. REASON FOR PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
FWCC Chapter 22, "Zoning," Article IX, "Process VI Review," establishes a process and criteria for
zoning code text amendments. Consistent with Process VI review, the role of the Planning Commission
is as follows:
1. To review and evaluate the zoning code text regarding any proposed amendments.
2. To determine whether the proposed zoning code text amendment meets the criteria
provided by FWCC Section 22-528.
3. To forward a recommendation to City Council regarding adoption of the proposed zoning
code text amendment.
v.
DECISIONAL CRITERIA
FWCC Section 22-528 provides criteria for zoning text amendments. The following section analyzes
the compliance of the proposed zoning text amendments with the criteria provided by FWCC Section
22-528. The City may amend the text of the FWCC only if it finds that:
1.
The proposed amendment is consistent with the applicable provisions of the
comprehensive plan.
The proposed FWCC text amendment is consistent with the following Federal Way Comprehensive
Plan (FWCP) goals and policies:
EDP21
The City recognizes the importance of cultural and recreational activity to
its economy and through the Arts Department and Parks Department will
pursue joint ventures with private groups and individuals in developing
cultural and recreational opportunities.
Ball Fields Sign Amendments
Planning Commission Staff Report
March 2, 2005
Page 2
EDP22
The City will encourage the expansion of existing and development of
new multipurpose facilities to host cultural and recreational activities.
The FWCP recognizes the importance of recreational facilities for the growth of the Federal Way
economy and quality of life for its citizens. Enabling these facilities to create the revenue for
maintenance and improvements is consistent with the FWCP.
2.
The proposed amendment bears a substantial relationship to public health, safety, or
welfare.
The proposed FWCC text amendment bears substantial relationship to the public health, safety,
and welfare because it provides an opportunity for local non-profit groups, the School District
and the City to create the revenue stream to sustain recreational opportunities for its citizens.
3.
The proposed amendment is in the best interest of the residents ofthe City.
The proposed FWCC text amendment is in the best interest of the residents of the City because it
facilitates funding for maintenance of recreational fields and programs, while protecting aesthetic
quality of the City.
VI. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
Consistent with the provisions of FWCC Section 22-539, the Planning Commission may take the
following actions regarding the proposed zoning code text amendments:
1. Recommend to City Council adoption of the FWCC text amendments as proposed;
2. Modify the proposed FWCC text amendments and recommend to City Council adoption of
the FWCC text amendments as modified;
3. Recommend to City Council that the proposed FWCC text amendments not be adopted; or
4. Forward the proposed FWCC text amendments to City Council without a recommendation.
vll. EXHIBIT
Exhibit A - Federal Way City Code Chapter 22, Article XVIII, "Signs"
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Ball Fields Sign Amendments
Planning Commission Staff Report
March 2,2005
Page 3
FEDERAL WAY CITY CODE
Chapter 22, Article XVIII
Signs
22-1597 Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
(1) Abandoned sign means any sign remaining in place after a sign has not been
maintained for a period of 90 or more consecutive days or if the activity conducted on the subject
property ceases for 180 consecutive days.
(2) Administrator means the director of community development or his/her designated
representative.
(3) Animated or moving sign means any sign that uses movement, by either natural or
mechanical means, or change of lighting, either natural or artificial, to depict action to create a
special effect or scene.
(4) Architectural embellishments - Signs means the aesthetic elements of the structure
that includes or encloses a sign. They do not include any copy, text, logos, graphics, or other
elements of the sign face or sign base, but are solely intended to enhance the aesthetics of the
structural elements surrounding or supporting the sign.
(5) Awning means a shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of the
building and are constructed of a noncombustible framework and covered by a flexible or
nonrigid fabric. Awnings can be fixed, retractable, or collapsible. Any structure that extends
above the adjacent parapet or roof of a supporting building is not included within the definition of
awning.
(6) Awning or canopy sign means a non-electric sign on the vertical surface or flap that is
printed on, painted on, or attached to an awning or canopy. Illumination for the awning or canopy
shall be for safety purposes only, and therefore, shall point toward the ground and not illuminate
the canopy. (See also "Marquee sign.")
b
,
-
...
, ------............
.........
Figure 1 - Awning or Canopy Sign
(7) Balloon means a decorative inflatable device, generally composed of a thin layer of
latex or mylar, into which a gas (typically helium) is inserted in order to cause it to rise or float in
the atmosphere. (See also "Inflatable advertising device.")
(8) Banner means a sign made of fabric or any nonrigid material with no enclosing
framework.
(9) Billboard means permanent outdoor advertising off-site signs containing a message,
commercial or otherwise, unrelated to any use or activity on the subject property on which the
sign is located, but not including civic event signs, signs oriented to the interior of ball fields.
government signs, or instructional signs.
(10) Building-mounted signs means any sign attached to the facade or face of a building
or mansard roof including without limitation wall signs, marquee signs, under canopy signs and
projecting signs.
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(33) Fuel price sign means a sign displaying the price of fuel for motorized vehicles.
(34) Graffiti means the inscription of symbols, weFks, words, or pictures by painting, .
spray painting or other means of defacing public or private property.
(35) Grand opening means a promotional activity used by newly established businesses to
inform the public of their location and services available to the community. A grand opening does
not mean an annual or occasional promotion of retail sales or other services, and does not include
a change in ownership, remodeling, or other change incidental to the initial establishment of the
business.
(36) Ground-mounted sign means a pedestal sign, pole, pylon, monument sign, or any
sign permanently affixed to the ground.
(37) Government sign means any temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained by
any city, public utility, county, state, or federal government for designation of or direction to any
school, hospital, hospital site, property, or facility, including without limitation traffic signs,
directional signs, warning signs, informational signs, and signs displaying a public service
message.
(38) Height (of a sign) means the vertical distance measured from the highest point of the
sign to the grade of the adjacent street or the surface grade beneath the sign, whichever is less.
(39) Identification sign means a sign whose copy is limited to the name and address of a
building, institution, or person and/or to the activity or occupation being identified.
(40) Identification sign (subdivision) means freestanding or wall sign identifying a
recognized subdivision, condominium complex, or residential development.
(41) Illuminated sign means a sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally
or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.
(42) Incidental sign means a small sign, emblem, or decal informing the public of goods,
facilities, or services available on the premises (e.g., a credit card sign or a sign indicating hours
of business).
(43) Inflatable advertising device means an advertising device that is inflated by some
means and used to attract attention, advertise, promote, market, or display goods and/or services.
These devices include large single displays or displays of smaller balloons connected in some
fashion to create a larger display.
(44) Instructional sign means a sign which designates public information including,
without limitation, public restroom signs, public telephone signs, exit signs and hours of
operation signs.
(45) Integral sign means a sign displaying a building date, monument citation,
commemorative inscription, or similar historic information.
(46) Kiosk means a freestanding sign, which may have a round shape or which may have
two or more faces and which is used to provide directions, advertising or general information.
(47) Maintenance means the cleaning, painting, and minor repair of a sign in a manner
that does not alter the basic design, size, height, or structure of the sign.
(48) Marquee sign means any sign attached to or supported by a marquee, which is a
permanent roof-like projecting structure attached to a building.
(49) Menu board means a permanently mounted sign advertising the bill of fare for a
drive-in or drive-through restaurant.
(50) Monument sign means a freestanding sign supported permanently upon the ground
by a solid base of landscape construction materials such as brick, stucco, stonework, textured
wood, tile or textured concrete materials harmonious with the materials of the primary structure
on the subject property. (See drawing set forth in FWCC 22-1602(c)(2), Figure 8.)
(51) Multi-tenant complex means a complex containing two or more uses or businesses.
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22-1599
Permits.
(d) Permit exceptions.
(1) Maintenance and operation. A sign permit is not required for maintenance of a sign or
for operation ora changeable copy sign and/or an electronic changeable message sign.
(2) Exempt signs. A sign permit is not required for the following signs or modifications
to signs; provided, however, that such signs shall comply with all of the following requirements:
a. Address identification with numbers and letters not more than 10 inches in height.
b. Balloons no greater than 18 inches in diameter and no more than five balloons per
display with a tether no longer than 36 inches. No more than two displays are permitted per site.
c. Barber poles.
d. Construction signs, so long as such signs are limited to two signs per project and
each sign does not exceed 32 square feet per sign face and 10 feet in height. Construction signs
shall not be displayed prior to issuance of a building permit and shall be removed prior to the
issuance of a certificate of occupancy. One "Coming Soon" or "Open During Construction" sign
per site entrance is also permitted.
e. Directional signs, on-site. Each sign shall not exceed four square feet in sign area if
the directional sign is indicating one direction and shall not exceed eight square feet in sign area
if such sign is indicating more than one direction. Each sign may be no more than five feet in
height. No more than two signs per street frontage are permitted for multi-tenant complexes.
Single-tenant properties shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Center or complex names or
logos shall not comprise more than 20 percent of the total sign area.
f. Flags of any nation, government, educational institution, or noncommercial
organization. Decorative flags without corporate logos or other forms of advertising are also
excluded from permit requirements. All flags must be a minimum size of five square feet unless it
is a national or state flag and the official national or state flag is less than five square feet in size
but not larger than 40 square feet in size.
g. Fuel price signs. Signs shall be located on the property where fuel is sold, shall be
limited to one monument sign per street frontage not exceeding five feet in height and sign area
shall not exceed 20 square feet per sign face.
h. Gravestones or other memorial displays associated with cemeteries or
mausoleums.
i. Historical site plaques and signs integral to an historic building or site.
j. Holiday decorations displayed in conjunction with recognized holidays.
k. Incidental signs attached to a structure or building, providing that the total of all
such signs per use or business shall not exceed two square feet.
1. Instructional signs that do not exceed six square feet in area per sign face.
m. Integral design features when such features are an essential part of the architecture
of a building (including religious symbols) and when such features do not represent a product
service, or registered trademark.
n. Integral signs when no more than one per building.
o. Interior signs located completely within a building or structure and not intended to
be visible from outside the structure, exclusive of window signs.
p. Menu board not to exceed 32 square feet per sign face and a maximum height of
five feet (two permitted per site).
q. Nameplates not to exceed two square feet per sign face.
r. Nonblinking small string lights which are part of decoration to be used in
association with landscaped areas and trees.
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s. Point of purchase displays. Point of purchase signs are limited to two square feet in
area and one sign per point of purchase. Such signs shall only display instructional or price
information and shall not include copy pertaining to any special sale or promotion. Point of
purchase display signs shall be permitted in conjunction with an outdoor use, activity, or storage
as authorized under Article II, Division 8 of this chapter.
t. Political signs so long as the maximum area per sign is limited to six square feet.
No political sign shall be displayed later than seven calendar days after a final election.
u. Private advertising signs. The sign shall be limited to eight square feet per sign
face and five feet in height, the sign must be immediately removed at the end of an event, use or
condition, the sign must contain the address of the event or advertiser, and there shall be no more
than six such signs advertising an event.
v. Private notice signs.
w. Real estate signs.
1. Off-site. The number of off-site real estate signs shall be limited to six per
property per agent; provided, however, that there shall be a minimum separation of 200 lineal feet
between such signs. The area of such signs shall be no greater than six square feet per sign face.
All off-site real estate signs must be removed each day at the conclusion of the open house or
other sales event and are permitted only between sunrise and sunset when the seller or the agent
are in attendance at the subject property.
2. On-site. The number of on-site real estate signs shall be limited to one per
agent per street frontage or public entrance if no street frontage exists. For dwelling units, the area
of the sign shall be no greater than six square feet per sign face. For other uses and developments,
the size shall not exceed 32 square feet per sign face. All on-site real estate signs must be
removed when the sale closes, or in the case of a rental or lease, when the tenant takes possession.
x. Temporary business signs for temporary business defined by FWCC 9-386;
provided, however, that each licensed temporary business is only allowed two signs of 16 square
feet per sign face. If only one sign is used, that sign may be 32 square feet per sign face.
y. Under canopy signs not exceeding the width of the canopy and eight square feet in
size; and provided, that a minimum separation exists between such signs equal to 20 lineal feet or
more.
z. Warning signs.
aa. Window signs not exceeding 25 percent of the window area only to advertise
products, goods or services for sale on site, business identification, hours of operation, address,
and emergency information.
bb. Signs on ball field fences not exceeding 32 square feet per sign that are securelv
attached to the fence. are not protruding above the fence line. and are oriented to the interior of
the field.
(e) Temporary and special signs. No permit for any sign for any civic event, community
service event, special sale/promotional event, grand openings, mural display or scoreboards shall
be used unless such sign complies with the sign type, maximum number, maximum sign face
area, maximum height, location, duration and all other allowances and limitations for those uses
described in Table 1, "Allowances for Temporary and Special Signs - Permit Required."
(f) Government signs. The location, number, and content of signs used to identify
government facilities must comply with the standards for commercial signs in that zone and be
appropriate to the use. All signs must be approved by the city. Street and traffic signs are
excluded from these requirements.
(g) Residential zone signs. No permit in any residential zone shall be issued for any sign
unless such sign complies with the sign type, maximum number, maximum sign area, maximum
height, location, duration and all other allowances and limitations for those uses described in
Table 2, "Sign Allowances for Residential Zones - Permit Required."
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