Planning Comm PKT 07-27-2005
July 27, 2005
7:00 p.m.
City of Federal Way
PLANNING COMMISSION
City Hall
Council Chambers
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4. AUDIENCE COMMENT
5. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
6. COMMISSION BUSINESS
. PUBLIC HEARING - continued
Freeway Profile Signs Code Amendment
7. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
8. AUDIENCE COMMENT
9. ADJOURN
Commissioners
John Caulfield, Chair
Dini Duclos
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
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K;\Planning CmTlrnis$lon\2005\Agenda 07-27-05.doc
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PLANNING COMMISSION
June 15,2005
7:00p.m.
City Hall
Council Chambers
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioners present: John Caulfield, Dave Osaki, Dini Duclos, Bill Drake, Merle Pfeifer, and Lawson
Bronson. Commissioners absent: Hope Elder. Alternate Commissioners present: Christine Nelson and Pam
Duncan-Pierce. Alternate Commissioners absent: Tony Moore (unexcused). Staff present: Development
Services Director Kathy McClung, Assistant City Attorney Amy Jo Pearsall, Senior Planner Margaret
Clark, Code Compliance Officer Betty Cruz, 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 May 18, 2005, minutes as presented.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None
ADMINISTRATIVE REpORT
None.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
PUBLIC HEARING - Freeway Profile Signs Code Amendment - Continued
Commissioner Drake informed the Commission that he has studied the minutes and listened to the
recording of the April 20, 2005, public hearing. Ms. Clark delivered the staff report, which was a response
to the questions/issues raised at the last public hearing. She commented that the Scenic Vista Act is
confusing and staff is still researching the issues pertaining to the Act. The Commission urged the staff to
consider non-moving changeable copy. Staff commented that they will research this and will consider
allowing non-moving changeable copy signs.
Commissioner Bronson commented that if the Department of Transportation feels it is safe to use
moveable copy signs, why not the City? Commissioner Pfeifer agreed and commented that moveable copy
signs use less energy and less heat, and are therefore, better for the environment and businesses.
Commissioner Caulfield asked why the City is pursuing this amendment. Ms. Clark replied that the City
received a request from a citizen that stated that signs are too small to be seen from the freeway. Ms.
McClung commented that during discussion with the City Council, it was commented that some businesses
near the freeway attract regional customers and larger signs would be a tool to draw in these customers.
K,IPlanning Commission\200SlMeeting Summary 06-1 S-OS.doc
Planning Commission Minutes
Page 2
June 15,2005
The Commission questioned whether there is a way to allow all Federal Way business to advertise along 1-
5. What about allowing signs like you see along the freeway that say "At Next Exit" and have the logos of
different businesses? Could this sign be changeable copy?
Commissioner Caulfield expressed concern over what the City would look like with these large signs.
While they might not seem too large to anyone driving down the freeway, what about the other side? He
asked the staff to provide drawings or photographs of what these signs will look like. He also asked why
are businesses leaving Federal Way and about the sales tax and whether the sign code has affected the sales
tax. Ms. McClung responded that the Federal Way Chamber is doing a survey that addresses the sales tax
issue and why businesses are leaving Federal Way. She will give the Commission copies of this report if it
is completed by the next meeting.
The Commission asked if wall signs are allowed on buildings and would they be seen from I-5? Ms. Cruz
commented that wall signs are allowed, but cannot exceed seven percent of the area of the building. Ms.
Clark commented that buildings in the Community Business zone would not be high enough to be seen
from 1-5.
It was suggested that staff provide pictures of signs currently along 1-5 with the proposed height and size
and of changeable copy signs. It was also suggested that staff provide a list of these signs so
Commissioners could take a personal fie1dtrip.
The Commission would like staff to consider allowing 300 feet per sign face.
It was m/s/c to continue the public hearing to July 27,2005, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
The first Wednesday in August will be a public hearing on the proposed Neighborhood Business zone
code amendments. The staffhas started on the cottage housing amendment. The City has received a grant
for updating our Shoreline Master Program. In addition, code amendments must be made for the Interim
Zoning Ordinance. These last two issues are not currently on the Planning Commission's Work Program,
and therefore, they must go to the City Council for approval to be added. Commissioner Pfeifer requested
that Ms. McClung provide the Commission with the presentation she gave to the Council and Chamber on
the Interim Zoning Ordinance.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
KIPlanning Cnmmission\2005\M""'ing SUII1lJl3Jy 06. I 5.05.doc
~
CITY OF ~~
Federal Way
MEMORANDUM
July 19,2005
To:
John Caulfield, Chair, City of Federal Way Planning Commission
FROM:
Kathy McClung, Director of Community Development Services
Margaret H. Clark, AICP, Senior Planner
Betty Cruz, Code Compliance Officer
SUBJECT:
Follow-up to June 15,2005, Planning Commission Public Hearing on Freeway Profile
Signs
MEETING DATE: July 27,2005
I. BACKGROUND
This memorandum includes the following:
1. Response to questions brought up during the June 15,2005, Planning Commission public
hearing.
2. Clarification of previous questions based on information from State of Washington Department
of Transportation (WSDOT) staff.
J. Staff recommendation with attached draft code language. The draft code language (Exhibits A
and B) has been amended based on input from the Planning Commission, additional staff
research, and additional information obtained from WSDOT. Changes made to the original draft
are shown as double strikeout (language proposed to be deleted) and double underline (language
proposed to be added).
II. PROCEDURAL SUMMARY
2/19/05 Issuance of Determination of Non significance (DNS) pursuant to the State Environmental
Policy Act (SEP A)
3/07/05 End of SEP A Comment Period
3/21/05 End ofSEPA Appeal Period
4/20/05 Public Hearing before the Planning Commission
6/15/05 Staff meets with affected businesses and property owners
7/27/05 Continuation of Planning Commission Public Hearing
Freeway Profile Signs
Planning Commission Staff Report
July 19, 2005
Page 1
III. RESPONSE TO PLANNING COMMISSION'S COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS
The following lists a question or comment from one or more members of the Planning Commission
followed by the staff response.
1. Planning Commission asked the staffto consider allowing changeable copy signs.
Staff Response
The draft code amendment presented to the Planning Commission on April 20, 2005, included
language prohibiting animated or moving signs, electronic changeable copy, and changeable
copy signs. The staff rationale for not allowing animated or moving and electronic changeable
copy signs was based on safety reasons since these signs can be distracting to passing motorists.
The reason for not allowing changeable copy signs was due to the nature ofthe signs and the
need to include a variety of information, resulting in a font that may be too small to be easily
readable by a passing motorist, and therefore, being a safety issue. WSDOT prohibits animated
signs but allows electronic changeable message signs and changeable copy signs. Based on the
Planning Commission's direction, staffhas changed the draft code language to allow changeable
copy signs. The staff concern about the legibility of the signs would be addressed by the
requirement for a minimum two foot tall font size. Please see Exhibit C for an example of a
changeable copy sign.
2. The Planning Commission asked whether there is a way to allow Federal Way businesses to
advertise along 1-5, and could such a sign be a changeable copy sign.
Staff Response
Based on information from the WSDOT, WSDOT administers the Motorist Information Sign
(MIS) program. This program regulates the blue signs, which inform motorists of the availability
of gas, food, lodging, camping, recreation, or tourist activities, and which also include individual
business logos. This program is not intended to advertise general retail. Businesses participating
in the program must pay an annual fee and meet eligibility criteria, such as hours of operation,
health licenses (if applicable), adequate parking, and seating requirements. If the business is not
visible from the end of the ramp terminal, the business is required to have follow-through
signing installed on local roads. The City of Federal Way does not allow off-site signs; therefore,
this program may not benefit a business that is adjacent to Iw5, but not visible from the off-ramp.
These signs are erected and maintained by WSDOT and changeable copy signs are not allowed.
3. The Planning Commission wanted to see what freeway profile signs would look like to someone
driving along the freeway.
Staff Response
Please refer to Exhibits D, E, and F.
4. The Planning Commission asked whether there was any connection between the adoption ofthe
sign code and closure of businesses in Federal Way.
Staff Response
We have no hard data about the number of business that have closed versus the number of new
businesses opening in Federal Way and if there is any relationship between the adoption of the
Freeway Profile Signs
Planning Commission Staff Report
July 19, 2005
Page 2
sign code in June 1995 and the amount of sales tax generated. The Chamber of Commerce is in
the process of conducting a survey on business climate; however, the results have not been
tabulated.
5. The Planning Commission would like the allowable area per sign face to be 300 square feet.
Staff Response
Staff reviewed sign codes for the six cities shown in the following table and found that the
maximum area per sign face ranged from 100 square feet in the City of Olympia to 300 feet for the
City of Bellingham in industrial areas only. Billboards are normally 300 square foot area per sign
face. In addition, WAC 468-66, "Highway Advertising Control Act," limits Type 3 (on-premise)
signs to 150 square feet per sign face and 20 feet in any dimension if they are located more than 50
feet from the advertised activity. In general, for purposes of measuring the 50-foot distance,
advertised activity may be considered the common parking lot for a shopping center. Staff
recommends keeping the maximum sign area at 250 square feet per sign face with a 150 square
foot maximum sign face if the sign is located more than 50 feet from the advertised activity.
Cities Sign Matrix
Municipality Max Areal Face Max Height Freeway Orientation Requirement
City of Arlington 250 square feet 45' Fronting freeway
City of Auburn 200 square feet 45' N/A
City of Bellingham 300 square feet 20' Freeway orientation requirement
(Industrial Zones Only) above freewav
City of Bellingham 250 square feet 20' Freeway orientation requirement
(Connnercial Zones Only) above freewav
City of Bellingham 275 square feet 20' Freeway orientation requirement
(Planned Use & Industrial Zones) above freewav
City of Burlington 200 square feet 50' Freeway orientation & 500 from freeway
City of Fife 250 square feet 40' Freeway orientation requirement
City of Olympia 100 square feet 25' Adjacent to freeway
IV. CLARIFICATION OF PREVIOUS QUESTIONS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM WSDOT STAFF
1. Check with WSDOT about regulations on distances between signs and size of fonts for freeway
SIgnS.
Staff Response
There are no separation requirements for signs except for billboards. There are no standards for
size oflettering. However, the state has adopted definitions for "legible" and "visible" as
follows:
WAC 468-66( 11) defines "legible" as capable of being read without visual aid by a
person of normal visual acuity.
Freeway Profile Signs
Planning Connnission Staff Report
July 19,2005
Page 3
WAC 468-66(21) defines "visible" as capable of being seen (whether or not legible)
without visual aid by a person of normal visual acuity.
2. Clarify restriction on size of sign.
Staff Response
The WSDOT requirement for signs to be no larger than 150 square feet per face and 20 feet in
any dimension if sign is more than 50 feet from advertised activity (no maximum height limit),
applies to 1-5 but not to Pacific Highway. Staff has added language in the draft code amendment
(Exhibit A) to address the state requirement as it relates to freeway profile signs.
v. STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend to City Council adoption of the
proposed code amendments as contained in Exhibits A and B. Exhibit A reflects the following:
1. Retain the original staff recommendation to not allow electronic signs and/or electronic
changeable copy.
2. Allow changeable copy signs with at least a two-foot font.
3. Retain the original staff recommendation of250 square feet per sign face. Add language to
address the state requirement that a sign be no larger than 150 square feet per face and 20 feet in
any dimension if the sign is located more than 50 feet from advertised activity (no maximum
height limit).
4. Retain the original recommendation that a freeway profile sign shall not exceed 25 feet above
the elevation of the nearest driving lane of the freeway at a point nearest to the proposed location
of the sign. This is consistent with other jurisdiction's regulations. In addition, based on further
information, due to site topographical constraints and existing vegetation, some properties may
not be able to have a freeway profile sign that is visible from 1-5. Moreover, even if a sign is
initially visible, over time it may be obscured from 1-5 due to growth of vegetation. There is a
provision in the sign code for a sign variance.
5. Remove the maximum sign height of 60 feet if the subject property has an elevation lower than
the freeway.
A new definition for "advertised activity" has been added (Exhibit B).
VI. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
Consistent with the provisions of Federal Way City Code (FWCC) Section 22-538, the Planning
Commission may take the following actions regarding the proposed code amendments:
Freeway Profile Signs
Planning Connnission Staff Report
July 19,2005
Page 4
1 Recommend to City Council adoption of the proposed code amendments as proposed in Exhibits
A and B;
2. Recommend to City Council that the proposed code amendments not be adopted;
3. Forward the proposed code amendments to City Council without a recommendation; or
4. ModifY the proposed code amendments and recommend to City Council adoption of the
amendment as modified.
LIST OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
Exhibit D
Exhibit E
Exhibit F
Proposed Amendments to FWCC Chapter 22, Article XVIII, "Signs"
Proposed Amendments to FWCC Section 22-1597, "Definitions"
Example of Changeable Copy Sign
Picture of Sign in Bellingham
Picture of Jet Chevrolet Sign in Federal Way
Picture of Sign in Fife
1:\2005 Code Amendments\Freeway Commercial Signs\Planning Commission\071805 Report to Planning Commision.doc/07/21/2005 2:50 PM
Freeway Profile Signs
Planning Commission Staff Report
July 19, 2005
Page 5
SIGNS ALONG 1-5 IN FEDERAL WAY
EXHIBIT A
FEDERAL WAY CITY CODE
Chapter 22, Article XVIII, "Signs"
22-1601 Signs in nonresidential zoning districts.
(a) Freestanding signs. Permit applications for freestanding signs shall be designated as qualifying for a
high profile, medium profile ef low profile sign, or freewav profile sign, based upon criteria regarding
both the size and zoning designation of the development. The sign profile designation shall control the
sign types, sign height, sign area and number of signs allowed.
Separate parcels or pads for single-tenant buildings that comply with all zoning requirements for
single-tenant parcels, excluding access, and are not otherwise tied to an adjacent multi-tenant center by
virtue of architectural style or theme, are permitted one freestanding monument or pedestal sign not to
exceed a maximum sign area of 80 square feet for the total of all sign faces with no one sign face
exceeding 40 square feet.
(1) High profile sign.
a. Criteria. A subject property meeting all of the following criteria is permitted a high profile
freestanding sign:
1. A minimum of 250 feet of frontage on one public right-of-way;
2. A zoning designation of city center core (CC-C) or city center frame (CC-F), or community
business (BC);
3. A multiuse complex; and
4. A minimum site of 15 acres in size.
b. Sign types. The following sign types are allowed for a high profile sign:
1. Pylon or pole signs; provided, however, that any pylon or pole sign must have more than
one pole or structural support;
2. Pedestal signs;
3. Monument signs;
4. Tenant directory signs; and
5. Kiosks.
Sign content for any pylon or pole sign, or for any pedestal or monument sign in lieu of a pylon
or pole sign, may include electronic changeable messages, center identification signs and/or changeable
copy signs. Any high profile sign may be an electrical sign, an illuminated sign, and/or a neon sign.
c. Sign height. A high profile sign shall not exceed the following maximum heights:
1. Pylon or pole sign: Twenty-five feet;
2. Pedestal or monument signs: Twelve feet if in lieu of a pylon or pole sign. Otherwise,
pedestal and monument signs shall not exceed five feet;
3. Tenant directory or kiosk signs: Six feet unless the sign is set back a minimum of 50 feet
from any public right-of-way, in which case it may be 10 feet.
d. Sign area. A high profile sign shall not exceed the following maximum sign areas:
1. Pylon or pole sign: 400 square feet for the total of sign faces with no one sign face
exceeding 200 square feet;
2. Pedestal or monument signs: 128 square feet for the total of all sign faces with no one face
exceeding 64 square feet;
Federal Way City Code, Chapter 22, Article XVIII, "Signs"
Page 1
SIGNS ALONG 1-5 IN FEDERAL WAY
3. Tenant directory or kiosk signs: 15 square feet per sign face.
e. Number of signs. A subject property qualifying for a high profile sign may have the following
maximum number of signs:
1. Pylon or pole sign: One sign unless the subject property has an additional 500 feet of street
frontage for a total of 750 feet of aggregate frontage on any public rights-of-way, in which case the
subject property will be allowed one additional high profile sign, not to exceed a maximum of two such
signs per subject property;
2. Pedestal or monument signs: If the pedestal or monument sign is in lieu of a pylon or pole
sign, the number of signs allowed shall be determined pursuant to subsection (e)(I) of this section. In
addition, two monument signs which identify the name of any multiuse complex are allowed, per entrance
from a public right-of-way, not to exceed five feet in height; and
3. Tenant directory or kiosk signs: One sign per frontage on a public right-of-way.
(2) Medium profile sign.
a. Criteria. A subject property that does not qualify for a high profile sign pursuant to subsection
(a)(l) of this section and is not a low profile sign by being zoned office park (OP) or professional office
(PO) pursuant to subsection (a)(3) ofthis section is permitted a medium profile freestanding sign.
b. Sign types. The following sign types are allowed for a medium profile sign:
1. Pedestal signs; and
2. Monument signs.
Sign content for any medium profile sign may include electronic changeable messages, center
identification signs and/or changeable copy signs. Any medium profile sign may be an electrical sign, an
illuminated sign, and/or a neon sign.
c. Sign height. The height of a medium profile sign shall be calculated at the rate of 0.75 feet in
the sign height for every 10 lineal feet of frontage on a public right-of-way; provided, however, that sign
height shall be calculated at the rate of one and one-half feet in sign height for every 10 lineal feet of
frontage on a public right-of-way for any multi-tenant complex; and provided further, that such sign shall
not exceed a maximum height of 12 feet and every applicant is entitled to a minimum height of five feet.
d. Sign area. For any multi-tenant complex, sign area allowed for a medium profile signs shall be
calculated at the rate of two square feet per lineal foot of frontage on a public right-of-way not to exceed a
maximum sign area of 128 square feet for the total of all sign faces on each permitted sign with no one
sign face exceeding 64 square feet. For other uses, sign area allowed for medium profile sign shall be
calculated at the rate of one square foot per lineal foot of frontage on a public right-of-way not to exceed a
maximum sign area of 80 square feet for the total of all sign faces on each permitted sign with no one sign
face exceeding 40 square feet. Notwithstanding the foregoing sign area calculations, every applicant is
entitled to a minimum sign area of 50 square feet for the total of all sign faces with no one sign face
exceeding 25 square feet.
e. Number of signs. A subject property qualifying for a medium profile sign may have one
pedestal or monument sign for each street frontage. Each street frontage exceeding 300 linear feet and
containing more than one vehicular access is permitted one additional freestanding sign. No subject
property may contain more than three freestanding signs regardless of total linear street frontage and no
one street frontage may have more than two freestanding signs. Freestanding signs shall be located a
minimum distance of200 feet from other freestanding signs on the same subject property.
(3) Low profile sign.
a. Criteria. A subject property located in the office park (OP) or professional office (PO) zone is
permitted a low profile freestanding sign.
b. Sign types. The following sign types are allowed for a low profile sign:
Federal Way City Code, Chapter 22, Article XVIll, "Signs"
Page 2
SIGNS ALONG 1-5 IN FEDERAL WAY
1. Pedestal signs;
2. Monument signs; and
3. Tenant directory signs.
Sign content for any pedestal or monument sign may include center identification signs and/or
changeable copy signs. Any low profile sign may be an electrical sign, an illuminated sign, and/or a neon
SIgn.
c. Sign height. A low profile sign shall not exceed the following maximum heights:
1. Pedestal or monument signs: Five feet.
2. Tenant directory signs: Six feet unless the sign is set back a minimum of 50 feet from any
public right-of-way, in which case it may be 10 feet.
d. Sign area.
1. Pedestal or monument signs: Sign area allowed for a low profile sign shall be calculated at
the rate of one square foot per lineal foot of frontage on a public right-of-way; provided, however, that a
low profile sign shall not exceed a maximum sign area of 80 square feet for the total of all sign faces on
each permitted sign with no one sign face exceeding 40 square feet, and every applicant is entitled to a
minimum sign area of 50 square feet for the total of all sign faces with no one sign face exceeding 25
square feet;
2. Tenant directory signs: 15 square feet per sign face.
e. Number of signs. A subject property qualifying for a low profile sign may have the following
maximum number of signs:
1. Pedestal or monument signs: One sign per frontage on a public right-of-way; and
2. Tenant directory signs: One sign per frontage on a public right-of-way.
(4) Freeway profile signs.
In addition to the categories available in FWCC 22-1601(a)(l-3). a subject property may be
permitted an additional freestandiUlz sign if it meets the following:
a. Criteria.
1. Abuts the right-of-way of Interstate 5;
2. Is located in zoning designation of City Center Core (CC-C). or Community Business (BC).
b. Sign type. A pylon or pole sign is allowed provided. that any pylon or pole sign must have
more than one pole or structural support; and its design must be compatable to the architecture of the
primary structure on site or to the primary sign(s) alreadv permitted on the subject property. AItemativelv.
a pylon or pole sign mav have one pole or structural support if it results in superior design. which shall be
subiect to the director's approval.
Sign content for anv pvlon or pole sign. may include center identification signs provided.
however. that all font sizes used are a minumum two (2) feet tall. Any freestanding freeway profile sign
mav be an illuminated sign. and/or a neon sign. Animated or moving signs>: and electronic changeable
COpy tma,'~r cftang;eal!llil lHl8," signs will not be permitted.
c. Sign orientation. The sign must be oriented toward 1-5. be visible from 1-5 (not the off-ramps).
and be located near the property line closest to 1-5.
d. Sign height. A freeway profile sign shall not exceed 25 feet above the elevation of the nearest
driving lane of the freeway at a point nearest to the proposed location of the sign. IftlH~ s\iei€lGt lH'8l'ilGl't';
"has aM GI€l':ati~M l~'i\'cr th8ft ~G W€l@7:~;. tft€ll the lli~ BIoll.dlllc ll~ taller thaN fiQ f@et 1188-:e #Iii:! IlX8flig:@
HlliBke~ et'lHtMQ €l1€l':atiBn mCaB1:tF8~ at ~€l miiklllillt Bf the llig:n \laBe. If the subject property has an
elevation that is higher than the nearest driving lane of the freeway. then the sign shall be no taller than 20
feet above the average fin shed ground elevation measured at the midpoint of the sign base. However. the
Federal Way City Code, Chapter 22, Article XVIII, "Signs"
Page 3
SIGNS ALONG 1-5 IN FEDERAL WAY
maximum heilZht of the sign can be increased to 40 feet above the average finshed ground elevation
measured at the midpoint of the sign base in order to be visible above trees or other obstructions. subject
to the director's approval. The sitrn heil!ht shall be measured bv a licensed survevor and the aoolicant
shall be resoonsible for orovidinl! the survevor.
e. Sign area. If located 50 feet or less from the advertised activity. -A a...freewav profile sign shall
not exceed 500 square feet for the total sign faces. with no one sign face exceeding 250 square feet. ~
Bi~ k8i~t sRall Bl1l metlBttf88 8'; a liil11l1Ule6 BHl'V@';8f 888 1k8 Mll!lli8lU1t shall Oil filB}HlnBillle fftf pfftl'idillg;
1k8 BHV1'il"'@f.
f. If located more than 50 feet from the advertised activity. a freewav orofile sitrn shall not exceed
300 SQuare feet for the total sitrn face. with no one sitrn face exceedinlZ 150 sauare feet. No one dimension
ofthe sitrn face mav exceed 20 feet.
~ lZ. Number of signs. A subiect property qualifying for a freewav orofile sign may have only one
freeway profile sign per subiect property.
The applicant shall be responsible for coordinating any such sign with the The Department of
Transportation. the Hil!hwav Advertisinl! Control Act. and the State ofWashimrton Scenic Vistas Act.
-f4jill Combined sign package for adjacent property owners. The owners of two or more properties
that abut or are separated only by a vehicular access easement or tract may propose a combined sign
package to the city. The city will review and decide upon the proposal using process III. The city may
approve the combined sign package if it will provide more coordinated, effective and efficient signs. The
allowable sign area, sign type, sign height and number of signs will be determined as if the applicants
were one multi-tenant complex.
(b) Building-mounted signs.
(1) Sign types. The following sign types may be building-mounted signs and are allowed in all
nonresidential zoning districts:
a. Awning or canopy signs;
b. Center identification signs;
c. Changeable copy signs;
d. Civic event signs;
e. Directional signs, on-site;
f. Electronic changeable message signs;
g. Instructional signs;
h. Marquee signs;
i. Projecting signs;
j. Tenant directory signs;
k. Time and temperature signs;
1. Under canopy signs; and
m. Wall-mounted signs.
Any building-mounted sign may be an electrical sign, an illuminated sign, and/or a neon sign.
(2) Sign height. No sign shall project above the roofline of the exposed building face to which it is
attached.
(3) Sign area. The total sign area of building-mounted signs for each business or tenant, excluding
under canopy signs, shall not exceed seven percent of the exposed building face to which it is attached;
provided, however, that no individual sign shall exceed a sign area of 240 square feet and every applicant
is entitled to a minimum sign area of 30 square feet. A multi-tenant complex which does not use a
freestanding sign may have two additional wall-mounted signs. No one sign may exceed seven percent of
the exposed building face to which it is attached, to a maximum of 240 square feet per sign. This sign is
in addition to any other tenant signs on that building face.
Federal Way City Code, Chapter 22, Article XVIII, "Signs"
Page 4
SIGNS ALONG 1-5 IN FEDERAL WAY
(4) Number of signs. The number of building-mounted signs permitted each user is dependent upon
the surface area of the largest single exposed building face of his or her building as follows, excluding
wall-mounted center identification signs:
Maximum
umber of Signs
Buildings with more than 4,000 square feet on any exposed building face, with several clearly
differentiated departments, each with separate exterior entrances, are permitted one sign for each different
department with a separate exterior entrance, in addition to the five permitted.
No sign or signs may exceed the maximum area permitted for that building face except as may be
specifically permitted by this code. However, an applicant is allowed to move allotted signs, as calculated
in subsection (b)(4) from one building face to another.
Each business or use shall be permitted under canopy signs in addition to the other permitted
building-mounted signs subject to the size and separation requirements set forth in FWCC 22-
1599( c )(2)(w).
(c) Sign area multipliers. The sign area and sign number allowed, as set forth in subsection (a)(I)(d) of
this section for high profile signs, (a)(2)(d) of this section for medium profile signs, and (a)(3)(d) of this
section for low profile signs and subsection (b)(3) of this section for building-mounted signs may be
increased in the following instances; provided, however, that in no event shall the sign exceed the
maximum sign area allowed:
(1) If no signs on the subject property have internally lighted sign faces, then the total sign area
allowed may be increased by 25 percent.
(2) If all signs, other than center identification signs, are building-mounted signs, the total sign area
allowed may be increased by 25 percent.
(3) A time and temperature sign may be included with any sign and such time and temperature signs
shall not be included for purposes of calculating maximum sign area or maximum number of signs. (Ord.
No. 95-235, ~ 4, 6-6-95; Ord. No. 96-270, ~ 3(F), 7-2-96; Ord. No. 99-348, ~ 5,9-7-99; Ord. No. 99-357, ~ 6, 12-7-99)
1:\2005 Code Amendments\Freeway Commercial Signs\Planning Commission\Signs Freeway Code Language Amendment.doc/7/21/2005 2:44
PM
Federal Way City Code, Chapter 22, Article XVIII, "Signs"
Page 5
EXHIBIT B
Federal Way City Code
Chapter 22. Article XVIII.
SIGNS
Sections:
22-1596 Purpose.
22-1597 Definitions.
22-1598 Scope.
22-1599 Permits.
22-1600 Prohibited signs.
22-1601 Signs in nonresidential zoning districts.
22-1602 Construction standards.
22-1603 Variance from sign code.
22-1604 Compliance and enforcement.
22-1605 Reserved - Comprehensive design plan.
22-1606 - 22-1629 Reserved.
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 hislher designated
representative.
(3) Advertised activitv. for the nurnose of a freewav nrofile silm. means the nearest nortion ofthat
buildinl:!:. storae:e. or other structure or nrocesslnll area. which is the most relllilarlv used and essential to
the conduct of the activity or the nearest nortion of a combined narkine: area for a subiect nronerty.
f91 ill Animated or moving sign means any sign that uses movement, by eitHer aa-ffifal er
meeflaflieal means, er ehange of lightin.g, either natural er artifieial, te depiet action. te ereate a speeial
effeet or soen.e. or the appearance of movement of a silZU display through the use of nattems of lights.
chamzes in color or lil!ht intensity. computerized special effects. video display. or throul!h anv other
method chasing or scintillating lights. fluttering or movin~ lights. lights with stroboscopic effect. or
containing elements creating sound or smell: except for the scrolling of a static message. scene. or color
onto or off a SilZU board in one direction per message.
1:\2005 Code Amendments\Freeway Commercial Signs\Planning Commission\072705 Definitions.docn/21 12005 2:45:35 PM
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