20.72.040 Permit requirements.
A. Sign Permit Required. A sign permit shall be obtained prior to the installation, construction, or alteration of any sign, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. Building permits and/or electrical permits shall also be obtained in accordance with the building and electrical codes. Any change in color, message, copy design, or size of a sign shall require a permit and shall comply with any applicable sign program.
B. Applications. Applications for sign permits shall be submitted to the director of community development in the same manner as a minor development review permit per Chapter 20.84 CMC, Part 2, except when a conditional use permit is required pursuant to subsection (C)(2) of this section, and shall be accompanied by the following materials:
1. Three copies of the sign proposal showing the proposed height, size, shape, color, and design of each sign and supporting structure.
2. A site plan illustrating the placement of the sign in relation to buildings and other structures on the property on which the sign is to be located.
3. An elevation drawing showing the position of each sign as it will appear on a building or, for a freestanding sign, as it will appear in relation to adjacent buildings or structures.
4. The name and address of the applicant and the property owner.
5. The endorsement of either the owner of the site or an authorized representative of the owner.
6. Such additional information as the director of community development may require to determine compliance with this chapter and all other regulations of the city.
7. Any application for a sign permit shall not be complete unless accompanied by an application fee in an amount established by resolution of the city council.
8. All sign applications shall be reviewed by the director of community development, unless planning commission approval is required. The director shall approve, approve with modifications or conditions, or deny an application in accordance with the standards established by this chapter and other applicable requirements and standards of the city.
C. Master Sign Programs.
1. Master Sign Program – Staff Level. A master sign program shall be adopted for all commercial or industrial developments in the city that contain two or more uses when signs are in compliance with this chapter. A sign program shall govern the maximum allowable sign area, colors, type of sign, and size of letters for each individual sign that is proposed, subject to a coordinated program that provides a harmonious design treatment among all signs in the program and that is compatible with and integrated into the architectural design of the buildings, landscaping, and lighting of the development. Each sign program shall be submitted to the director of community development for review and approval in the same manner as a minor development review permit per Chapter 20.84 CMC, Part 2.
2. Master Sign Program – Planning Commission. To allow flexibility for creative project identification for unique multi-tenant sites, signage may vary from the standards in this chapter subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit pursuant to Chapter 20.84 CMC, Part 2. This master sign program may allow freestanding signs other than monument-style signs, such as pylon/pole signs, and signs that vary from the standards in terms of number of signs, height, sign area, and setbacks. In no case shall prohibited signs be permitted with the master sign program. The master sign program must establish a coordinated project theme of design elements, and signs shall be proportional to the scale of the project.
3. No permit shall be issued for any sign in or for a multiple-tenant development that is not in conformance with an approved sign program. (Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).