17.60.030 Comprehensive sign plans.
The comprehensive sign plan is a program that may allow developers or business owners of a shopping/business center or other such project to request special consideration of signs that are specifically integrated into the overall architectural style or theme for that project. Because signage can play an important role in the overall site design in order to set it apart from other similar projects, a comprehensive sign plan can create an effect both desired and unique that will enhance the overall environment of the development. However, it is not the intent of this section to be used to request relief of the sign regulations in order to circumvent any requirements or purpose of this chapter.
A. General Requirements. Any person may file with the city a comprehensive sign plan application for only the following projects:
1. Shopping/business center developments as defined in this title, including office and industrial complexes. The application for the plan shall be signed by more than fifty percent of the property owners, not including royalty interests, of the real property constituting the center.
2. PCD (planned commercial development) projects.
3. Areas covered by a specific plan where signage was not identified in said plan.
4. Public and semi-public institutional projects.
5. Neighborhood/subdivision identification sign program. This program is limited to developments of one hundred acres or more that have frontage along an arterial and/or collector street of one-half mile or more.
B. Condition of Project Approval. Comprehensive sign plans may be required by the city council or planning commission as part of any project approval as specified in Section 17.60.020(C).
C. Application Information. Any comprehensive sign plan application shall be submitted to the planning department on a form provided by that department. Information submitted shall include, but is not limited to, location, size, height, color, lighting, number, visual effects, and orientation of all proposed and existing signs as they pertain to the comprehensive sign plan.
D. Authority and Review. The planning commission shall have the authority under the conditions provided in this chapter to permit the utilization of comprehensive sign plans and may approve signs that are more or less restrictive than the sign regulations set forth in this chapter.
1. All comprehensive sign plan requests shall be heard by the planning commission at a public hearing. The applicant, their authorized agent, property owners and operators of the businesses affected shall be notified by mail of the time and place of the hearing before the planning commission at least ten days before hearing.
2. Exceptions to the sign regulations in this chapter may be permitted, provided the planning commission finds that the comprehensive sign plan as a whole is in conformity with the purpose of this chapter and such exceptions are for the general welfare resulting in an improved relationship among the various signs, building facades, or overall project covered by the plan.
3. The planning commission may require special conditions on approved plans such as, but not limited to, bonds or other type of security to ensure the removal or abatement of signs that are abandoned or are in violation of any condition of an approved plan, or a time schedule for any sign program where signage is not considered permanent.
4. The planning commission shall either approve, conditionally approve or disapprove the comprehensive sign plan at the public hearing. All decisions by the planning commission are final and conclusive.
5. An approved comprehensive sign plan may be changed or modified subject to the same process as a new application.
6. Where an application for a comprehensive sign plan has been denied by the planning commission, no reapplication or new application for the same or nearly the same such plan on the property shall be considered for a period of one year from the date of the decision. However, where a change has occurred which, in the discretion of the planning commission, indicates that the new application is significantly different and that reconsideration would serve the public interest, this time period may be waived provided the planning commission makes such a finding.
7. The planning director may grant minor changes to an approved comprehensive sign plan provided any such change does not alter the overall architectural design or style of signs approved by such plan, and there is no increase in the total area of signs.
E. Future Signs. A comprehensive sign plan may be approved where signs for satellite pads or other such detached future buildings have not been identified and considered under such approved plan. In these instances, unless otherwise conditioned, such future signs shall be subject to the requirements of the C-1 zone district.
F. Existing Signs as Part of a Comprehensive Sign Plan. If any new or amended comprehensive sign plan is filed for property on which existing signs are located, those signs shall be integrated into the plan and shall be in compliance with that plan prior to issuance of a permit for any new sign permitted under said plan.
G. Permits Prohibited Until Decision Rendered. No permit shall be issued for any sign on property where a comprehensive sign plan has been applied for and is pending a decision from the planning commission.
H. Withdrawal of Plan. An approved comprehensive sign plan may be withdrawn by the applicant provided: (1) it is not required as a condition of project approval; (2) no signs have been installed pursuant to such plan; (3) all signs installed since approval of said plan comply with the requirements of the zone district in which they are located; or (4) all signs in the center or project comply with the provisions of the zone district in which they are located. The withdrawal shall be submitted in writing to the planning department.
I. Binding Effect. After approval of a comprehensive sign plan, no signs shall be erected, placed, painted, installed, or otherwise permitted, except in conformance with said plan. The plan shall be enforced in the same manner as any other provision in this chapter. The comprehensive sign plan shall be attached to the lease agreements or sale of space within the project and becomes binding for the entire site for both existing and future owners/tenants. In case of any conflict between the provisions of the plan and this chapter, the approved plan shall control. (Ord. 5020 § 23, 2020; Ord. 4729 § 2, 2013; Ord. 4489 § 2, 2008; Ord. 3586 § 2, 1994)