18.58.030 Sign Regulations:
A. Only a sign as defined in Section 18.58.020(OO) is subject to the provisions of this chapter.
B. A sign type that is listed “A” in the following table is allowed to be displayed, subject to the applicable sign regulations listed in this section and in the table.
C. A sign type that is listed “P” in the following table is prohibited from display, unless it is a nonconforming sign as provided in Section 18.58.090.
D. A sign type that is listed “E” in the following table is exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
E. A sign type that is not listed in the following table is not allowed to be displayed.
F. A sign shall comply with applicable provisions of the State Building Code and Chapter 16.02 entitled Building Permits.
G. A sign is subject to Chapter 8.14 entitled Nuisances.
H. State law (RCW 70.54.090) prohibits the attachment of a sign to a utility pole.
I. No sign is allowed on or over right-of-way except as approved by City Council for City streets. No sign is allowed within right-of-way of the interstate or primary system where there are no curbs. A sign may be allowed within right-of-way of the primary system where there are curbs and other streets, subject to the following conditions and circumstances:
1. A projecting sign is allowed over a sidewalk in right-of-way in the C-1 Zone and in the C-2 Zone where the building is not set back from right-of-way; provided, that the sign does not project more than eighty percent (80%) of the distance between the right-of-way line and back of curb line, and there is a minimum of eight feet (8') vertical clearance under the sign.
2. A political sign is allowed in right-of-way subject to the remainder of the applicable sign regulations in this section and in the following table.
J. No permanent sign is allowed on or over a public utility easement.
K. A permanent sign may be allowed over but not on a municipal easement, upon approval by the Municipal Services Director.
L. Every sign shall be maintained in a safe and secure manner. A torn, broken, hazardous, dilapidated, or outdated sign, as determined by the Building Official, shall be repaired, replaced, or removed.
M. The City Engineer shall review each application for a sign permit for sight distance. The City Engineer shall consider whether a sign would be located or constructed so as to obscure or obstruct an official traffic sign, signal, or device, or obstruct a motorist’s view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic before approving or disapproving the application.
N. Internal or external sign lighting shall be shaded, hooded, site screened, or directed so that the light’s intensity or brightness shall neither adversely affect adjacent or nearby property, nor create a public nuisance, nor create a traffic hazard.
O. A sign may be located within the front or exterior yard (as defined in Section 18.03.040) but shall not be located in the interior side or rear yard (as defined in Section 18.03.040).
P. Where electronic signs are allowed, the following conditions apply:
1. The message shall have a static display time of at least two (2) seconds after moving on to the signboard, with all segments of the total message to be displayed within ten (10) seconds.
2. Displays may travel horizontally or scroll vertically onto electronic signboards, but must hold in a static position for two (2) seconds after completing the travel or scroll.
3. Electronic signs requiring more than four (4) seconds to change from one (1) single message display to another shall be turned off during the change interval.
4. No electronic sign lamp may be illuminated to a degree of brightness that is greater than necessary for adequate visibility. In no case may the brightness exceed eight thousand (8,000) nits or equivalent candelas during daylight hours, or one thousand (1,000) nits (illuminative brightness measurement) or equivalent candelas between dusk and dawn. Signs found to be too bright shall be adjusted as directed by the City of Moses Lake.
5. Minimum height for the sign shall be thirteen feet (13') from grade of the adjacent roadway to the bottom of sign.
6. The sign background shall not be white in color. White lights shall not be used as the sign background.
7. Businesses, churches, or schools are allowed changeable signs providing that changeable displays in residential zones shall be turned off between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Q. No sign shall be erected or maintained if it is visible from the main traveled way of the interstate or primary system except as permitted by Chapter 468-66 WAC entitled Highway Advertising Control Act or Chapter 47.42 RCW entitled Highway Advertising Control Act – Scenic Vistas Act.
R. Signs constructed of temporary sign materials, as defined in Section 18.58.020(TT), shall not be used as a permanent sign. Any sign that does not currently meet this standard must be removed within ninety (90) days.
|
Sign Type |
Prohibited, Allowed, or Exempt |
Maximum Sign Height |
Maximum Sign Area |
Sign Permit |
Other Sign Regulations |
|
Abandoned |
P |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
Architectural Appendage |
A |
Sign may be flush-mounted or suspended under the architectural appendage |
See Building sign |
R |
Sign allowed only in commercial and industrial zones. If the sign is suspended, there shall be at least 8' clearance above grade. |
|
Billboard |
P |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
Building |
See specific types of building signs |
See specific types of building signs |
The total area of building signs shall not exceed 25% of the overall area of each facade. None of this allowance is transferable from 1 facade to another facade. No individual building sign shall exceed 15% of the overall area of a facade. |
See specific types of building signs |
Sign allowed in commercial, industrial, agricultural, and municipal airport zones. Allowed in R-3 Zone on a site with a conditional use, with review and approval of the Hearing Examiner according to Section 18.58.110. |
|
Changeable Copy |
A |
25' for freestanding, freeway or freeway interchange sign, or wall height for wall sign |
See Building, Freeway or Freeway Interchange, Freestanding, or Temporary Freestanding or Portable sign |
R |
Sign allowed only in commercial and industrial zones. |
|
Community |
A |
See Building or Freestanding sign |
See Building, Freestanding, and Temporary Freestanding or Portable sign for other sign area regulations |
R if freestanding sign; NR if building sign |
Sign allowed only in commercial, industrial, and public zones. Sign shall be temporary. |
|
Construction |
A |
8' |
32 sq. ft. per street frontage per construction site |
NR |
Sign may be erected a maximum of 30 days prior to start of construction, and shall be removed within 30 days after the end of construction. Sign shall be nonilluminated. Limited to 1 sign per street frontage per site. |
|
Dilapitated or hazardous condition as determined by Building Official |
P |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
Directional – Commercial |
A |
6' for freestanding sign; same as for Wall sign |
8 sq. ft. per sign |
R |
Sign allowed only in commercial zones. |
|
Directional – Industrial |
A |
15' for freestanding sign; same as for Wall sign |
55 sq. ft. per sign |
R |
Sign allowed only in industrial zones. |
|
Directory |
A |
Same as for Freestanding, and Freeway or Freeway Interchange sign |
See Building, Freeway or Freeway Interchange, or Freestanding sign |
R |
Sign allowed only in commercial and industrial zones, or on a site with a conditional use in the R-3 Zone. Prior to issuance of a sign permit, a sign for a conditional use in the R-3 Zone shall require Hearing Examiner review and approval according to Section 18.58.110. |
|
Electronic |
A |
25' |
50 sq. ft. per site. Area of electronic signs is included within the maximum area allowed for freestanding or building signage. |
R |
Sign allowed only in commercial, industrial, and public zones. Additional requirements for electronic signs are found in Section 18.58.030, Sign Regulations. Electronic signs must also meet the requirements for the type of sign (freestanding or building). |
|
Flashing |
P |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
Freeway or Freeway Interchange or Wheeler Corridor Heavy Industrial |
A |
45' |
350 sq. ft. per site |
R |
Allowed only in commercial and industrial zones. Wheeler Corridor signs allowed only in the Wheeler Corridor Heavy Industrial Area. Off-site signs shall not be allowed. |
|
Freestanding |
A |
25' |
150 square feet per site in a commercial or industrial zone, except that a site which has street frontage exceeding 300 lineal feet is allowed 150 square feet per increment of 300 lineal feet of street frontage. A site where there is a conditional use in the R-3 Zone is allowed any combination of freestanding and building signs not to exceed a total of 12 square feet, except as provided in Other Sign Regulations in this row. |
R |
Sign allowed only in commercial and industrial zones or on a site where there is a conditional use in the R-3 Zone. A site without street frontage shall be limited to 1 freestanding sign structure. The number of freestanding sign structures that are allowed on a site with street frontage shall be limited to 2 per increment of 300 lineal feet of street frontage. If a site exceeds 1 freestanding sign structure, then the structures shall be separated a minimum of 100 lineal feet. Landscaping (as defined in Section 18.57.030(A)) is required around the base of a new freestanding sign. The landscaping perimeter for a pole sign shall be not less than the largest sign dimensions as vertically projected to the ground. The landscaping perimeter for all other freestanding signs shall be not less than 1' larger than the base of the sign structure. Prior to issuance of a sign permit, a freestanding sign on a vacant site, or where there is a conditional use in the R-3 Zone, shall require Hearing Examiner review and approval according to Section 18.58.110. |
|
Garage Sale |
A |
NA |
NA |
NR |
Sign allowed in all zones. The sign shall not be displayed for more than 4 consecutive days. |
|
Government Flags |
E |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
Home Occupation |
A |
Same as for Wall sign |
2 sq. ft. per residential dwelling unit with home occupation license |
R |
Sign shall be a nonilluminated wall sign. Limited to 1 sign per residential dwelling unit with home occupation license. |
|
Incidental |
A |
Same as for Wall, Freeway, Freeway Interchange and Freestanding signs |
2 sq. ft. per sign |
NR |
Shall be nonilluminated and on site. |
|
Monument |
A |
8' |
Same as for Freestanding Sign |
R |
Sign allowed only in commercial and industrial zones. |
|
Nonconforming |
See Section 18.58.090 for limitations on nonconforming signs |
||||
|
Official Sign or Legal Notice |
E |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
Open, Closed, Business Hours, Address, or Greeting |
E |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
Political (candidate or issue) |
A |
8' |
32 sq. ft. per sign |
NR |
Shall be removed within 10 days after an election. May be located on private property with permission from property owner. May be placed in right-of-way adjacent to the private property of the abutting land owner and only with the permission of the private property owner/abutting land owner; provided, that it is not in a location or condition that is prohibited. |
|
Private Warning/Directional |
E |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
Projecting Sign |
A |
Same as for Wall or Architectural Appendage sign |
See Building sign |
R |
See subsection I of this section. |
|
Public Facility Directional Sign |
A |
8' |
35 sq. ft. |
R |
Sign allowed only in the public zone. |
|
Public or Recreational Identification |
A |
Same as for Freestanding or Building sign |
See Freestanding or Building sign |
R |
Allowed in commercial, industrial, and public zones. |
|
Public Zone (other than Public or Recreational Facility Identification signs) |
A |
Same as for Freestanding or Building sign |
See Freestanding or Building sign |
R |
Requires Hearing Examiner approval according to Section 18.58.110. |
|
Real Estate – Other |
A |
8' for free-standing sign; wall height for building sign |
32 sq. ft. per sign |
NR |
Shall be nonilluminated. Shall be removed from display within 5 days after sale, lease, or rent. |
|
Real Estate – Residential Lot |
A |
8' |
6 sq. ft. per sign |
NR |
Shall be nonilluminated. Shall be removed from display within 1 day after sale, lease, or rent. |
|
Residential Identification |
A |
8' |
32 sq. ft. per site |
R |
Allowed in residential zones. Requires Hearing Examiner review and approval according to Section 18.58.110. |
|
Residential Subdivision |
A |
8' |
32 sq. ft. per residential subdivision, manufactured home binding site plan or residential planned development |
R |
NA |
|
Roof |
A |
10' above roof height as measured from intersection of the roof and lowest point of the sign, sign structure, or point of attachment |
See Building sign |
R |
Allowed in commercial and industrial zones. |
|
Sandwich Board |
A |
4' |
8 sq. ft. each face |
R |
Sign allowed only in commercial and industrial zones. May be located in right-of-way adjacent to the site that is the object of the sign with Community Development Department approval. Otherwise, sign shall be on site. Shall be removed from display at the end of each business day. |
|
Sign which could be confused with or obstructs the view of a traffic sign or signal, as determined by City Engineer |
P |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
Sign which restricts ingress to or egress from a building |
P |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
Sign on vehicle other than Vehicle sign |
P |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
Temporary Sign – Flag (includes feather, teardrop, and blade shaped signs attached to a single vertical pole) |
A |
15' |
32 sq. ft. per sign. 2 signs per site are allowed except where a site which has street frontage exceeding 300 lineal feet is allowed 1 additional 32 sq. ft. sign per increment of 300 lineal feet of street frontage. |
R – 1 time per location. Ownership change or change of business license requires new sign permit. |
Allowed only in commercial and industrial zones. Signs shall be specific to an event for a time period not to exceed 30 days. The sign shall be anchored. When broken, torn, worn, or dilapidated, the sign shall be removed, repaired, or replaced. Shall be removed from display at the end of each business day. |
|
Temporary Sign on Fence |
A |
Height of fence |
32 sq. ft. per street frontage |
NR |
Allowed only for community signs, as defined in this chapter. |
|
Temporary Sign on freestanding structure or Portable |
A |
See Freestanding if on freestanding structure; 8' height if portable |
32 sq. ft. per street frontage per site. If no street frontage, then 32 sq. ft. per site. The total sign area shall be restricted to 1, contiguous, designated area per street frontage. The designated area shall not exceed 12 lineal feet parallel to street frontage. |
R – 1 time per location. Ownership change of business license requires new sign permit. |
Allowed only in commercial and industrial zones. Sign shall be repaired, replaced, or removed when torn, worn, broken, or dilapidated. Sign shall be specific to a product or event, and shall not include the business name or hours. Off-site signs shall not be allowed, except that the Hearing Examiner may allow a temporary sign on a vacant site pursuant to Section 18.58.100. |
|
Temporary Gas Pump |
A |
NA |
2 sq. ft. per sign, 1 sign per dispenser |
NR |
NA |
|
Temporary Sign on Wall |
A |
Same as Wall sign |
See Building sign. Signs shall be framed. 1 sign per building allowed if unframed. |
NR |
Allowed only in commercial and industrial zones. Sign shall be repaired, replaced, or removed when torn, worn, broken, or dilapidated. Sign shall be specific to a product or event, and shall not include the business name or hours. Off-site signs shall not be allowed. Signs shall not be located on outbuildings. |
|
Traffic Control |
E |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
Vehicle |
A |
Flush-mounted to vehicle |
NA |
NR |
Nonilluminated. |
|
Wall |
A |
The sign shall be contained within the outline of the facade |
See Building sign |
R |
NA |
|
Wayfinding |
A |
NA |
NA |
R |
Signs shall not create traffic, pedestrian, or other safety hazards, and shall comply with state traffic guidelines. Signs installed must be consistent with the provisions of the Destination Development, Inc., for the branding, marketing, and signage identification. The size, type, and location of a sign should be compatible with the area in which it is being proposed. |
|
Window or Door |
A |
The sign shall be contained within the perimeter of the window or door |
See Building sign |
NR for temporary sign; R for permanent sign |
NA |
|
A = Allowed E = Exempt NA = Not Applicable NR = Not Required P = Prohibited R = Required |
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(Ord. 2949, 4/14/20; Ord. 2929, 8/13/19; Ord. 2677, 3/26/13; Ord. 2673, 2/26/13; Ord. 2652, 7/24/12; Ord. 2648, 4/10/12; Ord. 2625, 8/9/11; Ord. 2617, 6/14/11; Ord. 2451, 4/14/09; Ord. 2401, 6/10/08; Ord. 2144, 12/9/03; Ord. 2000, 12/12/00)