Ordinance 1555 - Zoning Text Amendment - Sign RegulationsORDINANCE No, 155
AN ORDINANCEAMENDING THE KALISPELL ZONING ORDINANCE (ORDINANCE
NO. 1460)5, Y AMENDING SECTION 27, 4 SIGN REGULATIONS., DECLARING A
EFFECTIVE AT , AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO CODIFY THE
SAME.
WHEREAS, the City of Kalispell has submitted a written request to amend the Kalispell Zoning;
Ordinance, by amending Section .7- 4, Sign Regulations, and
WHEREAS, the request was forwarded to the Kalispell. City Planning Board and Zoning;
Commission by the ---City Planning office after having been evaluated under
27.30.020, Kalispell Zoning Ordinance, and
WHEREAS, the Kalispell City Planning Board and Zoning Commission recommended that the
text of the Kalispell Zoning Ordinance be amended by amending section 27.24, Sign
Regulations, and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the TCPO .deport and the transmittal from the
Kalispell City Planning Board and Zoning Commission and hereby adopts the
findings made in .deport #KZTA-04-1 as the Findings of Fact applicable to this
Ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY' OF
KALISPELL AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1# The City of Kalispell Zoning ordinance, ordinance No. 1460, is
hereby amended as follows on Exhibit "A"', attached hereto and
thereby made a part hereof.
SECTION 11. All parts and portions of Ordinance No. 1460 not amended hereby
remain unchanged.
SECTION III. This ordinance shall take effect thirty days after .its final passage.
SECTION IV. The City Attorney is hereby authorized and directed to recodify this
Ordinance.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND SIGNED BY THE MAYOR OF THE
CITY OF KALISPELL THIS 17TH DAY OF UCP�ER.,-N05.
ATTEST;
Teresa White
City Clerk
Sign Regulations - Page
CHAPTER 27.24
SIGN REGULATIONS
Sections.
7.2.0.0
Purpose
7.2 .o o
Scope
2#,030
Signs Prohibited
27,24.040
Permits Required
27,24,050
Signs Not Requiring Permits
7,2 .
General Standards for all Signs
2*.070
Sign Area .Allowances
27,24,080
Regulations for Specific Categories of Signs
27.24.090
Permitted Signs in Zones R-1, R- , R-3, and R#
27.24.100
Permitted Signs in Zones R-5, RA- ., RA-2, RA-3, H-1, - ., -1,
and PUD
27,24,110
Permitted Signs in. Zones -2 -3 - , - , - ., and ;2
27.24.1.20
Standards
27.2 .130
Maintenance
7.2 .1
Sign Permit
27.24,150
Non -Conforming Signs and Signs Without Permits
27,24,160
Vio ation
.2 . ' o
Enforcement and Remedies
7.2. o
Removal of Signs by the Administrator
27.. o
Appeals
27,2 .200
Variances
,24,0 0: Purpose. The purpose of this Chapter shall be to coordinate the type,
placement, and physical dimensions of signs within the different land -use
zoning classifications of Kalispell; to recognize the commercial
communication requirements of all sectors of the business community; t
encourage the innovative use of design; to promote loth renovation and
proper maintenance; to promote the aesthetic objectives of the city; to
improve pedestrian and traffic safety; to enhance the natural scenic
qualities of the area; to minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on
nearby public and private property; to promote the tourist economy of the
city; and to guarantee equal treatment under the law through accurate
record keeping and consistent enforcement. These shall be accomplished
y regulation of the display, erection, use and maintenance of signs. The
use of signs is regulated according to zoning classifications. No sign shall
e permitted as an accessory use to a permitted or conditionally permitted
use except in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter,
Sign Regulations - Page 2
27. . Scope. This Chapter shall not regulate official traffic or government
signs; the copy and message of signs; signs not intended to be viewed
from a public right-of-way; product dispensers and point of purchase
displays; scoreboards on athletic fields; flags of any nation, government or
.noncommercial organization; gravesto-nes; religious symbols-,
commemorative plaques- decorative holiday light displays; traditional
barber poles; the display of street numbers; r any display or construction
not defined herein as a sign.
7.2 . 3 : Signs Prohibited, The -following types of signs are prohibited in all
districts: No permit shall be issued for the erection of any signs prohibited
by this sectorl.
�., Abandoned Signs.
�.Inflatable signs, searchlights, beacons or other gas filled or air
filled figures. (except as allowed in Section 27.24.050(l)(c)
(3). Banners on public property or rights -of -way (moved for clarity),
except as otherwise permitted by other city standards or policies.
Signs irritating or resembling official traffic or government signs
or signals.
�. Snipe signs or signs attached to trees, telephone/electrical poles,
public benches, streetlights, or placed on any public right-of-way.
(6). Signs placed on vehicles or trailers wbieb are parked or located for
the primary purpose of displaying said sign. (This does not apply
to signs or lettering on buses, taxis, or vehicles operating during
the normal course of business.)
(7). Roof Signs unless architecturally incorporated into the facade of
the building on a parapet wall or similar extension of an exterior
wall.
Any temporary or portable signs except as otherwise permitted in
Section 27.24.050(l).
(9). Mechanically animated ardor flashing signs. See also Section
7.2.00.
(10), Any temporary or portable sandwich board signs or other portable
signs located on public sidewalks or in the public right of way,
Sign Regulations - Page
.2 . Permits Required. Unless otherwise provided by this ordinance, all signs
shall require permits and payment of fees as described in Section
2 .2 .1 o of this ordinance. No permit is required for the routine
maintenance of a sign. Changing a face or other component of a sign is
considered an alteration of the sign and shall not be considered routine
maintenance.
27. . Signs Not Requiring Per mi s. The following types of signs are
exempted from permit requirements but must be in conformance with all
other requirements of this ordinance:
Allowed temporary Signs. Signs erected on a temporary basis such
as, but not limited to, the following categories of signs;
(a). Construction. Signs. No more than one 1 sign per
contractor of a building which is under construction
provided the advertising display area of such sign s all not
exceed six square feet in residential districts or sixteen
(16) square feet in other districts. Additionally, one (1.) sign
is allowed which shall not exceed sixteen 6 square feet
advertising the business(es) which will occupy the lot.
Such signs shalt be removed within 30 days of occupancy
of the building.
(b). .eal Estate Signs. one two-faced sign per lot not exceeding
six (6) square feet per sign face in residential districts or
sixteen 1) square feet in other districts.
(c). emporary signs are allowed in association with
commercial. and industrial uses for special event such as
grand openings or special sales for single period of time not
to exceed 14 total days within a 6 month period and subject
to the written approval of the zoning administrator.
. Banners .mounted directly on and parallel to a building
wail.
2. One temporary or portable sign (such as a portable reader
board or sandwich board, etc) per lot is allowed.
3. Inflatable signs, balloons, tethered balloons, or other gas
filled or air filled figures
(d). political signs not exceeding 32 square feet located on
private property.
Sign Regulations - Page
(e). Campaign and election signs which are removed within 1
days after the election.
�• Signs associated with neighborhood garage or yard sales or
similar function. Such signs must be removed within one
(1) week following the sale.
(g). one decorative banner per place or business with no
commercial message.
�. General Standards for Temporary ,signs,
(a) . ►. temporary sign shall not be placed on or extend over the
public right -or -way.
(b). The location of a temporary sign is subject to clear vision
triangle requirements and the location requirements for
freestanding/ground signs contained in Section. 27.24.080(l).
The location is further subject to site and building access
requirements.
(c). .A temporary sign shall be designed to be stable under all
weather conditions, including high winds.
(d). A temporary sign shall not advertise or promote any off -
premise ise commercial enterprise or event.
Directional Signs* A sign., other than a government sign., not more
than four ) square feet which provides directions for traffic flow
to places of business.
Identification Signs. one sign per street front, setting forth or
denoting the name of any public, charitable, or religious institution
when located on the premises of such institution, provided such
sign or bulletin board shall not exceed 24 square feet in sign area
per face, subject to the height for the given zoning district.,
� . Interior Window Signs. Any incidental si na e erected inside o
or painted on a window or otherwise located within a. building
except strobe lights, blinking lights or other such similar devices
that are intended to draw attention to a use from passing vehicular
traffic.
� . Subdivision Identification Signs, one sign not to exceed 20
square feet in area or two 2 signs not to exceed twelve .12
square feet each per exclusive entrance to a subdivision or tract.
Sign Regulations - Page
Such signs shall be restricted to the subdivision or tract name and
not exceeding six feet M height.
(7). Government Signs. Any sign erected by a government agency
(e.g., traffic signs and legal notices) and signs indicating utility
locations.
(8). Nameplates. one per dwelling or tenant names at main entrance
of any non-residential use not exceeding one square foot per
nameplate.
(9). Incidental Signs* Signs that are generally informational, that have
a purpose secondary to the use on the lot on which it is located,
such as "no parking," "entrance," "loading only," "telephone," and
other similar directives. No sign with a commercial message
legible from a position off the zone lot on which the sign is located
shall be considered incidental.
(1-0). Works of art that do not include a commercial message.
7. #0 0: General Standards For All Signs.
(1). Signs shall not rotate, move, flash, change or blink, except if
utilized by a government agency for public safety or information.
(2). Are electronic message board provided it displays time and
temperature a minimum of every 30 seconds. The sign must be
incorporated into the primary sign shall not comprise more than 2
percent of the primary sign area. The electronic message shall not
change in increments of less than five seconds and shall not use
flashing or blinking characters. The use of colors, which can be
confused with traffic signs such as red or green, are prohibited.
(3). Signs, if illuminated, shall be lighted by continuous., stationary,
shielded light sources. eternally illuminated signs may not be lit
at night when any face of the sign is removed or damaged in such a
way that the light may distract or intrude n drivers or adjacent
properties. Signs that have exterior lighting roust be lit from above
the sign and the light shielded except that ground lighting may be
used for ground mounted signs with a solid base. In all cases
lighting must be directed at the surface of the sign area,
(4). Portable or movable reader boards signs are prohibited ite except
when used to announce a temporary event [see 27.2 .o of (e) or
when used in conjunction with temporary businesses and shall be
placed at least fifteen feet back from the public right-of-way.
Sign Regulations - Page
(5). No more than tweirity five percent of any sign area may incorporate
a reader board. The reader board portion shall be architecturally
incorporated into the overall design of the sign. No such sign shall
e considered to be architecturally incorporated unless the reader
board is contiguous to the remainder of the sign face and is
bounded by the same or similar framework.
(6). Signs attached to buildings shall not extend above the wall to
which they are attached unless erected to comply with
27.2.030.
(7). The advertising display area for freestanding signs shall include no
more than two 2 faces except that more than two 2 faces may
e permitted for signs serving multiple businesses. The advertising
display area for wall signs shall be limited to a single sign face.
(8). No off -premise sign shall be located in any residential zoning;
district except as may be associated with In.ciden.tal neighborhood
sales fas Per Section 27. .050 1 e . See also Section 27.2 .030.
2 .2 . Sign Area Allowances. The maximum sign area allowance for a
particular property shall be calculated as per subsection 1 or 2 below
unless otherwise specified in this Chapter. Sign area allowances shall only
e applicable to developed properties, and shall include all conforming
and nonconforming signage for which perms have been issued per
Section 27.2 .150.
(1). Building Frontage Length.
(a). When ildin frontage is less than 200 feet, the maximum
sign area for the property shall be equal to three 3 square
feet for each lineal foot of building frontage length.
(b). When building frontage exceeds Zoo feet, the maximum
sign area shall be equal to boo square feet plus one square
foot for each additional lineal foot of frontage beyond Zoo
feet.
(c). As applicable to shopping centers or lots containing
multiple businesses or where common sinae is shared
between two or more adjacent lots, the calculation of
allowable sign area shall be as per a) and above, except
the square footage allowance increases to three and one-
half 3-. ) square feet and one and one-half 1-1 2 square
Sign Regulations - Page
feet, respectively, provided that a common sgnae plan is
submitted and approved.
The sign allowance shall be calculated on the basis of the
length of the one building frontage which is most nearly
parallel to the street it faces. In the event a building does
not have frontage on a dedicated public street or has
frontage on more than one street, the over of a building;
may designate the one building frontage which shalt be
used for the purpose of calculating the sign allowance.
(2), Lot Length. In lieu of using the length of building frontage as a
means .s of calculating sign area allowance, the calculation may be
based on a ratio of one square foot of sign allowance for each
lirneal foot of lot frontage along a single public road.
(3). Multi -faced Signs. All lases of a multi --sided sign shall be counted
towards the maximum sign area allowance (for example, both sloes
of a double -sided freestanding sign are courted). Signs shall not
exceed a 30 degree angle.
(4). Businesses having; approved entrances from more than two
collector streets and/or an arterial highways may submit a sign age
plan to the City Council for their approval that exceeds the sign
area allowable in this ordinance. A portion of the proposed signage
may e off --premise provided the business property does not abut a
third or fourth collector street or arterial highway and such off -
premise s g age does not direct traffic through a residential zone.
2 .2 .o o: Regulations for Specific Categories of Signs.
(1). Freestanding and Ground Signs.
(a). The advertising display area per sign face shall not exceed
Zoo square feet except as otherwise permitted by Sectioln
2.2.003.
(b). A single sign may be permitted on a lot having at least
thirty ) feet of .frontage along a public road except up to
to 2 signs may be permitted when the frontage of the lot
along a single road exceeds five hundred Soo Feet. Under
this provision, a corner lot with frontage along two 2)
public roads is eligible for a sign along each frontage,
provided that the signs may not be located within the same
building setback area.
Sign Regulations - Paige
(c). Signs shall be setback from any side property fine a
distance equal to the building setback iin the given zoning
district* This requirement does not apply to side corner lots
property line. No sign shall be erected or extend over any
public right-of-way.
d. Heights, area, and front yard setbacks of signs shall be
permitted in accordance to Table 1.
TABLE 1
Distance from Street
Maximum Height
Maximum Size
Right -Of -Way Line
Above Grade
Allowed Per Face
(Feet)
(Feet)
(Square Feet)
0-10
15
60
1-20
20
80
21-30
22
90
3 1 -40
24
120
41-50
26
150
SI and greater
28
200
(e). Single -faced freestanding and ground signs shall be set
back from the street right-of-way line according to the
provisions of this section (Table 1.. When any sign is
placed on property that has only one street frontage,, the
required setback shall be measured from the street right-of-
way line to which the sign face is most nearly parallel.
When any such sign is placed on property located at the
intersection f two 2 dedicated public streets, the required
setback shall be measured from both street right-of-way
ones.
(f). Double-faced freestanding and ground signs shall be set
back from the street right-of-way line according to the
provisions of this Section (Table . Any such setback shall
be measured from the street right-of-way line at the street
to which the sign faces are most nearly perpendicular.
(g). Signs within fifty 5 feet (measured along the street right-
of-way) of an intersection, which exceed forty-two 2
inches in height, shall be set back at least fifteen (15) feet
from the street right-of-way line or shall maintain free air
space between a height of forty-two 2 inches above the
adjacent street elevation and a height of seventy-two 2)
Sign Regulations - Page
inches above said elevation. A freestanding sign shall not
be construed to have free air space if such sign has a base
which is greater than fifty percent 50% of the width of its
face or three 3 feet wide, whichever is smaller,
(h). When electrical service is provided to freestanding signs or
ground signs, all such electrical service shall b
underground:
(2). Wall Signs*
(a). No part of a wall sign shall extend above the top of the
parapet wall upon which it is placed unless architecturally
incorporated into the facade of the building.
(b. on corner lots, the total allowable sign area allocated to
gall signs along a single frontage shall be limited to the
maximum sign area for that frontage. (See also Section
2.2.00, which allows the use of only one frontage for
purposes of the actual calculation of maximum sign area
allowance for a property).
(c). Under-canopy/marquee signs which are parallel to the face
of the building shall be deemed to be gall signs and are not
subject to the twelve inch or less extension
requirements.
(3). Signs for Shopping Cie-s and/or Multiple Businesses*
(a), All signs of a shopping center and/or lot containing
multiple businesses (snore than one) shall be coordinated as
to the number,, mode of display, location, size, height,
colors, finish materials, and illumination of each sign with
the other signs and with the architecture of the buldlgs.
A common signage plan shall be required prior to issuing a
sign permit. A common signage plan can also be prepared
for businesses on two or more adjoining lots.
(b). A 25 percent increase in the total sign area allowance as set
forth in Section 2 .2 .o t) d shall apply to freestanding
signs that are subject to a common signage plan.
(c). Advertising for multiple businesses sharing a com o
zoning lot shall be incorporated into a single freestanding
sign consistent with the provisions of 2 .2 .o o l. c and
Sign Regulations - Page o
27.24.080(l). Freestanding signs shall not be permitted to
any single business or tenant.
(4). Projecting Signs,
(a). 'the sign shall be erected at right angles to the building face
and be at least eight feet above grade.
(b). The maximum area per sign face shall not exceed 15 square
feet.
(C). Signs extending over a public right -of -moray shall not extend
to witbin two 2 feet of the curb of the street or beyond 48
inches, whichever is less.
(5). Marquee Signs,
(a). No marquee sign shall project above the top of the marquee
upon which it is mounted.
(b). No marquee sign shall project from the face of a marquee.
(c). Under -marquee ee signs, which are perpendicular to the face
of the building, shall be deemed. to be projecting wall signs.
(d). Under -marquee signs, which are parallel to the .face of the
building, shall be a minimum of eight (8) feet above grade
and shall be deemed to be flush gall signs,
(6). Canopy Signs,
(a). No canopy sign shall project above the top of the canopy
upon which it is mounted.
(b). No canopy sign shall project from the face of a canopy.
(c). Canopies on which canopy signs are mounted shall be at
least eight (8) feet above any public right-of-way, except
that any valance attached to a canopy may be only seven
(7) feet in height above a public right-of-way.
(7). Billboards,,
(a). No billboard shall exceed 288 square feet per sign face.
Sign Regulations M Page 1.
(b . No billboard structure shall exceed a maximum imam height of
28 feet.
(c). No billboard may be constructed within 300 feet of any
other billboard located on the sane side of the road right-
of-way and facing the same traffic tw. Distance shall be
measured along the nearest edge of pavement of the road
rear whose right-of-way the sign is located.
(d). No billboard may be constructed nearer the road right-of-
way than the applicable building setback requirement for
the zone in which the billboard is located,
(e). No billboard shall be constructed along a road, which is not
a federal or state highway.
(f). In order that the total face area and number of faces of all
lawful billboards within the City not be increased beyond
the number of faces occurring on March 19, 1992 no
billboard shall be constructed without first removing
in.
billboard(s) equal in face area and number of faces. In
order to administer this provision, the Administrator shall
issue a replacement permit to anyone who permanently
removes a lawfully existing billboard. The administrator
shall note on the replacement permit the number of faces
and face area., and the zoning district in which the sign was
located, for every sign face removed. Replacement permits
may be transferred. No billboard sign construction permit
shall be issued without a replacement permit which
corresponds to the number of sign faces to be replaced.
The total number of billboard faces in the city limits of
Kalispell shall not exceed :, except that property occupied
by billboards), which is annexed to the City, after the
Marc. 191, 1992, shall be subject to the provisions of
Section 2.2.15, and billboard (s) located thereon may
remain, but shall not, thereafter, be relocated.
Any billboard, except those subject to annexation as
specified irn f), supra, located within any zoning district in
which billboards are prohibited shall be relocated at the
billboard owner's expense to a zoning district which
permits billboards by March 19, 1 ; provided that
billboards located within 100 feet of the intersection of
Main and Idaho Streets shall be relocated by March 19,
1994.
Sign .eoatos -Page 12
(h). Whenever a parcel of land containing any billboard is
rezoned, or annexed and zoned, to one of the prohibited
zoning classifications, the billboard or billboards shall be
removed within five ) years of the rezoning or, in the case
of annexation, within five 5) years of the date upon which
a city zoning classification is unposed upon the annexed
parcel; provided, that any billboards removed pursuant t
this subsection may be reinstalled within any of the
permitted zones listed in Section 27.24-110, in accordance
with subsection f), supra.
' . 4. 9 : Permitted Signs in Zones -1, R-2, R-3, and R-4.
(1). Signs listed in Section 27.24.050, Silts not requiring permit.
(2). one non -illuminated freestanding or wall sign, not exceeding 10
square feet in area per face for a freestanding sign or 20 square feet
for a gall sign, in connection with a permitted or conditionally
permitted non-residential use. The sign area for signs described in
Section 27.24.0503) are allowed pursuant to the standards
contained in that section.
(3). The height of a freestanding sign shall be limited to six ) feet
above the natural grade elevation.
(4). one non-iffuminated wall sign flush mounted to the building not to
exceed six square feet in connection with a borne occupation.
2 .24.Permitted Signs In Zones R-5, RA-1, RA-2 RA-3 -1 and - .
(1). Signs listed in Section 27.24.050, Signs not requiring a permit.
�). The sign area for a freestanding or ground sign shall not exceed 24
square feet per sign face and the height shall not exceed six feet
above natural grade, except for - 1 zone where the sign area shall
be limited to 36 square feet per sign face and height shall not
exceed six feet above natural grade. Wall signs shall not
exceed 20 square feet per use and shall not exceed a total of 4
square feet total per developed parcel.
(3). one non -illuminated gall si .flush mounted to the building not to
exceed six s pare feet in connection �itb a bore cc atlon.
2 .24.101 Permitted Signs in the H- . Districts
(1) Signs fisted in Section 27.24*0 - Signs Not Requiring A Permit.
Sign Regulations - ,Page 1
(2) Non-residential uses, other than hospitals, are permitted one
freestanding or ground sign and one wall, marquee or canopy sign
per developed lot. The sign area for a freestanding or ground
sign shall not exceed 24 square feet per sign face and the height
shall not exceed six feet above natural grade. Walls signs shall
not exceed 20 square feet per -use.
(3) An entrance sign shall be permitted at all parking lot entrances to
a hospital facility or complex provided the sign does not block
the visibility of incoming or outgoing vehicles. The sign shall
not exceed 14 square feet per face nor six feet in height.
(4) Up to three signs may be permitted in association with a hospital
complex ad may be freestanding, marquee (canopy) or wall
signs. Allowable sign area shall not exceed 70 square feet per
face nor six feet in height and will be subject to the Section
27.2.0o1d.
(5) Not more than two off -premise signs may be permitted at primary
hospital entrance roads to provide direction to a hospital facility
from a major arterial. one sign shall be permitted per
intersection entrance. Each sign shall not exceed 54 square feet
per face not 12 feet in height. off -premise hospital signs will be
allowed on developed or undeveloped property and will not be
counted as part of the sign type or allowance permitted for that
parcel.
(7). one non -illuminated wall sign flush mounted to the building not to
exceed six square feet in connection with a home occupation..
.2 .1 o: Permitted Signs in Zones -2, -3, - , - , -1 n - .
(1). Signs listed in Section 7.24.0 0, Signs -not requiring a permit.
(2). Freestanding and ground signs.
(3). Wall signs.
(4). 'rojectin ; signs-, except on Main Street in the Redevelopment Area
unless the sign is a an under -marquee or under -canopy sign; (b)
less than four square feet per face; and c) otherwise meets the
standards for projecting signs.
(5). Freestanding multiple business sign.
Sign Regulations - Page 14
(6). Canopy signs.
(7). Marquee signs.
Off -premise signs except In zoning classification -4 when the
location and size complies with all other provisions of this chapter*
(9). Billboards except in zoning classifications .-4 and B-5 and not
within 1500 feet of the intersection of Main and Idaho Streets.
7,2 ,12 * Construction Standards,,
(1). All signs shall be constructed in accordance with any applicable
requirements of the City buRding codes and the State electrical
code including portable electric signs.
(2). No permanent or fixed sign shall be suspended by non -rigid
attachments that will allow the sign to swing in the wind other than
under --canopy signs.
(3). All freestanding signs and billboards shall be self-supporting
structures erected upon or permanently attached to concrete
foundations. dations. .billboards shall be erected using single -pole
construction.
(4). All portable signs on display shall be braced or secured to prevent
motion.
(5). erm nent signs shall be designed to withstand a wind speed of 70
riles per hour.
(6). No signs shall be erected, constructed or maintained so as to
obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window or door opening
used as a means of egress.
(7). No sign shall be attached in any form, shape, or manner which will
interfere with any opening required for ventilation.
(8). Signs shall be located in such a way as to maintain horizontal or
vertical clearance of all overhead electrical conductors. In no case
shall a sign be installed closer than twenty-four 24) inches
horizontally or vertically from any conductor or public utility guy
wire.
2 '.2 , 3 : Maintenance. All signs shall be maintained in good condition at all
times. All signs shall be kept neatly painted, including all metal parts and
Sign Regulations -Page -15
supports thereof that are not galvanized or of rust -resistant metals. Failure
to properly maintain a sign shall be considered a violation of this
ordinance.
27.2 .1 : Sign Permit. It shall be unlawful to display, erect, relocate, or alter any
sign without first filing with the zoning administrator an alton i
writing and obtaining a sign permit except as otherwise exempted as per
Section 2 .2 .050.
(1). Application. Application for a permit for the erection, alteration.,
or relocation of a sign shall be made to the Administrator upon a
form provided by the Administrator and shall include the
inl=orr ation listed below.
(a). Name and address of the owner of the sign.
(b). Street address or location of the property on which the sign
is to be located, along with the name and address of the
property owner.
(c). The type of sign or sign structure as defined in this chapter.
(d). A site plan showing the proposed location of the sign along
with the locations and square footage areas of all existing
signs on the same premises,
(e). Specifications and scale drawings showing the materials,
design, dimensions, structural supports, and electrical
components of the proposed sign.
(f). Length of the lot frontage and building frontage,
(g). Location of ingress/egress and overhead wires,
(h). Any other information that may be deemed necessary for
purposes of clarification.
(1). The application fee established by the city council.
(2). Architectural Review. Signs to be located in the Kalispell.
Redevelopment Area are also subject to the architectural review
requirements as set forth in Chapter 27.23.
Issuance and Denial. The Administrator shall issue a permit and
.hermit sticker for the erection, alteration, or relocation of a sign
within ten 1 working days of receipt of a valid application,
Sign Regulations -Page 16
provided that the sign complies with the laws of all applicable
jurisdictions. In all applications, where a ratter of interpretation
arises, the more specific definition or higher standard -d shall prevail.
When the administrator denies a permit, written notice shall be
given within ten days to the applicant along with a brief
statement of the reasons for denial. The Administrator may
suspend or revoke are issued permit for any false statement or
substantive misrepresentation of fact in the application.
(4). Inspection.. The Administrator shall cause an inspection. of the
zone lot for which each permit for a ew sign or for modification
of an existing sign 1s issued during the sixth month after the
issuance of such permit or at such earlier date as the owner may
request, If the construction is not substantially complete at the time
of inspection, the permit shall lapse and become void. If the
construction is complete and in full compliance with this ordinance
and with the building and electrical codes, the Administrator shall
issue the appropriate permit(s) to be held by the owner of the sign
and be held as a permanent record of compliance with this code. If
the construction is substantially complete but not in full
compliance with this ordinance and applicable codes, the
Administrator shall give the owner or applicant notice of the
deficiencies and shall allow an additional 30 days from the date of
inspection for the deficiencies to be corrected. If the deficiencies
are not corrected by such date, the permit shall lapse. f the
construction is then complete, the Administrator shall issue the
permits as described above.
, .2 . 5 : Nonconforming Signs. Existing signs that do not conform to the
Provisions of these regulations but were legally in place prior to the
adoption or application of this ordinance, are considered non -conforming.
All non -conforming signs shall be removed or brought into compliance
with these regulations as follows:
(a). Electronic message boards or signs that blink, flash or
change copy in less than five second increments or do not
display time and temperature shall be brought into
compliance ce with regard to displayed messages within one
year.
(b). Signs, on and off -premise, that have been damaged by fire,
wind', or other involuntary causes, except in the ease of
vandalism, in excess of 50of current or replacement cost
shall be brought into compliance immediately upon
Sign Regulations -Page 1
replacement. t. the ease of vandalism, lisrr , sign may be restored
to original condition if done within six (6) months.
s.
(c). Signs, on and off -premise, which are voluntarily destroyed
or removed (except for maintenance not involving
structural modification), by owner, manager or operator of
shall be brought into compliance immediately ately upon
replacement.
(d). Signs requiring structural modifications to accommodate a
change of copy shall be brought into compliance upon
replacement.
Discontinued signs shall be brought into compliance
immediately unless part of a multi -panel sigma..
(f). Signs which were unlawfully erected shall be brought into
compliance immediately.
(g). Signs that are replaced, relocated, reconstructed or
requiring structural modification shall be brought into
compliance immediately.
(h). Signs containing removable or replaceable panels shall be
brought into compliance when more than 50 percent of the
sign area or sign panels are replaced or modified.
(1). In the eve.t additional right-o way is purchased by a
govemment agency, any affected sign that must relocate
due to the increased right-of-way shall be brought into
compliance when replaced.
� . Exemption for Historic Signs. Notwithstanding the general and
specific provisions of this chapter, certain nonconforming signs
that are deemed to have historical significance may be retained,
preserved or restored. If there is a question regrdig the
historical significance of a sign, it will be subject to review and
approval by the Architectural Review Committee who shad.
consider the following criteria:
(a). The sign demonstrates characteristics of style, function,
method of construction, workmanship, design, or ,materials
that gives the sign its historic identity and associate it with
specific place, time, or cultural pattern.
Sign Regulations - Page 1
(b). The sign is an integral part of the original architecture and
has an association with the building.
(c). The sign is at least thirty 3) years old. If less than thirty
years, then a finding of exceptional importance of historical
s1g lica c shall be n a.de.
2 7.24.1 : Violations. Any of the following shall be a violation of this ordinance and
shall be subject to the enforcement remedies and penalties provided by
this ordinance, by the zoning ordinance, and by state law:
1 To install, create, erect, or maintain any sign in a way that is
inconsistent with any plan or permit governing such sign or the
zone lot on which the sign is located;
(2). o install, creatte, erect, or maintain any sign requiring a permit
without such a permit;
(3). To fail to remove any sigma that is installed, created, erected, or
maintained in violation of this ordinance, or for which the sign
permit has lapsed;
To continue any such violation. Each such day of a continued
violation shall be considered a separate violation when applying
the penalty portions of this ordinance.
Each sign installed, created, erected, or maintained in violation of
this ordinance shall be considered a separate violation when
applying the penalty portions of this ordinance.
2 #2 .1 : Enforcement and Remedies. Any violation or attempted violation of this
Chapter or of any condition or requirement adopted pursuant hereto may
be restrair cd, corrected, or abated, as the case may be, by injunction or
other appropriate proceedings pursuant to state law. A violation of this
Chapter shalt be considered a violation of the zoning ordinance of the city.
The remedies of the city shall include the following:
(1). Issuing stop -work work order for any and all work on any signs on the
same zone lot;
(2). Seeking an injunction or other order of restraint or abatement that
requires the removal of the sign(s) or the correction of the
nonconformity;
(3). Imposing any penalties that can be imposed directly by the city
under the zoning ordinance;
Sign Regulations - Page 1.9
- . Seeking In court the imposition of any penalties that can be
imposed by such court under the zoning ordinance- and
(5). In the case of a sign that poses an immediate danger to the public
health or safety, taking such measures as are available to the city
under the applicable provisions of the zoning ordinance and
building code for such circumstances.
The city shall have such other remedies as are and as may from time to
time be provided for or allowed by state law for the violation of the zoning
ordinance.
All such remedies provided herein shall be correlative. To the extent that
state law may limit the availability of a particular remedy set forth herein
for a certain violation or a part thereof, such remedy shall remain available
for other violations or other parts of the same violation,
27.2 .18 : Removal of Silts By the Administrator. The administrator may cause
the removal of an illegal sign in cases of emergency (health and safety), or
for failure to comply with the written orders of removal or repair, .After
removal or demolition of the sign, a notice shall be mailed to the sign
owner stating the nature of the work and the date on which it was
performed and demanding payment of the costs as certified by the
Administrator together with an additional ten 1 percent for inspection
and incidental costs.
If the amount specified ire the notice is not paid within sixty days of
the noticeitt shall become a lien against the property of the sign owner,
and will be certified as an assessment against the property together with a
to 0) percent penalty for collection in the same manner as the real
estate taxes.
The owner of the property upon which the sign is located shall be
presumed to be the owner of all signs thereon unless facts to the contrary
are brought to the attention of the Administrator, as in the case of a leased
sign.
For purposes of removal, the definition of sign shall include all sign
embellishments and structures designed specifically to support the sign..
2 .2 .1 0 Appeals. Appeals to the Board of .Adjustment may be made when a
completed application is not acted upon within tern (10) days of receipt by
the administrator or if the applicant is denied a permit. Appeals to the
board may also be made pertaining to a notice of violation, The appeal
procedure is set forth in Chapter 27.32. All appeals to the Board of
Sign Regulations -Page 20
Adjustment shall also include a recommendation by the architectural
review committee.
The action being appealed shall be held in abeyance pending the decision
of the board,
27.2 .2 : variances. A variance to the regulations of this chapter may be sought
for those situations where the application of these regulations would create
a unique hardship due to the special circumstances of a particular property.
The variance procedure as set forth in Chapter 27.33 shall not he used to
circumvent vent these regulations or be used to gain special treatment. "Unique
Hardship" shall not he broadly interpreted or apply to general situations of
economic hardship. All variance requests to the Board of Adjustment
shall also include a recommendation from the architectural review
committee.
OTHER. AMENDMENTS
I Reference to signs in each zoning; district: Reference will be made to the sign
ordinance in the sections governing each zoning district in the same manner as
setbacks, fences, etc. e.g. Section 2 .1 .0 0 8 Signs: Refer to Chapter 27.24.
2. Permit Fee Structure: A new fee structure based on the number of square feet rather
than the value of a sign would be more straightforward and equitable. The council
under a separate ordinance would accomplish this change, but a statement of
support by the board would be in order,
3. Amend the definition of"Sign" to ea. "'Any device, structure, fixture,_attractant,
object, holographic, projected or electronic image, fighting or ; or placard using
graphics, symbols, and/or written copy designed specifically for the purpose of
advertising or identifying any establishment, product, goods, or service." Section
27,37.101(216)-t
. Delete the following: ,
s r
• r r
Algaaair
r
5. Amend as follows: Electronic Message Board
__,kxFj s_XA&I.&� A Ar"LNIXA&%ALX%W 1,�t Any sign that uses cha in lights to
form a sign message or messages wherein the sequence of messages and rate of
change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes.
. Add a definition for Discontinued Sign as follows: "A. sign which no longer
identifies or advertises a bona fide business, service, product or activity on the
property where it is located.""
Sign Regulations - Page 21
7. Add a section to allow a sign for Home Occupations under 27.22.160. A all sign
flush mounted to the building not to exceed six square feet may be allowed 1
association with a home occupation..