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A. Freestanding Signs.

1. Visualization Required. All applicants for freestanding signs associated with multi-tenant commercial centers and individual nonresidential uses over five thousand square feet shall include a photo simulation of the proposed sign from at least two prominent public viewpoints. Applicants may use photographs or Google Earth or other clearly legible online street view resource to superimpose their proposed sign. See Figure 16.75.080(A)(1) below for an example.

16.75.080(A)(1)

Examples of the types of sign visualizations that are useful to determine compliance with the standards herein. The left image uses Google Earth as a base to which to illustrate the proposed sign. The right image uses an actual photograph and superimposes the proposed sign.

2. Sign Form. Freestanding signs shall be designed so they appear firmly anchored to the ground. This includes:

a. Monument signs, as defined in LMC 16.75.020(Y).

b. Signs where the base (where the sign structure meets the ground plane) is at least forty percent of the width of the total sign width. Departures per LMC 16.75.040(C) will be considered provided the sign includes design features that visually anchor it to the ground and the design of the sign meets other applicable standards.

Figure 16.75.080(A)(2). 

Minimum ground anchoring provisions for freestanding signs.

3. Permitted Number of Signs. One sign is permitted per frontage, per property. Additional freestanding signs shall be permitted per Table 16.75.080(A)(3) below.

Table 16.75.080(A)(3). 

For properties with more than five hundred feet of frontage, additional freestanding signs are permitted per the separation standards below.

Applicable Speed Limit

Minimum Separation

Less than 35 mph

150'

35--45 mph

200'

Figure 16.75.080(A)(3). 

An example of a shopping center with a large frontage where multiple freestanding signs are allowed. The fronting street has a posted speed limit of thirty-five miles per hour, which requires a minimum sign separation of two hundred feet.

4. Materials and Design. Freestanding signs shall be designed as an integrated architectural feature of the site. Specifically:

a. Framing. Freestanding signs must include design elements that effectively frame the sign on both sides (see Figures 16.75.080(A)(4)(c-1) and (c-2) for acceptable examples). Alternatively, signs that have a substantial framing element on one side, as illustrated in the examples in Figure 16.75.080(A)(4)(c-3), will meet this provision. Departures per LMC 16.75.040(C) will be considered provided the design meets other provisions herein and integrates a distinctive, one-of-a-kind design that contributes to the visual character of the area.

b. Materials and Design. Freestanding signs shall include durable high quality materials and a design that relates to and/or complements the design of on-site buildings and/or is coordinated with other site design elements (such as distinctive lighting, monuments, wayfinding signs). Figures 16.75.080(A)(4)(c-1) through (c-3) below all meet this requirement.

c. Top/Middle/Bottom. Freestanding signs shall integrate a top, middle, and bottom element. The top could include a distinctive sign cap and/or include the name of a multi-tenant center. The middle can include a consistent framing technique for an individual sign or multiple signs in a multi-tenant center. The bottom could include a distinctive base design with special materials and/or design. See the figures below for examples that meet this requirement. These components are less critical for signs less than six feet tall, and thus exempt from this provision.

Figure 16.75.080(A)(4)(c-1). 

Illustrating acceptable and unacceptable freestanding sign examples. The left image utilizes clearly identifiable top, middle, and bottom elements and meets the framing provision. The middle image includes a base, but insufficient top or framing element. The shorter sign to the right includes framing but is exempt from the top, middle, and bottom elements.

16.75.080(A)(4)(c-2)

Each of these three signs includes a frame and top/middle/bottom components, and features high quality materials that relate to and/or complement the design of on-site buildings and/or is coordinated with other site design elements.

Figure 16.75.080(A)(4)(c-3). 

These signs feature substantial framing elements on one side, and thus meet the design provisions herein.

Figure 16.75.080(A)(4)(c-4). 

Unacceptable signs. The far left sign includes a base and a frame, but no identifiable top. The middle and right signs fail to meet any of the design provisions above.

5. Location and Landscaping.

a. Setback. All freestanding signs shall be located at least five feet from a public ROW unless a greater setback is specified herein.

b. Landscaping. All signs shall include landscaping around the base of freestanding signs to enhance the character of street frontages. Specifically, at least one square foot of landscaped area shall be provided per one square foot of sign area. Utilize plants and a maintenance program to minimize conflicts with the sign.

c. Base Height Provision. The copy of all signage shall be at least one foot above grade. The purpose is to allow vertical space for the required landscape elements and enhance the visibility of sign copy. See Figure 16.75.080(A)(5).

Figure 16.75.080(A)(5). 

Minimum base height for sign copy.

6. Maximum Size and Height. Table 16.75.080(A)(6) illustrates the maximum allowable sign area and height for all freestanding signs, except such signs for freeway-oriented businesses, as set forth in subsection (A)(10) of this section.

Table 16.75.080(A)(6). Maximum freestanding sign height and area

Total ROW Frontage of Parcel (on each street)

Allowable Sign Area (white/very light background)

Allowable Sign Area (shaded or dark background)

Maximum Height (white/very light background)

Maximum Height (shaded or dark background)

< 200 Feet

24 sq. ft.

40 sq. ft.

6 feet

7 feet

200--399 Feet

36 sq. ft.

54 sq. ft.

7 feet

8 feet

400--599 Feet

50 sq. ft.

70 sq. ft.

8 feet

9 feet

600--799 Feet

60 sq. ft.

80 sq. ft.

8 feet

10 feet

800--999 Feet

66 sq. ft.

88 sq. ft.

9 feet

12 feet

1,000 Feet and >

72 sq. ft.

96 sq. ft.

9 feet

15 feet

Supplemental freestanding sign provisions:

a. Signs that employ shaded, opaque or dark background and light-colored lettering for at least fifty percent of the sign copy are allowed larger sign areas, as they are found to be less visually intrusive than signs incorporating white or very light-colored background. Using a CMYK color chart, signs that employ color numbers that add up to at least twenty (collectively) shall be considered as “shaded.” For example:

C=0, M=0, Y=0, K=20 = Shaded

C=10, M=0, Y=0, K=10 = Shaded

C=10, M=0, Y=0, K=0 = Not considered to be shaded

See Figure 16.75.080(A)(6)(a) below for examples.

Figure 16.75.080(A)(6)(a). 

The black, dark, and shaded signs above qualify for the extra sign area and height specified in the shaded columns of Table 16.75.080(A)(6). The sign on the right with the white background is allowed (but doesn’t qualify for the “bonus” sign area and height) and subject to the sign area/height in the unshaded columns above in Table 16.75.080(A)(6).

b. Departures. Applicants seeking a larger and/or taller sign may apply for a departure per LMC 16.75.040(C) to allow for sign height and area up to fifty percent greater than specified above. In order to qualify for a departure, signs shall include a distinctive one-of-a-kind design that includes a high quality mixture of materials.

Figure 16.75.080(A)(6)(b). 

The sign on the left is an example of a sign that meets basic standards, whereas the sign on the right uses a distinctive one-of-a-kind design and would qualify for a departure.

c. Center names for multi-tenant commercial centers (centers that include two or more tenants) are exempt from allowable sign area calculations specified above, provided the center name is distinct from the names of any tenants (for example, Joe’s Center would be too closely related to a tenant named Joe’s Books). Freestanding signs incorporating center names are allowed fifteen percent greater sign height than specified above.

Figure 16.75.080(A)(6)(c). 

Examples of sign integrating center names (exempt from sign area calculations).

d. For those properties where more than one freestanding sign is allowed on a particular frontage per subsection (A)(3) of this section, one sign may be installed per standards specified per the total ROW frontage of the parcel. The size and height of additional signs are based on the separation from the larger primary sign or other supplemental sign. For example, if a second sign is six hundred fifty feet from the larger primary sign, then it shall meet the standards for a sign that includes six hundred through seven hundred ninety-nine feet of total ROW frontage of parcel as set forth in the table above.

e. Large commercial shopping center signs and freeway-oriented signs (see subsections (A)(9) and (10) of this section) are exempt from the standards above.

7. Digital Signage Integration. Digital signage elements may be integrated into any freestanding sign permitted in this subsection, subject to the following provisions:

a. Up to fifty percent of allowed sign copy area may be used for digital directory purposes. This would allow a multi-tenant center to rotate the names of businesses used in the freestanding signs, allowing greater visibility opportunities for individual businesses in the center.

b. Up to thirty-three percent of allowed sign copy area may be used for changing message purposes. For single tenant signs, up to fifty percent of the allowed sign copy area may be used for changing message purposes.

c. Where both a digital directory and changing message signage is included on one freestanding sign, such elements may collectively be used for up to sixty-seven percent of the total allowed sign copy area.

Figure 16.75.080(A)(7). 

The sign above features digital directory signage (Tahitian Pearls, which occupies thirty-three percent of the sign copy) and digital signage that features changeable messages (bottom thirty-three percent of sign copy). The combined digital signage represents the maximum sixty-seven percent of the total sign copy area.

d. Any form of technology may be used for the sign elements described herein, provided they meet the following provisions:

(1) Maintain a ten-second minimum dwell time for the directory and any images. Changes in directory and images shall be a simple fade with a maximum transition time of two seconds. Animation, movement or video imaging is prohibited.

(2) Brightness Limits.

(a) Integrate automatic dimming capability that adjusts to the brightness of ambient light at all times of the day and night;

(b) Daytime, based on the time from sunrise to sunset as calculated for Lacey, WA: five thousand maximum nits (a measure of luminance that will keep signage balanced with surrounding landscape); and

(c) Nighttime, based on the time from sunset to sunrise as calculated for Lacey, WA: one hundred fifty maximum nits (a measure of luminance comparable to typical nighttime signage and in line with the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA).

(3) Light Trespass Standards. Adopt a trespass limit of one-tenth foot-candle at the property line of any park or residential property.

(4) Digital imagery may be used provided it meets the provisions of subsection (A)(7)(d)(1) of this section.

e. Program Required. Applicants proposing any forms of signage described above shall submit a program of their sign proposal describing how it will meet the applicable standards.

8. Clutter Management Standards.

a. Purpose. To reduce visual clutter along commercial corridors and improve sign legibility.

b. Applicability. The following standards apply to nondigital signage. The provisions shall serve as recommendations to be encouraged (not required) for digital signage copy to enhance legibility and minimize visual clutter.

c. Sign Information Allowances. The provisions herein use the street graphics approach to place limits on the amount of information used on signs based on applicable speed limit of the fronting street. Table 16.75.080(A)(8)(b) below identifies the permitted items of information that are allowed on a sign. Each word or graphic is considered an item of information. Each grouping of numbers is considered an item of information (for example, 867-5309 is considered two items of information). Shopping center names not related to an individual business are exempt from the information limit provisions herein.

Table 16.75.080(A)(8)(b). Sign information allowance table

Items of Information

Sign Area

Speed Limit

Up to 24 sf

24--35.9 sf

36--49.9 sf

50--80 sf

80 sf +

25 mph

18

20

22

26

30

30 mph

14

16

20

22

25

35 mph

12

14

16

18

20

40 mph

10

11

12

14

15

Freeway

10

10

10

10

10

Departures per LMC 16.75.040(C) will be considered allowing up to thirty-three percent more pieces of information on a sign provided the applicant demonstrates that the design of the sign in its context is legible and successfully employs techniques to minimize visual clutter.

Figure 16.75.080(A)(8)(b-1). 

Illustrating signs that conform to the sign information allowance provisions.

Figure 16.75.080(A)(8)(b-2). 

An example of a twenty-four-square-foot sign in a thirty-five-mile-per-hour zone meeting the maximum twelve pieces of information requirement. Note that the center name “Lacey Place” does not count as an item of information.

9. Freestanding Signs for Large Shopping Centers. A shopping center or other large commercial complex constituting a commercial subdivision or subject to a binding site plan and being more than thirty acres in size and more than three hundred fifty thousand square feet in gross floor area of buildings is permitted one shopping center or commercial complex sign not exceeding thirty feet in height and three hundred square feet in sign area. If the site has a sign for a freeway-oriented business as permitted in subsection (A)(10) of this section that can be seen and provides reasonable identification from all arterial frontages adjacent to the site, that sign shall count as the shopping center or commercial complex sign and no such additional signs shall be permitted. Provided, however, if the administrator determines that the freeway-oriented sign does not provide reasonable identification from other arterial streets, both a shopping center or commercial complex sign and a freeway-oriented sign may be permitted. Signs under this provision will have a monument style. Provided, the community and economic development director shall have the authority to approve a modified sign design if, due to height or other design considerations, such a monument sign would be impractical or inappropriate. All such signs must be located at least twenty feet from all property lines and rights-of-way and subject to other applicable freestanding sign provisions above.

10. Freestanding Signs for Freeway-Oriented Businesses. Shopping centers and commercial complexes with significant freeway frontage are permitted freeway-oriented signs under the following criteria:

a. Such shopping centers or other commercial complexes must have a minimum of one thousand one hundred feet of frontage along a freeway. A frontage road or other right-of-way between the site and the freeway does not disqualify the site. Further, such shopping center or commercial complex must constitute a commercial subdivision or be subject to a binding site plan and must also be more than thirty acres in size and have more than three hundred fifty thousand square feet of gross floor area of buildings.

b. Such shopping centers may place one sign on the property for every one thousand one hundred feet of freeway frontage not to exceed three total signs for the individual shopping center.

c. A freeway-oriented sign shall not exceed thirty feet in height from the roadway curb elevation or development natural grade, whichever is higher. A freeway-oriented sign shall not exceed three hundred square feet in sign area. Such sign must be located at least twenty feet from all property lines and rights-of-way.

Departures per LMC 16.75.040(C) to the size and height of such freeway-oriented signs will be considered provided they meet the following criteria:

(1) Sign incorporates a distinctive one-of-a-kind design that complements the architectural design of the center building(s).

(2) Sign employs opaque or dark sign background with light-colored lettering.

(3) Sign is generally no taller than is physically necessary to be clearly visible from Interstate 5 traffic given the context of the site utilizing view corridors and gaps in the tree canopy to blend in with the natural and built environment.

d. Signs qualifying as freeway-oriented signs may be in addition to non-freeway-oriented signs identifying businesses.

e. Signs shall be fully enclosed with no exposed conduits or switchgear and any transformers associated with the sign shall be landscaped from view by the public.

11. Address Numbers. Legible address numbers are required on all freestanding signs. Such address numbers are exempt from sign area standards.

B. Wall Signs.

1. Permitted Number of Signs.

a. Tenants are allowed a maximum of one wall sign per facade that is visible from a street or customer parking lot.

b. Businesses may include additional smaller signs describing the types of products and/or services that the business offers, provided the sign areas collectively comply with maximum size requirements.

c. Commercial tenants on upper levels may include a wall sign placed on facade above the business provided the permitted sign area shall be shared with tenant below and the location/design meets the applicable standards in this subsection.

2. Location and Design.

a. Wall signs shall be centered, proportional, and shaped to the architectural features of the buildings. Signage shall not exceed two-thirds of the width of the articulation interval (i.e., space between columns) or of the individual storefront. This standard also applies to upper level businesses.

b. Wall signs shall not cover windows, building trim, an existing building name sign, or special ornamentation features. Preferred areas for installation of wall signs include blank areas above canopies, areas between vertical piers or columns, blank areas on a gabled roof, or upper reaches of a false-fronted building.

c. Stacked words on wall signs are permitted. Generally, the primary business name should be provided on one line (though exceptions are permitted if they meet other applicable standards herein), with additional text on rows above and/or below providing supporting information about the business in smaller fonts.

Figure 16.75.080(B)(2). Wall sign standards

3. Maximum Size--Individual Retailers--Sign Area. Table 16.75.080(B)(3) provides standards for the maximum amount of wall, canopy, or awning signage on each building elevation. For building elevations that include signage for upper level businesses, the standards shall apply to the entire building elevation.

Table 16.75.080(B)(3). Sign area standards for wall, canopy, or awning signs for each building elevation

Architectural building elevation wall area

Maximum sign surface area (for that wall area)

Below 200 sf

25% of the facade

200--349 sf

22.5% of the facade

350--499 sf

20% of the facade

500--999 sf

17.5% of the facade

999--1,499 sf

15% of the facade

1,500--1,999 sf

12.5% of the facade

Over 2,000 sf

10% of the facade

Departures per LMC 16.75.040(C) for larger signs will be considered provided the sign does not feature internal lighting and meets other applicable standards herein.

Figure 16.75.080(B)(3-1). Acceptable wall sign examples.

Note the different styles of signs and use of stacked (both left images) and supplemental text (lower left).

Figure 16.75.080(B)(3-2). More acceptable wall sign examples

In the right image, the signs are centered on the articulation elements of the facade.

Figure 16.75.080(B)(3-3). Unacceptable wall sign example

Most or all of these signs clearly exceed two-thirds of the width of their respective individual storefronts.

4. Maximum Height. Wall signs may not extend above the building parapet, soffit, the eave line or the roof of the building.

5. Mounting.

a. Building signs should be mounted plumb with the building, with a maximum protrusion of one foot unless the sign incorporates sculptural elements or architectural devices.

b. The sign frame shall be concealed or integrated into the building’s architectural character in terms of form, color, and materials.

6. Building Name Signs. Signs that advertise the name of the building and not associated with the name of any individual business are exempt from the sign area standards set forth in Table 16.75.080(B)(3) above.

Standards. Signs shall be placed near the top of the facade and generally centered on the architectural features of the building. Departures per LMC 16.75.040(C) will be considered provided the sign is located in a place that is independent from individual businesses on the building and helps to provide identity for the particular building.

Figure 16.75.080(B)(6). Building name signs

The left image is a good example. The image on the right shows an unacceptable example where new signage blocks the original building name sign (circled on top).

C. Marquee and Awning Signs. Marquee or awning signs may be used in place of permitted wall signs (except where otherwise specified herein), provided they meet the following conditions:

1. Permitted Number of Signs. Tenants are allowed a maximum of one marquee or awning sign per facade that is visible from a street or customer parking lot. Exception: Where an individual business uses multiple awnings or marquees, additional signs may be included on these provided they meet other applicable standards herein.

2. Sign Area. See Table 16.75.080(B)(3) above for maximum sign area.

3. Sign Width. Signage shall not exceed two-thirds of individual awning or marquee width.

4. Letter Height. The lettering height shall be proportional to the architectural features of the building. For example, it shall not be so large that it blocks windows or other significant architectural features of the building.

5. Vertical Clearance. Signs shall be placed a minimum of eight feet above the sidewalk or walkway.

6. Location. Marquee signs may be placed on the front, above, or below the marquee.

7. Content. For individual storefronts that include multiple awnings or marquees, secondary business signage may be included on the additional signs. For example, where the primary sign might advertise the name of a bakery, the secondary signs could advertise coffee, ice cream or other types of products sold by the business, provided they are sized smaller than the primary business sign and meet other standards herein.

Figure 16.75.080(C)(6-1). Marquee and awning sign examples and standards

Figure 16.75.080(C)(6-2). Marquee and awning sign example

D. Projecting Signs. Projecting signs meeting the following conditions are allowed for commercial uses adjacent to and facing a street. They may be used in addition to wall, marquee, and/or awning signs provided they meet the applicable standards below.

1. Permitted Number of Signs.

a. Projecting Signs. Tenants are allowed a maximum of one projecting sign per facade that is visible from a street or customer parking lot. Departures per LMC 16.75.040(C) for additional projecting signs may be permitted along a building elevation provided:

(1) They are separated enough to avoid visual clutter, and do not conflict with wall, marquee, and/or awning signs or other significant architectural features of the building.

(2) Additional sign(s) are noticeably smaller in size than the primary business identification projecting sign.

(3) Additional sign(s) advertise other products or aspects of the business and are not merely a second business sign.

b. Projecting Banner Signs. Multiple projecting banner signs may be integrated on the building provided they are aligned with facade articulation elements (such as vertical columns or piers). See Figure 16.75.080(D-4) for an example.

2. Sign Area. Projecting signs are not based on sign area standards, but on the dimensional standards below. Projecting signs may be either vertically or horizontally oriented. Projecting banner signs must all be vertically oriented.

a. Projection.

(1) Horizontally oriented signs: no more than eight feet;

(2) Vertically oriented signs: no more than forty-two inches for single-story buildings; no more than five feet for multi-story buildings;

(3) Signs may project into public rights-of-way for storefront buildings, but shall not extend over the curb into the travel lane.

b. Height.

(1) Horizontally oriented signs: no more than three feet;

(2) Vertically oriented signs: shall not extend above the building parapet, soffit, the eave line or the roof of the building, except for theaters, hotels, large-scale retail uses (over fifty thousand square feet floor area), place names for large retail centers (over seventy-five thousand square feet floor area), or places of public assembly.

c. Departures per LMC 16.75.040(C) to the provisions in subsections (D)(2)(a) and (b) of this section will be considered provided the sign design is compatible with the design of the building in terms of location, scale, and design elements, does not create a public safety hazard, and provides a positive contribution to the streetscape.

3. Vertical Clearance. Signs shall be placed a minimum of eight feet above the sidewalk or walkway.

4. Location. Projecting signs shall not be located directly over windows or in conflict with other signs or architectural features of the building.

Figure 16.75.080(D-1). Standards for vertically (left) and horizontally oriented (right) projecting signs

Figure 16.75.080(D-2). Projecting sign examples

The example on right includes two complementary projecting signs that are separated enough that they don’t conflict or cause visual clutter. The second sign is smaller and advertises the lounge that is within the restaurant.

Figure 16.75.080(D-3). Unacceptable projecting signs

Examples both include signs that project over the roofline. In the right example there are far too many signs. The extra signs also conflict visually and create unwanted sign clutter.

Figure 16.75.080(D-4). Projecting banner sign examples

Note how the signs are aligned with the vertical piers of each building and feature consistent bracket design.

E. Under-Canopy Signs. Under-canopy signs are placed under awnings, marquees or canopies and placed perpendicular to the storefronts and thus oriented to pedestrians on the sidewalk or an internal walkway. Applicable standards:

1. Permitted Number of Signs. Tenants are allowed a maximum of one under-canopy sign per facade that is visible from a street or customer parking lot. Exception: For businesses with multiple entries onto a sidewalk or walkway, one under-canopy sign shall be permitted for each entrance.

2. Sign Width. Under-canopy signs shall have one foot minimum between the sign and the outer edge of the marquee, awning, or canopy and between the sign and the building facade.

3. Sign Height. Under-canopy signs shall not exceed two feet in height.

4. Vertical Clearance. Signs shall be placed a minimum of eight feet above the sidewalk or walkway.

16.75.080(E) Under-canopy standards and example

F. Internal Wayfinding Signs.

1. Purpose. To aid visitors in finding the location of a business, use or building.

2. Sign Content. Signs may include only the name of the business, use, or building together with the directional guidance information.

3. Location. Signs may be located on internal walkways or landscape islands provided they do not inhibit pedestrian movement along the pathway.

4. Size. Signs may be up to five feet in height and contain no more than fifteen square feet in sign area.

5. Design. Signs shall be designed in a uniform manner (within individual subdivision or center) using consistent background color typeface colors. Dark background colors with light colored text are preferred. See Figure 16.75.080(F) for an example.

16.75.080(F) Internal circulation sign examples

Note the consistent design themes using dark backgrounds with light-colored text.

(Ord. 1539 §125, 2019; Ord. 1454 §2 (part), 2015).