§ 21.11.020. Application of this chapter.

A.

The regulations contained in this chapter shall apply to signs outside of the public right-of-way and on the property to which the standard or regulation refers, except when specifically stated otherwise. A sign may only be erected, established, painted, created, or maintained in conformance with the standards, criteria, procedures, and other applicable requirements of this chapter.

B.

Unless otherwise stated in this chapter, all determinations, findings, and interpretations shall be made by the director or other appropriate municipal officials called upon or designated by the director.

C.

The following signs and displays are exempted from this chapter:

1.

Any sign displaying a public notice or warning required by a valid and applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation;

2.

Flags of any nation, government, or non-commercial organization;

3.

Any sign inside a building that is not attached to the window or door and is not legible from a distance of more than three feet beyond the lot on which the sign is located;

4.

Any work of art that does not display a commercial message;

5.

Any religious symbol that does not display a commercial message;

6.

Any traffic control sign, such as "STOP" or "YIELD," located on private property that meets applicable governmental standards pertaining to such signs and does not display a commercial message;

7.

Signs erected by state or local government agencies, or their contractors, to facilitate the construction, maintenance, or operation of transportation facilities;

8.

Product dispensers and trash receptacles;

9.

Holiday and community special event decorations that do not display a commercial message;

10.

Mascots for educational institutions with primarily academic curricula;

11.

Signs on athletic fields and scoreboards intended for on-premises viewing;

12.

Construction signs of up to 32 square feet; and

13.

Temporary signs of six square feet or less in area, except as regulated elsewhere in this chapter.

D.

Regulations for nonconforming signs are located in Chapter 21.12.

E.

Regulations regarding sign permits are located in Section 21.03.170.

F.

Regulations regarding sign variances are located in Section 21.03.240.

(AO 2012-124(S), 2-26-13)