Update, 12/16: Opinion on the new sign ordinance from an West Redmond realtor.
OPINION: City Council, the Planning Commission, and our two Code Enforcement Officers have been working for months, if not years, to update and improve our sign ordinance. A new, improved ordinance will be officially in place after one final Hearing on private "banner signs". Signs come in all shapes and types. The photo on the left shows two "A-Board directional signs" for the same project. On the right is a large residential property sign. Hey, do ya think those copper capped posts come included with the Purchase & Sale!
At stake has been striking a balance between the needs for advertising, public safety, and removal of visual clutter. In addition, the ordinance had to be written within the confines of the 9th Circuit Court decision. Doborah Farris, Code Enforcement Officer said the ordinance would be strictly enforced. The first violation is a warning. Second violation is the sign will be pulled with a $50 fee for retrieval. Third violation is a $100 fine. Redmond's two Code Enforcement officers have many other duties than monitoring signs. The Code Enforcement officer's email and phone is 425-556-2465
In short, only one sign is allowed by the the new ordinance for commercial, project construction, and residential advertising. Councilman Vache made a point that precautionary safety signs should not restricted. Signs are limited in size to six square feet. Council Pres. McCormick indicated the Land Use Application Project requirements for 1 4x8 "extraordinary" White Sign every 500 feet (and 1 Yellow 2x3 sign/project ) remain the same.
After persistent lobbying by the Real Estate industry, an exception to the 1-sign rule was allowed for residential real estate advertising in most neighborhoods (R-1 to R-8). Real estate agents, FSBO's, landlords and new single family home projects are allowed up to 3 "directional signs" only during OPEN HOUSES, in addition to the one property sign. Arrow signs count as directional signs.
In a short drive through N. Redmond, I found one housing project posting 11 directional signs and three "landmark signs". A-Boards (sandwich board) and any other staked signs are restricted from public right-of-ways. i.e sidewalks, driveways, bike lanes. Home businesses, including daycare, are not allowed to put out signs. Deputy Planning Director Roberts said code enforcement recently pulled out over 100 signs - mostly in N. Redmond.
Apartment and condominium complexes zoned R-12 & up are allowed 1-sign per complex and no directional signs. Councilman Margeson emphasized visual clutter would be mitigated on roads with multiple apartments/condos like Avondale, 148th Ave, and Redmond Way.
The ordinance will especially be felt by landlords and FSBO's who are often desperate to get the word out. I know for a fact, since I rented a house for years and eventually sold it by owner. I won't tell you how many signs I staked because I'm embarrassed. Most that were pulled were on the 104th Street and 166th Avenue intersection. With this new ordinance - advertisers beware!
Disclaimer: to verify the ordinance quoted in this post, please contact Deborah Farris. This story is informational and my sole opinion. Signs leading from Redmond to the county or another city may or may not be subject to the new ordinance.
If I understand your description of the new sign ordinance, your photo on the left shows two signs in clear violation of the ordinance because the signs are placed on sidewalks.
ReplyDeleteAs a daily jogger this kind of sign creates a safety hazzard for me and my dog. It is difficult to run around a sidewalk sign with a dog following on a leash.
When does the new ordinance become effective?
Thank you for your comment, Richard.
ReplyDeleteOne thing to keep in mind about those two signs. They are located in English Hills which I think is outside of city limits. The new ordinance regulating sign placement in public R.O.W.'s may or may not apply here. However, if more than 3 directional signs to this project are placed inside city limits they could be in violation. I don't know for sure. Ms. Farris or Mr. McCarthy - Code Enforcement would know so, best to ask them. Same with your question of when the new ordinance will take affect. I think it goes into effect after the banner sign public hearing, though C.E.O McCarthy has picked up over 100's signs of late.
Bob, thank you for this story. The city already has a fairly strong sign ordinance, but advertisers have been ignoring it and fighting enforcement so the city has worked very hard to clarify intent. For example, signs are not currently allowed on sidewalks as they are in fact a safety hazard. The new ordinance will make enforcement easier for those, for banners, balloons, over sized signs, etc.
ReplyDelete