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Council adopts ordinance defining sign-area measurement, chooses full-structure method
Summary
After staff presentations and a public comment urging clarity, the council adopted an amendment to Chapter 3 requiring attached building signs to be measured by the smallest shape containing the entire sign structure (option 1). The ordinance takes effect immediately.
The council adopted an ordinance that defines a uniform method for measuring the area of attached building signs, choosing the option that measures the entire sign structure.
Staff introduced two measurement methods: option 1, in which the sign area is calculated as the smallest rectangle/circle/triangle that contains the entire sign structure, and option 2, which would measure only the words and logos and exclude other sign structure elements. Staff and several council members said inconsistent measurement had led to disparate treatment of similar signs and that a clear baseline would help applicants and staff.
Tom Hopkins, a public speaker, urged the council to adopt a standard measure and said option 1 better reflects how signs function for wayfinding and commerce, arguing that measuring only lettering or logos could permit designs that defeat the ordinance's intent. Speaker 3 and other members agreed that option 1 provides a clearer administrative standard and noted variances would remain available for unusual cases.
Speaker 2 moved to approve the ordinance amending Chapter 3 (article 3.08.102) to adopt Option 1 as the method of area calculation for attached building signs; Speaker 1 seconded. The council voted in favor; multiple ayes were recorded and the ordinance was adopted. The presiding officer read the ordinance language, a severability clause, and stated the ordinance becomes effective immediately for new sign permits; permits already in process would be grandfathered.
