Section 4.36.155 Painted wall signs and directional wall signs.

1. Painted wall signs and directional wall signs are allowed in all districts subject to the issuance of a permit. Denial of permit by staff becomes an administrative appeal to the board of adjustment.

2. A permit shall be issued upon the following findings:

a. The sign otherwise conforms to all regulations of the municipal sign code;

b. Will not interfere with other owners’ reasonable peace and enjoyment of their neighboring properties;

c. Will not substantially detract from the aesthetic value of the neighborhood;

d. Is consistent with sound planning of the city’ s growth in terms of health, safety, and convenience within the neighborhood and any affected vicinity;

e. Promotes economic conditions or public welfare within the city.

3. A drawing of the sign proportionate to the wall surface must be provided with the application. Persons having an ownership interest in the structure to which the sign is to be attached are exempt from the licensing requirements of Section 4.36.030 of this code and may paint the approved wall sign on the structure. If upon review by the City the painted sign is deemed inconsistent with the approved drawing submitted as a part of the application, the applicant shall be required to remove the sign. A licensed sign painter shall be required for any re-application of a painted wall sign as described above.

4. Under no circumstances shall denial of a permit to allow a painted wall sign be based on the sign’ s content, message or any other reason impinging upon the property owner’ s free speech rights.

5. The painted directional wall sign meets the following criteria:

a. The sign must give directions to a service or amenity of a business located within the structure’ s wall on which the sign is painted.

b. The sign is no larger than reasonably necessary to be read by the persons who will benefit from the directional sign.

c. Sign letters are no larger than reasonably necessary to be read by the persons who will benefit from the information.

d. The sign must be located on the lower one-half of the wall surface.

e. Persons applying for a painted directional wall sign are encouraged to utilize prefabricated or manufactured directional signs. Said signs are exempt from the permitting requirements per section 4.36.050.1.b of this code. (Ord. 2005-0385)