Chapter 22B.10 SIGN CODE

Chapter 22B.10

SIGN CODE

Sections:

22B.10.010 General provisions.

22B.10.020 Definitions.

22B.10.025 Design review.

22B.10.030 Business, commercial, manufacturing and medical institution district signs – Zones

OLB, OLB-OS, CB, Downtown-O-1, Downtown-O-2, Downtown-MU, Downtown-R,

Downtown-OB, Downtown-OLB, GC, LI, MI, and Bel-Red land districts, except BR-ORT.

22B.10.040 Office, research and development, and multifamily residential district signs –

Zones PO, O, BR-ORT, EH-D, R-10, R-15, R-20, and R-30.

22B.10.050 Repealed.

22B.10.055 Factoria area – Freestanding and freeway-oriented signs – Multiple tenants –

Additional signs.

22B.10.060 Neighborhood retail business district signs – Zone NB.


22B.10.090 Single-family residential district signs – Zones R-7.5, R-5, R-4, R-3.5, R-2.5, R-

1.8, and R-1.


22B.10.105 Vendor carts and produce stands.

22B.10.107 LED (light emitting diode) readerboard signs.

22B.10.110 Hospital and ambulatory health care center signs.

22B.10.115 Directional signs for major institutions.

22B.10.120 Temporary signs.

22B.10.125 Permanent signs within street rights-of-way.

22B.10.130 Exempt signs or displays.

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22B.10.140 Requirements applicable to all signs.

22B.10.150 Prohibited signs.

22B.10.160 Permits and fees.

22B.10.170 Administration, enforcement and sign removal.

22B.10.180 Variance from sign code.

22B.10.190 Appeals.

22B.10.200 Nonconforming signs.

22B.10.210 Conflicting provisions.

22B.10.220 Severability.

22B.10.010 General provisions.

A. Title. This chapter shall be known as the Bellevue sign code.

B. Purpose and Scope. The purpose of this code is to protect the health, safety, property and

welfare of the citizens of the city of Bellevue (hereafter “city”), by establishing standards for the

design, placement, size and maintenance of all exterior signs and sign structures in the city.

Furthermore, it is the purpose of the regulations, standards and criteria of this code to permit and

encourage the design of signs which are responsive to the needs of the public in locating a

business establishment by identification, address and product and/or services information.

The rapid economic development of the city has resulted in a great increase in the number of

businesses located in the city, with marked increase in the number and size of signs related to

those businesses. This proliferation of signs has resulted in a reduced effectiveness of individual

signs. As the number, size and intensity of signs increase without regard to quality and

placement, the impact of the individual sign is diminished.

Lack of control of signs may cause potentially dangerous conflicts between advertising signs and

traffic control signs, thus destroying the effectiveness of both. The great increase in automotive

traffic experienced within the city has greatly aggravated this danger.

Furthermore, the uncontrolled use of signs and their shapes, motion, colors, illumination and

their insistent and distracting demand for attention can be injurious to property values of both

business and residential areas of the city, and may seriously detract from the enjoyment and

pleasure of the natural beauty of the city.

It is recognized that the right of a business to identify itself contributes to the economic well-

being of the community. This right can be exercised in such a way as to bring great benefit to the










public without affecting the welfare of the business. The responsible regulation of signs may, in

fact, improve business opportunity and the effectiveness of individual signs as a result of the

increased attractiveness of the city’s environment. (Ord. 4818 § 1, 1995; 1961 code § 17.01.010.)

22B.10.020 Definitions.

“Ambulatory health care center” means a medical institution building which is designated for

delivery of a range of health care and high acuity specialty care services and is not licensed as a

hospital.

“Area” or “surface area” means the greatest area of a sign, visible from any one viewpoint,

enclosed within not more than three circles, rectangles or squares, or any combination of these

forms which produces the smallest area, excluding sign support structure which does not form

part of the sign proper or of the display. “Surface area” includes only one face of a multiple-

faced sign.

“Architectural blade” means a roof sign or projecting sign with no exposed legs or braces,

designed to look as though it could have been part of the building structure rather than something

suspended from or standing on the building.

“Banner” means a sign intended to be temporary, made of flexible, sturdy material and affixed to

a building or other structure (excludes flags).

“Barricade sign” means a sign affixed to construction barricades during the construction period.

“Billboard” means an outdoor advertising sign containing a message, commercial or otherwise,

unrelated to any use or activity on the property on which the sign is located, but not including

directional signs as defined herein. Billboards do not include signs that are specifically permitted

to be located in the public rights-of-way or off the site of the property on which the activity is

located pursuant to this chapter.

Building Line – Boulevards for Urban Design Treatment. The building line for signs for any

property outside the limits of the downtown and abutting a street designated by the urban design

element of the comprehensive plan as a boulevard to be given urban design treatment shall be 65

feet from the centerline of the right-of-way. However, the director may administratively approve

a modification of the required building line if the result of such modification would be consistent

with the policies of the urban design element of the comprehensive plan.

Building Line – Downtown. The building line for signs for any property within the limits of the

downtown and abutting a street classified by LUC 20.25A.115, Design Guidelines –

Building/Sidewalk Relationships, shall be 25 feet from the property line. However, the director

may administratively approve a modification of the required building line if the result of such

modification would be consistent with the urban design policies of the comprehensive plan and

the requirements of Chapter 20.25A LUC.

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Building Line – General. Except as otherwise provided in this code, the building line for signs

shall be the setback required for the property by LUC 20.20.010, Dimensional Requirements

Chart, LUC 20.25A.020, Dimensional Requirements in Downtown Districts, LUC 20.25L.030,

Dimensional Requirements for OLB-OS, or any other special or overlay district dimensional

requirements applicable to the specific property or use. In any area of the city, except the

downtown, where the applicable line is located more than 65 feet from the centerline of the city

street on which it faces, the building line shall, for purposes of limiting size or placement of

signs under this code, be deemed to begin 65 feet from the centerline of the street and run

parallel thereto.

“Building-mounted sign” means a single or multiple-faced sign attached to the face of a building

or marquee.

“Canopy” means a freestanding structure affording protection from the elements to persons or

property thereunder.

“Canopy sign” means any sign erected upon, against or directly above a canopy.

“Construction barricade” means a structure set up to obstruct access to a construction site.

“Construction period” means the time between issuance of a building permit and issuance of

certificate of occupancy.

“Construction sign” means an information sign which identifies the architect, engineers,

contractors and other individuals, or firms involved with the construction of a building, and/or

announces the character of the building or enterprise, and which is erected during the building

construction period.

“Corporate headquarters” means the place from which the trade or business is principally

managed and directed.

“Directional sign” means a single- or double-faced sign not exceeding six square feet in surface

except as provided in BCC 22B.10.115 for major institutions, major office buildings, and major

mixed-use complexes, BCC 22B.10.110 for hospitals in any land use district and ambulatory

health care centers located in medical institution districts and in BCC 22B.10.030 for the

downtown, which is designed to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic to an area, place or

convenience.

“Director” means the director of the development services department or his or her designated

representative.

“Enterprise” means the owner, tenant, user, or other occupant of a structure seeking signs under

this sign code.

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“Entertainment/public assembly use” means those uses permitted in any downtown land use

district classified as indoor public assembly, motion picture or theater by the recreation use chart

in LUC 20.10.440.

“Facade” means the area of that continuous front, side or back surface, including doors and

windows, but excluding any roof area and structures or elevators or air conditioning equipment

thereon; provided, that in the case of a roof sign, the surface area or facade shall be the area of

that continuous front, side or back surface immediately beneath the roof, including doors and

windows, but excluding the roof area and structures for elevators or air conditioning thereon.

“Freestanding sign” means a single- or multiple-faced sign, supported from the ground by one or

more columns, uprights or braces.

“Freeway corridor” means a corridor paralleling each side of the freeway with a width of 375

feet on each side of the freeway right-of-way. The freeway corridor does not include land within

the boundaries of the downtown, as defined in the Land Use Code.

“Grade” means the elevation or level of the street closest to the sign to which reference is made,

as measured at the street’s centerline, or the relative ground level in the immediate vicinity of the

sign.

“Halo lighting” means a method of sign illumination that consists of a light source external to the

sign or sign elements and mounted behind the sign or sign elements. The sign elements of a sign

illuminated through halo lighting shall be opaque, so that the light does not appear to emit from

within or through the sign elements.

“Height” means the vertical distance from the grade to the highest point of a sign or any vertical

projection thereof, including its supporting columns, or the vertical distance from the relative

ground level in the immediate vicinity of the sign.

“High-rise building” means a building with a roofline that is equal to, or exceeds, 75 feet above

the average finish grade.

“Hospital” means a building requiring a license pursuant to Chapter 70.41 RCW and designed

and used for the medical, surgical diagnosis, treatment and housing of persons under the care of

doctors and nurses and including ancillary uses such as cafeterias, florists and patient- and

visitor-related services. Rest homes, nursing homes, convalescent homes and clinics are not

included.

“Illegal sign” means any sign which does not comply with the requirements of this code within

the city limits as they now or hereafter exist, and which does not have a nonconforming sign

permit under BCC 22B.10.200(B)(2).

“Incidental sign” means small signs, two square feet or less in surface area, of a noncommercial

nature, intended primarily for the convenience of the public. Included are signs designating

restrooms, address numbers, hours of operation, entrances to buildings, directions, help wanted,


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public telephone, etc. Also included in this group of signs are those designed to identify an area

or place on the premises of a business building or development by means of a directory

designating names and addresses only.

“Institution, major” means a use such as a hospital, convention center, performing arts center,

college, or sports arena, or a major office building or mixed-use complex containing 300,000

gross square feet or more, located in the downtown.

“Lease-up/sales period” means the time between issuance of certificate of occupancy (CO) or

temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO) and when the building becomes substantially leased

up or until substantially all the units in the building are sold. For purposes of this definition, the

period shall be the longer of six months from CO/TCO or 95 percent occupancy or sale. The

director may approve an extension if deemed necessary.

“Major institution” means a use such as a hospital, convention center, performing arts center,

college, or sports arena, or a major office building or mixed use complex containing 300,000

gross square feet or more, located in the downtown or in Bel-Red.

“Marquee” means a covering structure projecting horizontally from and attached to a building,

affording protection from the elements to persons or property thereunder.

“Multiple building complex” means a group of structures housing more than one type of retail

business, office or commercial venture and generally under one ownership and control.

“Multiple occupancy building” means a single structure housing more than one type of retail

business office or commercial venture.

“Noncommercial public service sign” means noncommercial signs devoted to religious,

charitable, cultural, governmental or educational messages, including, but not limited to, the

advertising of events sponsored by a governmental agency, a school, church, civic or fraternal

organization or other organizations engaged in activities for profit.

“Office building” means an office building in the PO, O, and BR-ORT land use districts as

defined by the Bellevue Land Use Code.

“Parapet” means that portion of a building wall which extends above the roof of the building.

“Penthouse” means a structure on top of a building roof such as houses an elevator shaft or

similar form.

“Permanent signage” means signage affixed to a building or property and intended for the life of

the project.

“Political sign” means signs advertising a candidate or candidates for public elective office, or a

political party, or signs urging a particular vote on a public issue decided by ballot.

“Portable sign” means a sign which has no permanent attachment to a building or the ground,

including A-frame signs, pole attachments, and mobile signs.

“Primary sign or signs” means all signs of a user which are not exempt (see BCC 22B.10.130),

or which do not come within the category “incidental signs” (see definition in this section), or

which do not come within the category “directional signs” (see definition in this section). The

term “primary sign” is intended to include virtually all signs of a commercial nature.

“Property line” means the line denoting the limits of legal ownership of property.

“Readerboard” means a sign or part of a sign on which the letters are readily replaceable such

that the copy can be changed from time to time at will.

“Roof sign” means any sign erected upon, against or directly above a roof or on top of or above

the parapet of a building, including a sign affixed to any structure erected upon a roof, including

a structure housing building equipment.

“Sign” means any letters, figures, design, symbol, trademark or device intended to attract

attention to any activity, service, place, subject, person, firm, corporation, public performance,

article, machine or merchandise whatsoever. Sources of light used primarily to illuminate a sign,

or a building, or grounds surrounding the building shall not be considered signs themselves;

provided, however, that sources of light used primarily to attract attention to the light itself or as

a decorative feature of the display shall be considered as part of the sign. Excluded from the

definition are official traffic signs or signals, sheriff’s notices, court notices or official public

notices, the flags of a government or noncommercial institution, signs not visible from the street

or sidewalk or way open to the public (see BCC 22B.10.130 for more detailed treatment of

exempt signs), and religious symbols.

“Sign code” means this chapter.

“Sign master plan” means a plan for the design and placement of all signs intended for a project

site for the life of a project.

“Single occupancy building” means a commercial building or structure with one major

enterprise, generally under one ownership. A building is classified as “single occupancy” only if:

(A) it has only one occupant; (B) it has no wall in common with another building; and (C) it has

no part of its roof in common with another building.

“Street” means any automobile thoroughfare so designated by city ordinance. “Street” includes

portions thereof used for parking.

“Subdivision signs” means signs used to identify a land development, which is to be or was

accomplished at essentially one time.

Substantial Remodel. As defined in the Land Use Code.



Surface area. See “Area” or “surface area.”

“Temporary event” means the advertising of a grand opening, change in ownership/management,

substantial remodel, or going out of business sale.

“Temporary sign” means a nonpermanent sign intended for use for a limited period of time.

Types of temporary signs are construction signs, grand opening displays, real estate signs, and

political signs. (See BCC 22B.10.120).

“Upper-level high-rise sign” means a sign located on a high-rise building more than 75 feet

above average grade, except as provided in this chapter.

“Way open to public” means any paved or unpaved exterior areas on private property open to the

general public for pedestrian or vehicular ingress and egress into a site or between sites that are

open to and provide services to the public.

“Window sign” means all signs located inside and affixed to or within three feet of windows of a

building, whether temporary or permanent, lighted or unlighted, which may be viewed from the

exterior of the building. The term does not include merchandise located within three feet of a

window. (See BCC 22B.10.030(I)). (Ord. 6116 § 1, 2013; Ord. 5877 § 1, 2009; Ord. 5821 § 19,

2008; Ord. 5743 § 1, 2007; Ord. 5679 § 1, 2006; Ord. 5542 §§ 1, 2, 2004; Ord. 5490 §§ 1 – 4,

2003; Ord. 5357 § 1, 2002; Ord. 4818 § 2, 1995; Ord. 4683 § 1, 1994; Ord. 4626 §§ 2, 3, 1994;

Ord. 3822 § 2, 1987; Ord. 2953 § 2, 1981; Ord. 2045 § 1, 1974; 1961 code § 17.01.020.)

22B.10.025 Design review.

A. Purpose. Design review is a discretionary administrative decision used to ensure that signs

comply with the policies set forth below.

B. Applicability.

1. Where Design Review Applies.

a. Affected Land Use or Overlay Districts. The provisions of this section are applicable in the

following land use or overlay districts:

i. DNTN (All Downtown districts);

ii. CB (Community Business);

iii. NB (Neighborhood Business);

iv. OLB-OS (Office Limited Business – Open Space);

v. Development in transition areas as defined in the Land Use Code; and















vi. Bel-Red Land Use Districts, except BR-GC unless design review is available per LUC

20.25D.030(C)(2).

Signs within the land use and overlay districts set forth above shall also comply with all other

provisions of this chapter and provisions applicable to signs that are contained in the Land Use

Code (BCC Title 20).

b. Affected Permits, Approvals and Sign Types. The provisions of this section also apply to the

following permits, approvals and sign types irrespective of the land use district within which

they are located:

i. Signs for any development required to have design review by ordinance (except Factoria);

ii. Planned unit developments;

iii. Conditional uses; and

iv. Freeway corridor signs.

Signs requiring the permits/approvals or signs of the type set forth above shall also comply with

all other provisions of this chapter and provisions applicable to signs that are contained in the

Land Use Code (BCC Title 20).

2. When Design Review Applies.

a. Upon adoption of this code, no sign governed by this code shall be erected, altered or relocated

in any new building(s) or project(s), or on existing building(s) or project(s) located in a design

district or originally approved through PUD or conditional use processes pursuant to the Land

Use Code, without design review approval as described in this section.

b. Signs erected, altered or relocated within an existing building(s) or project(s) outside of any

design district and originally approved through any permitting process under the Land Use Code

other than through a PUD or conditional use process shall not be subject to the design review

requirements of this section, but shall comply with all other applicable provisions of this sign

code.

c. A property owner or his or her authorized agent may choose at any time to submit an

application for design review for an existing building or project where a design review

application has not previously been approved.

C. Applicable Procedure. A design review application is reviewed and approved by the

development services department through the design review process described in Chapter 20.30F

LUC. Requests to amend a previously approved sign master plan, as well as proposals for new

signage which are regulated by an existing sign master plan, require approval of a land use

exemption (LUX).

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D. Design Review Application Submittal Requirements. Applications for design review shall

include the following elements:

1. Location;

2. Lighting;

3. Letter size, type and style;

4. Type (i.e., blade, neon, individual letter);

5. Color(s);

6. Material(s);

7. Sign placement (relationship of all signs to one another on building and/or tenant facades); and

8. Overall signage concept for construction period, initial lease-up period, and permanent signs.

The director may waive specific submittal requirements determined to be unnecessary for review

of a specific application.

E. Design Criteria. Applications for design review are evaluated according to the following

criteria:

1. General Requirements.

a. Signs shall enhance the overall appearance, image and design character of the building and

site.

b. Signage shall be simple and clear so as not to distract moving traffic.

c. Signs shall be architecturally integrated by relating scale, location, sign type, style and

materials to the architectural style and size of the building or tenant facade.

d. Signage is prohibited at the upper levels of high-rise buildings, with exceptions for hotel/motel

uses when the design is compatible with building architecture, and for enterprises occupying at

least 180,000 net square feet, or corporate headquarters occupying at least 120,000 net square

feet, of building area as permitted by BCC 22B.10.030(E).

e. Placement of signage shall not obscure or overlap architectural elements.

f. Signs in commercial development with multiple businesses shall be compatible.

g. Signs shall provide information and be consistent with the character of the community.


h. Signs shall be incorporated into commercial and public centers that make them appear and

function cohesively.

i. Perimeter areas of major commercial and public centers shall use appropriate signs to blend

with surrounding development and to be compatible with surrounding residential neighborhoods.

j. Any awning which projects less than three feet from the face of a building is classified as a

sign. The entire awning face will be calculated as sign area.

k. Glass buildings shall incorporate a sign band into the building design to avoid difficult and

impractical application of signage to spandrel glass.

l. Application of multiple signs to one building shall be consolidated or arranged so as not to

result in a scattered appearance.

m. Illuminated signs shall be oriented away from adjoining residential development.

n. Signage shall be in accord with the comprehensive plan.

o. Individual letter signage is preferred. Other types of signage may be approved if the design of

the sign, including the quality and durability of materials used, is determined to achieve an

equivalent result.

In addition to the above, signs located within the land use districts below must also comply with

the criteria set forth for such district.

2. Community Retail Districts (CB, NB).

a. Signs shall be of a type face that can be made as individual letters or a letter type shall be

chosen to accommodate the individual letter format. Exceptions may be made for registered

trademarks or logos that cannot be manufactured as individual elements.

b. Auto-oriented signage shall have a maximum letter size of 36 inches.

c. When auto-oriented signage is proposed, it shall be accompanied by pedestrian-oriented

signage.

d. Signage shall be oriented to face the major direction of pedestrian movement in the area of the

sign.

3. Downtown and Bel-Red Districts (All DNTN and BR).

a. The primary signage for any building or business shall comply with the appropriate design

guidelines for the Downtown and Bel-Red Districts, now or as hereafter amended pursuant to the

procedures set forth therein.

b. Pedestrian-oriented signage shall use lettering and graphics no larger than 24 inches and shall

be located within the first two floor levels of the building. Twenty-four inches may be an average

size when upper and lower case lettering is used. Logos and first-letter capitals may be up to 30

inches if consistent with applicable design review criteria.

c. Illumination shall be coordinated in multi-sign or multi-tenant buildings.

d. High-rise signs (other than hotel/motel or a hospital). Signs permitted at the upper levels of

high-rise buildings pursuant to BCC 22B.10.030 shall comply with the following requirements:

i. Signs shall not project above the top of the surface to which they are affixed, nor beyond the

edge of any surface to which they are affixed;

ii. Signs shall use logos and lettering no larger than eight feet in height;

iii. Cabinet and box signs are prohibited;

iv. Signs shall be mounted to the building with a mounting system that is not visible beyond the

edges of the sign elements;

v. Signs shall be designed and located to preserve the integrity of the building roof form; and

vi. Sign illumination shall be limited to halo lighting with a white light source; provided, that

signs may be internally illuminated when the surface on which the sign is mounted is made of

glass or other highly reflective material that would interfere with the appearance of the sign if

halo-lit. Internal illumination is limited to only those letters or sign elements that will appear

white when lit. Any illumination shall be designed to ensure no exposed lighting source or

raceway. The light source shall be no brighter than the equivalent of 30 milliamp neon tubing

behind a diffuser panel. The applicant shall provide a signed certification from the sign

manufacturer declaring that the illumination meets the limits of this subsection.

4. Downtown – Old Bellevue (DNTN-OB). The downtown requirements above apply to the

DNTN-OB except as modified herein; provided, that the following criteria shall not apply to

signs for an entertainment/public assembly use within the DNTN-OB district:

a. Sign letters shall not exceed 18 inches; provided, that logos and first-letter capitals may be up

to 24 inches if consistent with applicable design review criteria.

b. Awnings shall be opaque or a deep, rich color, and shall be scaled to the development.

c. Signs shall generally not be placed above the first floor level.

d. Auto-oriented signs are not permitted except as directional signage to vehicular entries.

e. Cabinet, box and freestanding signs are prohibited.


5. Freeway Corridors. In addition to criteria applicable in the underlying land use district, signs

within freeway corridors are subject to the following design criteria:

a. Letter height shall generally not exceed 42 inches; provided, that logos and first-letter capitals

may exceed this limit if consistent with applicable design review criteria.

b. Sign length shall not exceed one-third of the building facade. When multiple signs are to be

placed on a building face this ratio will include all signs.

Additional variation in size may be considered by the director pursuant to the decision criteria of

this section. (Ord. 6116 § 2, 2013; Ord. 5877 § 2, 2009; Ord. 5821 § 20, 2008; Ord. 5743 § 2,

2007; Ord. 5679 § 2, 2006; Ord. 5542 §§ 3, 4, 5, 2004; Ord. 5490 § 5, 2003; Ord. 5357 § 2,

2002.)

22B.10.030 Business, commercial, manufacturing and medical institution district

signs – Zones OLB, OLB-OS, CB, Downtown-O-1, Downtown-O-2, Downtown-

MU, Downtown-R, Downtown-OB, Downtown-OLB, GC, LI, MI, and Bel-Red

land districts, except BR-ORT.

A. General. The following provisions govern signs in the OLB, OLB-OS, CB, all Downtown,

GC, LI, MI, and all Bel-Red Land Use Districts, except BR-ORT, and may be modified through

design review as described in BCC 22B.10.025.

1. Sign Scale. Signs shall be scaled to the building to which the sign is related.

2. Sign Allocation – Single Occupancy Buildings. Any single occupancy building in the above

districts shall be permitted the number of primary signs described in subsection C of this section.

No more than one of the allowed primary signs may be a freestanding sign unless the single

occupancy building faces on more than one street. If the single occupancy building faces on

more than one street, see subsection D of this section to determine the number of allowed

freestanding signs.

3. Sign Allocation – Multiple Occupancy Buildings. Each enterprise with an exterior entrance in

a multiple occupancy building in the above districts shall be permitted the number of primary

signs described in subsection C of this section. No more than one freestanding sign is permitted

per multiple occupancy building facing on only one street. If the multiple occupancy building

faces on more than one street, see subsection D of this section to determine the number of

allowed freestanding signs.

4. Address Number. Each enterprise shall display and maintain on-premises street address

number identification. Such identification shall not be included in the number of primary signs.

5. Multiple Buildings on 15 Acres or More. A multiple building complex encompassing at least

15 acres may display one complex identification sign along each right-of-way which provides

direct access to the complex. Each sign shall not exceed 75 square feet in area and 15 feet in

height.










B. Dimensional Limitations. Except as otherwise specifically allowed herein, all signs shall

conform with the setback, area, and height limitations set forth in this section.

1. Setback Limitations – Freestanding Signs. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the

size of any freestanding sign shall not exceed the following limits based on the setback of the

sign from the property line:

Setback Maximum

Area

Between property line and

building line 25 sq. ft.

On building line or behind it 75 sq. ft.

2. Sign Height – Freestanding Signs. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the height of

any freestanding sign shall not exceed the following limits based on the setback of the sign:

Setback Maximum

Height


building line 5 ft.

On building line or behind it 15 ft.

3. Sign Area Limitations – Building-Mounted, Upper-Level High-Rise, Roof or Canopy-

Mounted Signs. Unless otherwise provided in this section, the surface area of any building-

mounted, upper-level high-rise, roof or canopy-mounted signage shall not exceed the figures

derived from the following schedule.

Relevant

Surface Area

or Facade

Area as

Determined

Pursuant to

BCC

22B.10.020

Maximum Sign Surface

Area for That Facade

Below 100 sq.

ft.

26 sq. ft.

100 – 199 sq.

ft.

26 sq. ft. + 11% of facade

area over 100 sq. ft.

200 – 499 sq.

ft.

38 sq. ft. + 12% of facade


500 – 999 sq. 75 sq. ft. + 11% of facade

ft. area over 500 sq. ft.

1,000 – 1,499

sq. ft.

131 sq. ft. + 7.5% of facade

area over 1,000 sq. ft.

1,500 – 2,999

sq. ft.


area over 1,500 sq. ft.

Over 3,000 sq.

ft.


area over 3,000 sq. ft. to a

maximum of 300 sq. ft.

a. For other than upper-level high-rise signs and signs for an entertainment/public assembly use,

in multiple occupancy buildings the facade area for each enterprise is derived by measuring only

the surface area of the exterior facade of the premises actually used by the enterprise, and the

sign displayed by the enterprise shall be located on the facade used to determine the size of the

sign, except as provided in this section.

b. For upper-level high-rise signs, sign size may be up to 300 square feet, regardless of facade

size. For entertainment/public assembly use signs, the director may approve through design

review sign area not to exceed a maximum of 400 square feet per sign; provided, that the total

sign area of building-mounted signs on entertainment/public assembly uses shall not exceed 35

percent of the surface area of the enterprise’s facade on which the signs are located.

c. Unused sign surface area for a facade may be used by any enterprise within the same multiple

occupancy building, or by any enterprise within the same multiple building complex located

within a downtown land use district and Bel-Red land use districts BR-OR-1, BR-OR-2, BR-RC-

1, BR-RC-2, and BR-MO-1, if:

i. The applicant files with the city a written statement signed by the enterprise that earned the

sign area under this code permitting the applicant to utilize the unused sign surface area.

ii. The display of a sign on that facade by the applicant will not create a significant adverse

impact on other users of that facade.

iii. The display of the applicant’s sign is necessary to reasonably identify the enterprise, and the

provisions of this code do not provide the enterprise with adequate sign display options.

iv. In no event may sign surface area transferred under this provision be used for an upper-level

high-rise sign. Unused upper-level high-rise sign or entertainment/public assembly use sign

surface area may not be transferred for use for any other sign, regardless of enterprise or

location.

4. Sign Height – Building-Mounted Signs. No building-mounted sign shall be placed on the

upper levels of a high-rise building, installed on the rooftop or extend above the height of the

building to which it is attached; provided, that hotels and motels may have signs at upper levels

of a high-rise building, rooftop mounted signs, and signs extending above the height of the

building; and further provided, that signs complying with subsection E of this section may be

placed at the upper levels of high-rise buildings.

C. Number of Primary Signs.

1. General. The permissible number of signs for each single occupancy building is dependent

upon the surface area of the largest single facade of the building. The permissible number of

signs for each enterprise in a multiple occupancy building is dependent upon the surface area of

the largest single facade of the portion of the building occupied by the enterprise applying for the

sign permit. An enterprise in a multiple occupancy building shall have an exterior entrance to be

allowed primary signage pursuant to this subsection C, except as provided in subsections (C)(2)

and (3) of this section. The permitted number of signs is as follows:

Surface Area of

Largest Facade

Maximum Number

of Signs

Less than 999 sq. ft. 2

1,000 – 2,999 sq. ft. 3

3,000 sq. ft. and over 4

Buildings or enterprises with more than 3,000 square feet on any face, with several clearly

differentiated departments, each with separate exterior entrances, are permitted one sign for each

different department with a separate exterior entrance, in addition to the four allotted.

2. Upper-Level High-Rise Signs. One enterprise occupying at least 180,000 net square feet, or

one corporate headquarters occupying at least 120,000 net square feet, in a single high-rise

building within the downtown may earn two upper-level high-rise signs for placement on the

building in which such enterprise is located, regardless of whether such enterprise has an exterior

entrance. Such signs must comply with subsection (E)(2) of this section. Such signs are in

addition to other signs allowed under this section. Both signs must be used by the same

enterprise.

3. Transfer of Unused Allotment. In multiple occupancy buildings, or multiple building

complexes located within any downtown land use district or within Bel-Red land use districts

BR-OR-1, BR-OR-2, BR-RC-1, BR-RC-2 and BR-MO-1, unused primary sign allotment for one

enterprise may be used by any enterprise within the same multiple occupancy building, or by any

enterprise within the same multiple building complex located within a downtown land use

district or the Bel-Red land use districts listed above, if:

a. The applicant files with the city a written statement signed by the enterprise that earned the

primary sign under this code permitting the applicant to utilize the unused primary sign

allotment.

b. The display of a sign by the applicant will not create a significant adverse impact on the

primary signs of other enterprises in the building.

c. The display of the applicant’s sign is necessary to reasonably identify the enterprise, and the


d. In no event may unused primary sign allotment transferred under this provision be used for an

upper-level high-rise sign. Unused upper-level high-rise or entertainment/public assembly use

sign allotment may not be transferred for use for any other sign, regardless of enterprise or

location.

e. Unused allotments may not be transferred between downtown land use districts and Bel-Red

land use districts.

D. Buildings on More Than One Street. Buildings facing on more than one street are entitled to a

bonus in the number of primary signs, as follows:

1. Buildings on Intersecting Streets. When a building is located on intersecting streets, two

freestanding signs are permitted if they are located on two different streets and are separated

more than 100 feet measured in a straight line between signs. Otherwise, only one freestanding

sign is permitted. The second freestanding sign is in addition to the primary signs allowed under

subsection C of this section.

2. Buildings Facing on Two Parallel Streets. Single occupancy buildings facing on two parallel

streets, or enterprises within multiple occupancy buildings whose premises extend through a

block to face on two parallel streets with customer entrances on each street, are permitted the

number of primary signs under subsection C of this section for each end of the building or

premises facing on a street.

E. Types of Placement of Primary Signs. The permissible types of primary signs, their placement

and other limitations are as follows:

1. Freestanding Signs.

a. Freestanding signs shall be wholly located within the center two-thirds of the frontage of the

property on the street or 15 feet from the adjacent property line, whichever provides the longer

distance from the closest part of the sign to the adjacent property line; provided, however, that a

freestanding sign may be located within five feet of the property line with the written consent of

the title holder of the adjacent property. If such consent is obtained, the consenting party or his or

her successors or assigns may not place a freestanding sign on his or her property within 20 feet

of the first freestanding sign.

b. A freestanding sign located at the property line shall be wholly behind the property line, and a

freestanding sign located at the building line shall be wholly behind the building line.

c. Any freestanding sign shall be integrated. That is, all supports or sign elements shall be an

integral part of the design. Auxiliary projections or attachments not a part of a single design are

prohibited, unless approved through design review.

d. Landscaping shall be provided at the base of all freestanding signs, as required by BCC

22B.10.140(F).

2. Building-Mounted Signs.

a. Signs shall not project more than five feet from the face of the building to which the sign is

attached. However, an exception may be made for the main building sign or tenant sign if it

meets the following criteria:

i. The sign shall be of a scale and orientation designed to address pedestrian or vehicular traffic;

and

ii. The sign shall not pose a traffic safety hazard; and

iii. The bottom of the sign shall measure at least eight and one-half feet from finish grade; and

iv. For all signs, structural supports shall be compatible with the design or concealed from view.

b. Building-mounted signs shall only identify the building and the name of the firm, or the major

enterprise, and principal product and/or service information.

c. For other than upper-level high-rise signs, building-mounted signs displayed by an enterprise

shall be located on a facade attached to a portion of the building occupied by the enterprise,

except as provided in subsections B and C of this section.

d. No portion of a sign for an entertainment/public assembly use shall be located more than 85

feet above average finished grade. Signs for an entertainment/public assembly use located more

than 75 feet above average finished grade shall not be considered upper-level high-rise signs.

e. Upper-Level High-Rise Signs. Building-mounted signs may be located at the upper levels of

high-rise buildings if they meet the following criteria, in addition to other applicable provisions

of this code:

i. The sign is for a hotel/motel use and otherwise complies with all applicable provisions of this

code; or

ii. Two upper-level high-rise signs may be placed on any high-rise building within the

downtown, provided:

(a) Only a single enterprise that occupies at least 180,000 net square feet, or a single corporate

headquarters that occupies at least 120,000 net square feet, of building floor area within the

building on which the signs are mounted may place an upper-level high-rise sign;

(b) Signs shall be limited to the name and/or logo of the enterprise placing the sign;

(c) In no event may the sign area of each sign exceed 300 square feet;


(d) The signs shall be located on the two facades of the building most oriented to I-405, with no

more than one upper-level sign on any facade; and

(e) The sign shall comply with the requirements of BCC 22B.10.025.

Upper-level high-rise signs shall be removed within 90 days after the enterprise ceases to occupy

at least 180,000 net square feet, or within 90 days after the corporate headquarters ceases to

occupy at least 120,000 net square feet, in the high-rise building on which the sign is located.

3. Roof and Canopy Signs.

a. All such signs shall be manufactured in such a way that they appear as an architectural blade

or penthouse and are finished in such a manner that the visual appearance from all sides is such

that they appear to be a part of the building itself.

b. All roof and canopy signs shall be installed or erected in such a manner that there shall be no

visible angle iron support structure.

F. Incidental Signs. Incidental signs, as defined in BCC 22B.10.020, are permitted and are not

included in the number of primary signs.

G. Directional Signs. Directional signs shall not exceed six square feet in sign surface area and

may be located only on the premises to which the sign is intended to guide or direct pedestrian or

vehicular traffic, except that off-premises directional signs may be approved by the director

subject to the same standards required for granting of a variance as set forth in BCC 22B.10.180,

where the applicant has demonstrated that his or her premises are so located that on-premises

directional signs are inadequate to reasonably apprise the public of the location of the premises.

Directional signs shall not be included in determining the number of primary signs.

H. Window Signs. The total surface area of all window signs shall not exceed 15 square feet, or

10 percent of the window area. Such signs shall not be included in determining the number of

primary signs, nor in determining the permissible sign area for each facade; provided, that such

signs shall not exceed an area total to 15 square feet, or 10 percent of the window area.

I. Signs for Legally Nonconforming Buildings. All provisions of this section apply to signs on

nonconforming buildings in the districts governed by this section, except that building-mounted

signs may project over the building or property line, but shall not extend closer than five feet to

the back of the curb. Such signs shall extend no more than five feet from the face of the building

to which they are attached and shall have a maximum clearance over the sidewalk below of eight

feet, six inches. The total sign surface area for signing of individual legal nonconforming

buildings shall not exceed 40 square feet. (Ord. 6116 §§ 3, 4, 2013; Ord. 5877 § 3, 2009; Ord.

5743 § 3, 2007; Ord. 5679 § 3, 2006; Ord. 5542 §§ 6 – 9, 2004; Ord. 5490 §§ 6 – 14, 2003; Ord.

5403 § 16, 2002; Ord. 5357 §§ 3 – 6, 2002; Ord. 4817 § 3, 1995; Ord. 4683 § 2, 1994; Ord. 4626

§ 4, 1994; Ord. 3683 § 1, 1986; Ord. 2970 § 1, 1981; Ord. 2953 § 3, 1981; Ord. 2045 § 2, 1974;

1961 code § 17.01.030.)
















22B.10.040 Office, research and development, and multifamily residential district

signs – Zones PO, O, BR-ORT, EH-D, R-10, R-15, R-20, and R-30.

A. General. The following provisions govern signs in the PO, O, BR-ORT, EH-D, R-A0, R-15,

R-20, and R-30 districts.

B. Dimensional Limitations. Signs shall conform with the setback, area, and height limitations

set forth below:

1. Setback Limitations – Freestanding Signs. The size of any freestanding sign shall not exceed

the following limits, based on the sign setback of the sign:

Setback Maximum

Area


building line 25 sq. ft.

On building line, or behind

it 35 sq. ft.

2. Sign Height – Freestanding Signs. The height of any freestanding sign shall not exceed the

following limits, based on the setback of the sign:

Setback Maximum

Height


building line 5 ft.

On building line, or behind

it 10 ft.

3. Sign Area Limitations – Building-Mounted, Roof and Canopy-Mounted Signs. The surface

area of any building-mounted, roof or canopy-mounted sign shall not exceed the figures derived

from the following schedule:

Relevant

Surface Area

or Facade Area

as Determined

Pursuant to

BCC

22B.10.020

Maximum Sign Surface

Area for That Facade

Below 100 sq.

ft.

21 sq. ft.

100 – 199 sq. ft. 21 sq. ft. + 9% of facade






Over 1,000 sq.

ft.

105 sq. ft. – maximum

square footage

In multiple occupancy buildings the facade area for each enterprise is derived by measuring only

the surface area of the exterior facade of the premises actually used by the enterprise, except as

provided in this section. The sign displayed by that enterprise (including unused sign surface

area used by another enterprise) must be located on the facade used to determine the size of the

sign.

Unused sign surface area for a facade may be used by any enterprise within the same multiple

occupancy office building if:

a. The applicant files with the city a written statement signed by the enterprise that earned the

sign area under this code permitting the applicant to utilize the unused sign surface area.

b. The display of a sign on that facade by the applicant will not create a significant adverse

impact on other sign users of that facade.

c. The display of the applicant’s sign is necessary to reasonably identify the enterprise, and the


In no case may the maximum sign surface area or number of primary signs permitted on a

building facade be exceeded.

4. Sign Height – Building-Mounted Signs. No building-mounted sign, regardless of type, shall

exceed the height of 20 feet above grade, or the height of the building to which it is attached,

whichever is less. However, the height may be modified subject to design review approval.

5. Limitation. Freestanding or building-mounted signs shall only identify the building, the name

of the firm or enterprise, and the principal service or product of that firm or enterprise.

C. Number of Primary Signs Permitted.

1. Buildings or building complexes facing on one street may have two primary signs, only one of

which may be freestanding.

2. Buildings or building complexes on street corner locations are permitted a maximum of four

signs. Two of the four signs may be freestanding only if they are located on two different streets

and are separated more than 100 feet, measured in a straight line between the signs.

3. Buildings or building complexes which extend through a block to face on two parallel streets

are permitted two primary signs on each street, only one of which may be freestanding for each

street.

4. Multiple Buildings on Five Acres or More. A multiple building complex encompassing at least

five acres may display one complex identification sign along each right-of-way, which provides

direct access to the complex. Each sign shall not exceed 75 square feet in area and 15 feet in

height. Such complex identification signs may be freestanding, and shall not be included in

determining the number of primary signs allowed for each building or building complex set forth

in subsections (C)(1) through (C)(3) of this section.

D. Types and Placement. The permissible types of primary signs, their placement and other

limitations are as follows:

1. Freestanding Signs. Requirements are identical to BCC 22B.10.030(E)(1).

2. Building-Mounted Signs. Requirements are identical to BCC 22B.10.030(E)(2).

3. Signs or portions of signs indicating premises for rent (e.g., “apartment for rent,” “apartment

available,” “vacancy,” “now renting,” “free rent,” etc.) shall not exceed a surface area of 16

square feet.

4. The illumination of any sign may be internal or external. If externally illuminated, the source

of illumination shall be so located, shaded, shielded, or directed that it is not visible from a

public street or adjoining residential property; provided, that halo lighting of solid letters shall be

permitted.

5. Street Address Identification. Each building or complex of buildings shall display and

maintain on-premises street address number identification. Such sign shall not be included in

determining the number of primary signs. (Ord. 5877 § 4, 2009; Ord. 5490 § 15, 2003; Ord. 5357

§§ 7, 8, 2002; Ord. 4818 § 4, 1995; Ord. 3218 § 1, 1983; Ord. 2953 § 4, 1981; Ord. 2045 § 3,

1974; 1961 code § 17.01.040.)

22B.10.050 Commercial and manufacturing district signs – Zones GC and LI.

Repealed by Ord. 4818. (Ord. 2953 § 5, 1981; 1961 code § 17.01.050.)

22B.10.055 Factoria area – Freestanding and freeway-oriented signs – Multiple

tenants – Additional signs.

A. This section applies only within the Factoria annexation area, as legally described in Section 1

of Ordinance No. 4620 and to Factoria Land Use Districts F1, F2, and F3 as defined in the Land

Use Code.










1. For the purpose of accommodating multiple tenants, any existing freestanding sign may be

enlarged or altered, but may not exceed the size limits contained in the Sign Code; provided, that

if the sign is a freeway-oriented sign the enlargement and/or altering of the sign pursuant to this

section will be allowed only in exchange for an agreement to amortize the resulting enlarged or

altered sign over a reasonable period of time as determined by the director. Within the

amortization period multiple enlargements and/or alterations to a sign may be made which meet

the requirements of this section without establishing a new amortization period. No enlargement

or alteration is allowed which would cause the sign to violate BCC 22B.10.150, prohibiting signs

which rotate or have a part or parts which move or revolve.

2. If the director determines that existing freestanding signage cannot be altered to reasonably

accommodate the needs of tenants in multiple tenant complexes, the director may, though he/she

is not obligated to, authorize the addition of a maximum of one additional freestanding sign per

multiple tenant property. The freestanding sign must be designed such that signage surface area

can be expanded within the limits of the Sign Code to accommodate total tenant signage needs of

the property.

B. For purposes of this section a “freeway-oriented sign” is a sign which meets the definition of

sign under RCW 47.42.020(B) and for which just compensation would be required to be paid

upon removal under RCW 47.42.102.

C. Except as otherwise set forth in this section, signs in the F1, F2 and F3 land use districts shall

be governed by BCC 22B.10.030, Business District Signs, by those provisions of this chapter

otherwise applicable to business district signs, and in the F1 land use district by the F1

Development Area Plan and Factoria TownSquare design guidelines, now or as hereafter

amended.

D. Factoria Land Use District 3 (F3). Notwithstanding any conflicting provisions of this chapter,

the following shall govern the size, type, placement, location and number of signs in the F3 land

use district:

1. Building-Mounted Entrance Signs. Each building is permitted one building-mounted entrance

sign at the primary entrance to the building. This sign may be located at or above the entrance

and shall contain the name of the building or the building’s primary user or tenant. The size of

the entrance sign shall be proportionate to the building entry facade area.

2. Building-Mounted Tenant Signs – Location. In addition the entrance sign permitted in this

subsection, each building is permitted to place any number of building-mounted tenant or user

signs on a building facade; provided, that the total sign area shall not exceed 10 percent of the

building facade area upon which the sign is mounted; and provided further, that signs shall not

extend above or beyond the building facade. The location of such signs shall be in accordance

with a sign location plan designed to ensure a coordinated signage image for the building and

approved by the city. For each building within the F3 land use district north of the F3 land use

district separation line, only the east, north and west facades of the building may be used for

building mounted tenant signage; and for each building south of the F3 land use district


http://www.codepublishing.com/cgi-bin/rcw.pl?cite=47.42.020

http://www.codepublishing.com/cgi-bin/rcw.pl?cite=47.42.102


separation line only the north, west and south facades of the building may be used for building-

mounted tenant signage.

3. Building-Mounted Tenant Signs – Sign Design. Building-mounted tenant signs shall be

comprised of individual letters, insignia, symbols or logos or a combination thereof; shall be

illuminated from the interior only; shall not extend more than two feet perpendicular from the

face of the building; shall not be a box sign; shall not contain painted elements on the building

face; shall not be a moving, flashing or audible sign; shall not contain any product advertising

except as part of the tenant’s or user’s trade name, logo or insignia; shall not be placed on the

building roof; and shall not be illuminated from exterior sources. Individual letters, insignia,

symbols and logos may be mounted on a raceway instead of mounted individually on the

building; provided, that the raceway color matches the building color.

4. Retail Signs. The number, size, location and type of signs for retail users and retail tenants

permitted pursuant to this chapter shall be in addition to signs permitted by the other provisions

of this subsection.

5. For Sale, Rent, or Lease Signs. For sale, rent or lease signs displayed on the building or

property for sale, rent or lease, while the building or property is for sale rent or lease, may not

exceed 32 square feet in surface area. (Ord. 5877 § 5, 2009; Ord. 5385 § 11, 2002; Ord. 4862 §

1, 1996; Ord. 4774 § 1, 1995.)

22B.10.060 Neighborhood retail business district signs – Zone NB.

Permissible signs and their limitations in the neighborhood retail business district (Zone NB)

shall be identical to those in the business districts (BCC 22B.10.030) with the following

exceptions:

A. Any building-mounted sign shall be located on the face of the building containing the main

entrance to the business premises and the sign, if facing abutting residential property, shall be

located more than 50 feet from the abutting residential owner’s property line.

B. Signs in this district may be internally or externally illuminated. If externally illuminated, the

illumination source shall be located, shaded, shielded, or directed so that it is not visible from a

public street or adjoining residential property. All sign illumination shall be turned off between

the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., except that, if the premises are open for business after

10:00 p.m., the illumination shall be turned off at the close of business. (Ord. 4818 § 6, 1995;

Ord. 2953 § 6, 1981; 1961 code § 17.01.060.)

22B.10.080 Multi-family residential district signs – Zones R-10, R-15, R-20, R-30

and EH-A.

Repealed by Ord. 4818. (Ord. 3218 § 2, 1983; Ord. 2953 § 8, 1981; Ord. 2014 § 2, 1974; 1961

code § 17.01.070.)









22B.10.090 Single-family residential district signs – Zones R-7.5, R-5, R-4, R-3.5,

R-2.5, R-1.8, and R-1.

A. General. The following provisions govern signs in the R-7.5, R-5, R-4, R-3.5, R-2.5, R-1.8

and R-1 districts. Two categories of sign uses are covered by this section:

1. Existing, Legal Nonconforming Commercial Uses. The provisions herein for signs for

commercial uses apply only to legal nonconforming uses which have been approved under

applicable zoning ordinances prior to the enactment of this code.

2. Noncommercial uses such as schools, churches, fire stations and house number identification.

B. Signs for Existing Legal Nonconforming Uses. No more than one primary sign is permitted

for each use in this category so long as the building remains legally nonconforming under

provisions of the Bellevue Land Use Code, as follows:

1. Such sign may be either freestanding or building-mounted.

2. If freestanding, the sign shall conform to the requirements of BCC 22B.10.030(E)(1) in regard

to placement and BCC 22B.10.040(B) in regard to size and height.

3. A building-mounted sign shall conform to the requirements of BCC 22B.10.030(E)(2);

provided, however, that no sign shall exceed 20 square feet in surface area.

C. Signs for Noncommercial Uses.

1. Signs for Churches, Schools, Golf Courses, Fire Stations, Police Stations, Noncommercial Use

or Public Service, or Other Similar Noncommercial Uses. Unless otherwise covered by the

provisions set forth in BCC 22B.10.130(N), signs for the above noncommercial uses shall

comply with the following:

a. On-premises signs shall conform with the following requirements:

i. Each use identified above shall have no more than one freestanding sign and one building-

mounted sign along each street frontage.

ii. Building-mounted signs shall not exceed 20 feet in height or 50 square feet in surface area.

iii. Freestanding signs located between the building line and the property line shall not exceed

five feet in height or 25 square feet in surface area.

iv. Freestanding signs located at the building line or behind it shall not exceed 15 feet in height

or 35 feet in area.

b. Off-premises signs for these noncommercial uses may be approved by the director subject to

the following conditions:





i. The sign is to identify current events or activities.

ii. The sign or message is for a temporary period of time sufficient to inform the public of the

event or activity with a maximum of two weeks.

iii. The sign is not located on street or freeway right-of-way except when a part of a permanent

subdivision or neighborhood designation sign (see paragraph (C)(4) of this subsection).

iv. The sign does not exceed 15 square feet in area nor five feet in height.

v. Not more than two such signs shall be permitted.

2. Illumination. Signs in single-family residential districts may be internally or externally

illuminated. If externally illuminated, the illumination source shall be located, shaded, shielded,

or directed so that it is not visible from a public street or adjoining residential property.

3. House Numbers. All houses in single-family residential districts shall display house numbers

visible from the street.

4. Permanent Subdivision or Neighborhood Designation Signs. Permanent subdivision or

neighborhood designation signs shall conform with the following requirements:

a. Signs shall not exceed five feet in height and 25 square feet in surface area.

b. Signs shall be located between the building line and the property line unless a location on

excess city right-of-way is approved by the director of transportation. (Ord. 5357 § 9, 2002; Ord.

5151 § 1, 1999; Ord. 4818 § 8, 1995; Ord. 2953 § 9, 1981; Ord. 2828 § 1, 1980; Ord. 2133 §§ 4,

5, 1974; Ord. 2014 § 3, 1974; 1961 code § 17.01.080.)

22B.10.100 Open use district signs.

Repealed by Ord. 4818. (Ord. 2953 § 10, 1981; Ord. 2133 § 6, 1974; 1961 code § 17.01.081.)

22B.10.105 Vendor carts and produce stands.

A. Vendor Cart Signs. Instead of the sign allowances and requirements set forth for the land use

district in which a vendor cart is located, a vendor cart is permitted a maximum of two primary

signs having a combined sign area not exceeding 20 square feet. The signage may be attached to

the cart and to any awning, umbrella or tent providing weather protection for the cart. The design

of the signage shall be integrated with the design of the cart and have a maximum letter size of

18 inches. Freestanding signs are not permitted.

B. Temporary Produce Stands. Instead of the sign allowances and requirements set forth for the

land use district in which a temporary produce stand is located, temporary produce stands are

permitted two primary signs, one of which may be a freestanding sign. All signs must be

removed at the end of the harvest season.





1. Freestanding signs shall have maximum sign area of 20 square feet and a maximum height of

five feet. Freestanding signs located between the property line and the building line may include

product information.

2. Building-mounted signs shall have a maximum sign area of 20 square feet and a maximum

letter size of 24 inches.

3. Signage in residential districts shall not be internally illuminated.

C. Permanent Produce Stands. Permanent produce stands shall be permitted the signage of the

district in which the stand is located. (Ord. 5490 § 16, 2003; Ord. 4683 § 3, 1994.)

22B.10.107 LED (light emitting diode) readerboard signs.

LED readerboards are allowed in any land use district when used only as a noncommercial

public service sign. In addition to the criteria applicable in the underlying land use district, LED

readerboard signs outside of the downtown are subject to the following design criteria:

A. Building-mounted LED signs on performing arts centers (PACs) shall not be incorporated

within any artwork proposal received for the PAC’s building facade;

B. The proposed LED readerboard sign text shall not flash but roll onto the screen. Furthermore,

no chasing, scintillating, rotating or blinking lights shall be permitted. The LED readerboard

graphics are limited to text only; no animation of any kind is permitted;

C. LED readerboard sign structure shall be designed to architecturally complement the structure

to which it is associated;

D. LED readerboard text shall not change more than once every eight hours; and

E. All sign illumination shall be turned off between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;

except, that if the premises are open to accommodate noncommercial public service events

occurring beyond the hours identified above, the illumination shall be turned off at the cessation

of the event. (Ord. 5490 § 17, 2003.)

22B.10.110 Hospital and ambulatory health care signs.

A. General. The provisions of BCC 22B.10.030 apply to signs displayed at a hospital located in

any land use district, or an ambulatory health care center located in a medical institution district,

except as specifically provided otherwise in this section.

B. Freestanding Signs.

1. Number. In addition to the number of freestanding signs permitted by BCC 22B.10.030, a

hospital may display a freestanding sign at each access designed and utilized by vehicles

accessing the emergency department.






2. Location. A freestanding sign identifying emergency access may be located adjacent to that

access; provided, however, that the sight distance requirements of the transportation

development code (Chapter 14.60 BCC) shall be met.

3. Size. Each freestanding sign at a hospital access may be up to 75 square feet in sign area and

up to 15 feet high.

C. Directional Signs. Directional signs for hospitals located in any land use district and for

ambulatory health care centers located in a medical institution district may be up to 25 square

feet in sign area and freestanding directional signs may be up to 10 feet in height. Such signs

shall be located at least 50 feet from a primary sign or from another freestanding directional sign;

provided, that a variance can be granted from this requirement if the criteria of BCC

22B.10.180(G) are met. (Ord. 5743 § 4, 2007; Ord. 5490 § 18, 2003; Ord. 3822 § 1, 1987.)

22B.10.115 Directional signs for major institutions.

A major institution may display no more than one freestanding directional sign for every 200 feet

of street frontage, in conformance with the following requirements:

A. Number Allowed. Only the minimum number of signs determined by the director to be

necessary to direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic may be displayed.

B. Sign Content. Only the name or symbol of the institution or office building shall be displayed;

provided, that directional signs may change to state whether a parking garage is full.

C. Location – General. Directional signs must be placed at primary vehicular or pedestrian

access points.

D. Location – On Sidewalks. Directional signs may be placed on a sidewalk in the public right-

of-way pursuant to BCC 14.30.080, or on other perimeter sidewalks adjacent to and owned by

the major institution, with the prior approval of the director; provided, that directional signs must

be located so as to not inhibit pedestrian movement.

E. Maximum Area. Directional signs shall be no greater than 25 square feet in area.

F. Maximum Height. Directional signs shall be no greater than five feet in height. (Ord. 5490

§ 19, 2003; Ord. 4818 § 10, 1995; Ord. 4626 § 1, 1994.)

22B.10.120 Temporary signs.

Except for the signage described in subsection B of this section, the aggregate area of all

temporary signs regulated by this section placed or maintained on any parcel of private real

property in one ownership shall not exceed 64 square feet maximum, and the area of any single

sign shall not exceed 32 square feet maximum. Instead of the sign allowances and requirements

applicable to the land use district within which the temporary sign is located, the temporary signs

below must comply with the following limitations:

http://www.codepublishing.com/wa/bellevue/html/Bellevue14/Bellevue1460.html#14.60





http://www.codepublishing.com/wa/bellevue/html/Bellevue14/Bellevue1430.html#14.30.080




A. Construction Period Signage and Barricade Graphics.

1. Downtown. These signs shall be of durable material, and may only identify the architects,

engineers, contractors or other individuals or firms involved with the construction of a building.

Signs may also announce the character of the building, or the purpose for which the building is

intended and may include words and/or graphic images to illustrate the project or other subject

matter. These signs are subject to design review approval pursuant to Chapter 20.30F LUC and

the design review criteria of BCC 22B.10.025, may be displayed only after issuance of a

construction permit, and displayed only until issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy or

certificate of occupancy. Barricade signs submitted at any time after design review approval may

be permitted through a land use exemption (LUX) permit. The aggregate and individual sign size

limits set forth above may be modified through the design review process set forth in BCC

22B.10.025 to allow additional construction period sign area, with an aggregate limit not to

exceed 128 square feet, which may be allocated to one sign or several signs.

2. All Zones Outside Downtown (Single-Family Excepted). No construction sign shall exceed 32

square feet in surface area or 10 feet in height, nor be located closer than 10 feet from the

property line or closer than 30 feet from the property line of the abutting owner so as not to

constitute a hazard. Such signs must be removed by the date of first occupancy of the premises.

3. Single-Family Zones. No construction sign shall exceed eight square feet in surface area, or be

located closer than 10 feet from the property line of the abutting owner. Such signs shall be

removed by the date of first occupancy of the premises. Only one such sign (which may be

double-faced) is permitted per construction project adjacent to each public street upon which the

project fronts.

B. Lease-Up/Sales Period Signage. Any portion of a building’s permanent signage allocation as

set forth in the applicable sections of this code may be utilized to display marketing signage

during the initial lease-up/sales period of a new or substantially remodeled building. These signs

shall be of durable material, graphically compatible with the permanent signage, and may

include words and/or graphic images to communicate availability within the building. These

signs are subject to a previously approved sign package or design review approval pursuant to

Chapter 20.30F LUC, may be displayed only after issuance of certificate of occupancy, and must

be removed or converted back to permanent signage when initial lease-up ends as defined under

BCC 22B.10.020.

C. Real Estate Signs. Except as governed by BCC 22B.10.120(B), all exterior real estate signs

must be of wood, plastic or other rigid and durable material, and unless a permit is not required

pursuant to BCC 22B.10.160(D), are permitted individually or through a sign package. In

addition, all such signs are subject to the following limitations:

1. On-Premises Residential “For Sale,” “For Lease/Rent” and “Sold” Signs. Signs shall be

limited to one single- or double-faced sign oriented to each street upon which the advertised

property fronts. The sign must be placed wholly on the property for sale/lease/rent and may

remain up until the property is sold/rented/leased.








a. Multifamily. Signs may not exceed 16 square feet in surface area. If freestanding, the sign may

not exceed five feet in height and shall be located wholly on the property for sale or rent and

more than 15 feet from any abutting interior property line.

b. Single-Family. The sign may not exceed six square feet in surface area.

2. Off-Premises Residential Directional “For Sale/Rent/Lease/Open House” Signs. Signs

advertising “open house” and the direction to a residence for sale, lease or rent shall be limited to

three single- or double-faced off-premises signs. However, if a realtor has more than one house

open for inspection in a single development or subdivision, off-premises signs are limited to four

for the entire development or subdivision. Such signs are permitted only during daylight hours

and when the realtor or seller or an agent is in attendance at the property for sale. No off-

premises “For Sale/Rent/Lease/ Open House” sign shall exceed six square feet in surface area.

The sign may be placed along the periphery of a public right-of-way.

3. Undeveloped Commercial or Industrial Property “For Sale or Rent” Signs. Signs advertising

undeveloped commercial or industrial property “For Sale or Rent” shall be limited to one single-

or double-faced sign per street frontage. Signs may be displayed while the property is actually

for sale or rent. The sign may not exceed 16 square feet in surface area. If freestanding, the sign

may not exceed five feet in height and shall be located more than 15 feet from any abutting

interior property line and wholly on the property for sale or rent.

4. Developed Commercial or Industrial Property “For Sale or Rent” Signs. Signs advertising

developed commercial or industrial property “For Sale or Rent” shall be limited to one single- or

double-faced sign per street frontage. Signs may be displayed while the building is actually for

rent or sale. The sign may not exceed 16 square feet in surface area. If freestanding, the sign may

not exceed five feet in height, and shall be located more than 15 feet from any abutting side or

rear property line, and wholly on the property for sale or rent.

5. Residential Land Subdivision Signs. Signs advertising residential subdivisions are permitted,

subject to the following:

a. Each sign shall be limited to 32 square feet in surface area;

b. Only one sign is permitted per subdivision, except in either of the following instances:

i. If a subdivision abuts only one street, two signs are permitted; provided, that the two signs

must be placed at least 200 feet apart;

ii. If a subdivision abuts more than one street, one sign may be erected along each street frontage.

In no case shall more than a total of two such signs be allowed;

c. No sign shall project beyond the building line;

d. Each sign must be placed at least 30 feet from the abutting owner’s property line;

e. Such signs shall not exceed a height of 12 feet;

f. Such signs shall be removed by the end of one year or when 75 percent of the houses in the

subdivision are sold or occupied, whichever first occurs; and

g. Permanent subdivision or neighborhood designation signs shall be as approved by the director,

as set forth in BCC 22B.10.090(C).

6. Subdivision Directional Signs Designating New Developments. Signs advertising the direction

to a subdivision shall be furnished and placed only by the developer or residents of the

subdivision, but at locations designated by the city. Signs shall be of the dimensions 12 inches by

36 inches, shall bear only the name of the subdivision and a directional arrow (no name of realtor

permitted), and be limited in number to four. The city will designate placement of the signs at

street intersections a maximum of one mile from the nearest subdivision entrance. The signs

shall be maintained by the developer and removed when 75 percent of the subdivision is

occupied.

7. Undeveloped Multifamily Property “For Sale” Signs. “For sale” signs for undeveloped

multifamily property shall be regulated pursuant to the provisions of BCC 22B.10.120(C)(3).

8. Undeveloped Single-Family Acreage “For Sale” Signs. Signs for undeveloped, unsubdivided

single-family property which may be legally divided into four or more single lots shall be

regulated pursuant to the provisions of BCC 22B.10.120(C)(3).

D. Temporary Event Signage. Signs, posters, banners, strings of lights, clusters of flags, blinking

lights, balloons and searchlights are permitted for a period of one month to announce the opening

of a completely new enterprise, and anytime thereafter for two weeks each occurrence

(searchlights excepted) to announce the opening of an enterprise under new ownership, a

substantial remodel, or a going-out-of-business sale. All such materials shall be removed

immediately upon expiration of the respective time limit. Use of the above-described devices

within the limits specified shall be an exception to the general prohibition on these devices in

BCC 22B.10.150(E). Such displays are not exempt from permit requirements and are permitted

only in districts where the enterprise so advertised is allowed under district zoning regulations,

and where the enterprise advertised is allowed to have permanent signage under district zoning

and sign regulations.

E. Political Headquarters Signs.

1. Party Headquarters. On-premises political signs are permitted on the premises of political

headquarters located in the Business, Commercial, Manufacturing, and Institutional districts

(BCC 22B.10.030), and on office buildings in the office and apartment districts (BCC

22B.10.040), so long as the signs meet the requirements of those districts.

2. Headquarters for Candidate or Ballot Issue. On-premises political signs are permitted on the

premises of the headquarters of a candidate for public elective office (whether partisan or

nonpartisan) or on the headquarters of persons supporting or opposing a public issue decided by







ballot, when such headquarters are located in the Business, Commercial, Manufacturing, and

Institutional districts (BCC 22B.10.030), and in office buildings in the office and apartment

districts (BCC 22B.10.040), so long as the signs meet the requirements of those districts.

F. Political Signs.

1. Political signs promoting or publicizing candidates for public office or issues that are to be

voted upon in a general or special election may be displayed on private property.

Such signs shall be removed within seven days following the election; provided, that signs

promoting successful candidates in a primary election may remain displayed on private property

until seven days following the immediately subsequent general election.

2. Political Signs Not Allowed on Public Utility Poles or Public Buildings or Structures. It is

unlawful for any person to paste, paint, affix or fasten a political sign on any utility pole or on

any public building or structure.

3. Political Signs Within Public Right-of-Way. Political signs may be posted within public right-

of-way only if the sign does not create a traffic obstruction or hazard. Political signs in the right-

of-way are limited to a maximum surface area of four square feet and a maximum height of five

feet. A political sign promoting or publicizing candidates for public office or issues that are to be

voted upon in a general or special election must be removed within seven days following an

election; provided, that political signs promoting successful candidates in a primary election may

remain displayed until seven days following the immediately subsequent general election.

4. Responsibility for Removal of Signs Following Election. It shall be the responsibility of the

above campaign officer or responsible official to have the signs removed.

5. Public Notices Unaffected. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the placement

of public notices required by law.

6. The display of any political sign in violation of subsection E of this section, or any portion or

part thereof, shall be presumed to have been done at the direction and request of the campaign

officer or responsible official.

G. Commercial Estate Sale Signage. All exterior commercial estate signs must be of wood,

plastic or other rigid and durable material and must comply with the criteria of this subsection.

1. On-Premises “Estate Sale” Signs. Signs shall be limited to one single- or double-faced sign

oriented to each street frontage adjacent to the property on which the estate sale is being held.

The sign must be placed wholly on the property on which the estate sale is being held.

a. Multifamily, Commercial or Industrial. Signs may not exceed 16 square feet in surface area. If

freestanding, the sign may not exceed five feet in height and shall be located wholly on the

property on which the estate sale is being held and more than 15 feet from any abutting interior

property line.



b. Single-Family. The sign may not exceed six square feet in surface area.

2. Off-Premises Directional “Estate Sale” Signs. Signs advertising “estate sale” and the direction

to the property on which the estate sale is being held shall be limited to three single- or double-

faced off-premises signs. However, if an estate sale operator has more than one estate sale within

a single development or subdivision, off-premises signs are limited to four for the entire

development or subdivision. Such signs are permitted only during daylight hours and when the

estate sale operator is in attendance at the location of the advertised estate sale. Off-premises

“estate sale” signs shall not exceed six square feet in surface area. The sign may be placed along

the periphery of a public right-of-way.

H. Temporary Joint Sales Signage. Signs, posters, banners, strings of lights, clusters of flags,

blinking lights, balloons and searchlights are permitted for a period of two weeks to announce a

special sales event sponsored by more than one commercial enterprise. Such special sales event

must be held on the premises of one or more of the sponsoring enterprises, and all participating

enterprises must be located on the same site or abutting sites. The signage allowed under this

section may be permitted no more than four times per year for any participating enterprise. All

such materials shall be removed immediately upon expiration of the respective time limit. Use of

the above-described devices within the limits specified shall be an exception to the general

prohibition on these devices in BCC 22B.10.150(E). Such displays are not exempt from permit

requirements and are permitted only in the Downtown, Factoria, CB, GC, LI and OLB land use

districts where the advertised enterprise is allowed under land use district regulations or

operating pursuant to a valid permit or approval. (Ord. 5490 § 20, 2003; Ord. 5357 § 10, 2002;

Ord. 5151 § 2, 1999; Ord. 4818 § 11, 1995; Ord. 3206 § 1, 1982; Ord. 3157 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2342

§ 1, 1976; Ord. 2301 § 1, 1976; Ord. 2133 §§ 7, 8, 1974; 1961 code § 17.01.090.)

22B.10.125 Permanent signs within street rights-of-way.

A. General. Signs for the purpose of identification only, which contain no advertising, and signs

that are otherwise allowed in the right-of-way under this sign code, may be permanently located

upon the street right-of-way only where view-obstructing acoustical protective devices such as

acoustical walls, berms or solid fences have been legally installed with city approval at the

property line thereby making building-mounted or conforming freestanding signs ineffective.

B. Design and Materials. The proposed design and materials to be utilized in the construction of

signs permitted by this section shall be approved in advance of the issuance of any sign permit

by the director.

C. Types of Signs Permitted. Only signs identifying the use being maintained or operated upon

the immediately abutting property and incidental signs indicating the appropriate entrance to and

exit therefrom are permitted upon the public right-of-way under this section; provided, that

“vacancy” signs no larger than three square feet in surface area may be installed as an addition to

the identification sign; and provided, that other signs may be authorized on the public right-of-

way pursuant to the variance process under BCC 22B.10.180.









D. Sign Location. Permanent signs permitted upon the street right-of-way shall not be installed

or placed on the top of acoustical protective devices, nor shall such signs be installed upon or

attached to acoustical protective devices constructed by the city.

E. Sign Dimensions. Permanent signs permitted within the street right-of-way shall have a

maximum height of five feet above the existing grade located directly below the sign, and a

maximum surface area of 15 square feet.

F. Sign Illumination. Permanent signs permitted within the street right-of-way shall be from a

source other than the sign itself and shall comply with the illumination requirements of the

district in which the property identified by the sign is located.

G. Permit Requirements. Permanent signs permitted within the street right-of-way are subject to

all general requirements of this code; provided, that no such sign may be erected without a

permit regardless of the size of the sign; and provided further, that any application for a permit to

place a sign within the street right-of-way is subject to the approval of the director of

transportation.

H. Political Signs. Permanent political signs are not permitted within the street right-of-way. For

requirements governing temporary political signs, see BCC 22B.10.120. (Ord. 5490 §§ 21, 22,

2003; Ord. 5151 § 3, 1999; Ord. 4818 § 12, 1995; Ord. 2568 § 5, 1978.)

22B.10.130 Exempt signs or displays.

The following signs or displays are exempted from coverage under this code:

A. Traffic or pedestrian control signs or signals, or signs indicating scenic or historic points of

interest, which are erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of his public

duty;

B. Signs required by law;

C. Official public notices, official court notices or official sheriff’s notices;

D. The flag of a government or noncommercial institutions such as schools;

E. Exterior signs or displays not visible from streets or ways open to the public;

F. Signs in the interior of a building more than three feet from the closest window or not facing a

window;

G. Plaques, tablets or inscriptions indicating the name of a building, its date of erection, or other

commemorative information, which are an integral part of the building structure or are attached

flat to the face of the building, which are nonilluminated, and which do not exceed three square

feet in surface area;





H. “No trespassing,” “no dumping,” “no parking,” “private,” and other informational warning

signs, which shall not exceed three square feet in surface area;

I. Reasonable seasonal decorations within the appropriate public holiday season. However, such

displays shall be removed within five days following the end of the public holiday season;

J. The flag of a commercial institution. No more than one flag is permitted per business

premises, the flag shall not exceed 20 square feet in surface area, and shall be left loose to fly in

the breeze;

K. Sculptures, fountains, mosaics and design features which do not incorporate advertising or

identification;

L. Sandwich-board signs worn by a person while walking the public ways of the city;

M. Existing theater marquees (freestanding and/or building-mounted);

N. Reasonable temporary decorations and signs for the purpose of announcing or promoting a

nonprofit sponsored, school sponsored, or child daycare center sponsored community fair,

festival or event, including announcement of enrollment periods. Such decorations and signs may

be displayed no more than 14 calendar days prior to and during the fair, festival or event.

If approved by the Department of Transportation, such decorations or signs may be located on or

over the public right-of-way. All decorations and signs must be removed within five calendar

days following the end of the fair, festival or event. (Ord. 5490 § 23, 2003; Ord. 5357 § 11,

2002; Ord. 4818 § 13 1995; Ord. 3525 § 1, 1985; 1961 code § 17.01.100.)

22B.10.140 Requirements applicable to all signs.

A. Structural Requirements. The structure and erection of signs within the city shall be governed

by Chapters 2 and 4 of the Uniform Sign Code, 1985 Edition (or by superseding edition adopted

by the city), and the International Building Code, 2006 Edition (or any superseding edition

adopted by the city), Volume I (including appendices), as promulgated by the International

Conference of Building Officials, which are adopted and made a part hereof by this reference.

Not less than one copy of said codes are on file in the office of the city clerk. Compliance with

the Uniform Sign Code and International Building Code shall be a prerequisite to issuance of a

sign permit under BCC 22B.10.160.

B. Electrical Requirements. Electrical requirements for signs within the city shall be governed by

the National Electrical Code, 2008 Edition (or any superseding edition adopted by the city),

promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association, which is adopted and made a part

hereof by this reference. Compliance with the National Electrical Code shall be required by

every sign utilizing electrical energy as a prerequisite to issuance of a sign permit under BCC

22B.10.160.







C. Sign Illumination. Illumination from or upon any sign shall be located, shaded, shielded,

directed or reduced so as to avoid undue brightness, glare or reflection of light on private or

public property in the surrounding area, and so as to avoid unreasonably distracting pedestrians

or motorists. “Undue brightness” is illumination in excess of that which is reasonably necessary

to make the sign reasonably visible to the average person on an adjacent street.

D. Sign Maintenance. All signs, including signs heretofore installed, shall be constantly

maintained in a state of security, safety and repair. If any sign is found not to be so maintained or

is insecurely fastened or otherwise dangerous, it shall be the duty of the owner and/or occupant

of the premises on which the sign is located to repair or remove the sign within five days after

receiving notice from the director. The premises surrounding a freestanding sign shall be free

and clear of rubbish and landscaping area free of weeds.

E. Sign Obstructing View or Passage. No sign shall be located so as to physically obstruct any

door, window or exit from a building. No sign shall be located so as to be hazardous to a

motorist’s or pedestrian’s ingress and egress from parking areas or any way open to the public.

All signs shall comply with the sight distance requirements of the Land Use Code (LUC

20.20.830).

F. Landscaping for Freestanding Signs. All primary freestanding signs shall include landscaping

at their base to prevent automobiles from hitting the sign-supporting structure and to improve the

overall appearance of the installation. The planting area shall be a minimum of one square foot

for each square foot of sign surface area and shall include shrubs and groundcover so that at the

time of installation a minimum of 25 percent of the required planting is covered by plant

material.

If the landscaping is not installed concurrently with the sign, the applicant for a sign permit shall

provide a performance assurance device in accordance with LUC 20.40.490. All required

landscaping must be installed within 60 days of completion of the sign installation, unless the

director grants an extension in writing for reasons of weather, good planting practices, or

unforeseeable construction delay.

G. Sign Inspection. All sign users shall permit the periodic inspection of their signs by the city

upon city request.

H. Conflicting Provisions. Whenever two provisions of this code overlap or conflict with regard

to the size or placement of a sign, the more restrictive provision shall apply.

I. Painted Signs – Mounting. Painted signs may be painted on plywood or other backing material

or directly on the building wall itself. (Ord. 5877 § 6, 2009; Ord. 5490 § 24, 2003; Ord. 5403 §

17, 2002; Ord. 4818 § 14, 1995; Ord. 4683 § 4, 1994; Ord. 3683 §§ 2, 3, 4, 1986; Ord. 2133 § 9,

1974; 1961 code § 17.01.110.)

22B.10.150 Prohibited signs.









The following signs or displays are prohibited, except as indicated. Prohibited signs are subject

to removal by the city at the owner’s or user’s expense (see BCC 22B.10.170).

A. Window signs containing material unrelated to the merchandise for sale or service performed

by the person or business on whose premises or property the sign is located (except real estate

“open house,” subdivision directional, and commercial “estate sale” signs as governed by BCC

22B.10.120(C)(2), (C)(6) and (G)(2)); provided, however, on-premises signs may call the

attention of the public to public holidays or community events, the time and temperature;

B. Signs which purport to be, or are an imitation of, or resemble an official traffic sign or signal,

or which bear the words “stop,” “caution,” “danger,” “warning,” or similar words;

C. Signs which, by reason of their size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of

illumination may be confused with or construed as a traffic control sign, signal or device or the

light of an emergency or radio equipment vehicle; or which obstruct the visibility of any traffic

or street sign or signal device;

D. Signs which rotate or have a part or parts which move or revolve except that the movement of

the hands of a clock or digital changes indicating time and temperature or national market

indices which do not advertise a specific company or commodity, or indicating whether a

parking garage is full are permitted;

E. Displays, banners, clusters of flags, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, strings of lights,

spinners, twirlers or propellers, flashing, rotating or blinking lights, chasing or scintillating

lights, flares, balloons, bubble machines and similar devices of a carnival nature, or containing

elements creating sound or smell. Exception: Certain of these devices are permitted on a limited

basis as seasonal decorations under BCC 22B.10.130(I), for temporary event signage under BCC

22B.10.120(D), and for joint sales signage under BCC 22B.10.120(H);

F. Signs identifying or window signs advertising, activities, products, businesses or services

which have been discontinued for more than 60 days on the premises upon which the signs are

located;

G. Private signs on utility poles or public property, except as provided in BCC 22B.10.120(F)

and 22B.10.125;

H. Searchlights, except as permitted for temporary event signage under BCC 22B.10.120(D), and

for joint sales signage under BCC 22B.10.120(H). The beam of the searchlight shall not flash

against any building or sweep an arc greater than 45 degrees from vertical;

I. Billboards;

J. Portable signs, except for sandwich board signs as permitted under BCC 22B.10.130(L),

political signs meeting the requirements of BCC 22B.10.120(E) and (F), and temporary signs

meeting the requirements of BCC 22B.10.120;













K. Signs for which a permit has been granted under conditions with which the permittee does not

comply;

L. Signs for which a permit has been granted and subsequently revoked for cause by the director;

M. Directional signs, except where specifically authorized under provisions of this code;

N. Signs erected, altered or relocated without a permit issued by the city or any other

governmental agency which requires a permit by law; and

O. LED readerboard signs, except as follows:

1. LED readerboard signs meeting the design review requirements of BCC 22B.10.025 are

allowed within the downtown at locations of public assembly pursuant to LUC 20.10.440. The

frequency of message changes shall be limited to a maximum of once every four minutes; or

2. LED readerboard signs meeting the requirements of BCC 22B.10.107 are allowed in any land

use district when used only as a noncommercial public service sign. The frequency of message

changes shall be limited to one message change every eight hours.

LED readerboard signs permitted under the terms of these exceptions must comply with the

requirements of all other provisions of the sign code applicable to the land use district within

which the sign is located. (Ord. 5490 §§ 25 – 29, 2003; Ord. 5357 § 12, 2002; Ord. 4818 § 15,

1995; Ord. 4626 § 5, 1994; Ord. 3683 § 5, 1986; Ord. 3206 § 2, 1982; Ord. 2301 § 2, 1976; Ord.

2133 §§ 10, 11, 1974; Ord. 2045 § 4, 1974; 1961 code § 17.01.120.)

22B.10.160 Permits and fees.

A. Permit Requirements. Except as provided in subsection D of this section, no sign governed by

this code shall be erected, altered or relocated from and after the date of adoption of this code

without a permit issued by the city.

B. Permit Applications. In addition to application requirements detailed in BCC 22B.10.025,

applications for permits shall contain the name and address of the owner and user of the sign, the

name and address of the owner of the property on which the sign is to be located, the location of

the sign structure, drawings or photographs showing the design and dimensions of the sign and

details of its proposed placement, and such other pertinent information as the director may

require to insure compliance with this code and other applicable ordinances. Permit applications

shall be available for inspection by the public upon request.

C. Expiration of Permits. A sign permit shall become null and void if the work for which the

permit was issued has not been completed within one year of its issuance. Permits for temporary

signs (BCC 22B.10.120) shall expire a maximum of 12 months from the date of the sign

installation. Such permits are not subject to renewal.












D. Permit Exceptions. The following signs and sign alterations do not require a permit, but shall

comply with all other applicable requirements of this code:

1. Signs having six square feet or less of surface area; provided, that this exemption shall not

apply to subdivision directional signs (BCC 22B.10.120(C)(6);

2. Signs which have permits and which conform with the requirements of this code on the day of

its adoption unless and until the sign is altered or relocated;

3. Signs which, on the date of adoption of this code, have permits but do not conform with this

code’s requirements and are determined by the director to be nonconforming signs and for which

a nonconforming sign permit is issued pursuant to BCC 22B.10.200(B)(4);

4. Repainting, cleaning or other normal maintenance or repair of a sign or sign structure for

which a permit has previously been issued, so long as the sign structure or content is not

modified in any way;

5. Changing of advertising copy or message on an approved reader board, LED reader board,

theater marquee, or sign for an entertainment/public assembly use. When the sign is a

nonconforming sign subject to amortization, this exception shall apply only during the period of

amortization;

6. Temporary political signs;

7. Real estate signs meeting the standards set forth in BCC 22B.10.120(C);

8. On-site signs erected by utility providers to indicate the utility’s intended use of the site for

future major utility facilities. Such signs shall be limited to 20 square feet in area and not exceed

eight feet in height; and

9. Commercial estate sale signs meeting the standards set forth in BCC 22B.10.120(G).

E. Notice of Permit Denial – Reasons. When a sign permit is denied by the director, he or she

shall give written notice of the denial to the applicant, together with a brief written statement of

the reason for the denial. (Ord. 5679 § 4, 2006; Ord. 5490 § 30, 2003; Ord. 5357 § 13, 2002;

Ord. 5151 § 4, 1999; Ord. 4818 § 16, 1995; Ord. 3683 §§ 6, 7, 1986; Ord. 3642 § 1, 1986; Ord.

2953 § 11, 1981; Ord. 2568 § 4, 1978; Ord. 2133 § 12, 1974; 1961 code § 17.01.130.)

22B.10.170 Administration, enforcement and sign removal.

A. Administration. The director shall be responsible for administration of this code. The director

may adopt rules for the implementation of this code; provided, the director shall first hold a

public hearing. The director shall publish notice of intent to adopt any rule, and the date, time

and place of the public hearing thereon in a newspaper of general circulation in the city at least

14 days prior to the hearing date. Any person may submit written comment to the director in












response to such notice, and any person may speak at the public hearing. Following the public

hearing, the director shall adopt, adopt with modifications, or reject the proposed rule.

B. Inspection of Director. The director is empowered to enter or inspect any building, structure

or premises in the city, upon which, or in connection with which a sign, as defined by this code,

is located, for the purpose of inspection of the sign, its structural and electrical connections, and

to insure compliance with the provisions of this code. Such inspections shall be carried out

during business hours, unless an emergency exists.

C. Violation – Penalty.

1. The violation of or failure to comply with any provision of this chapter is declared to be

unlawful.

2. Any violation of any provision of this chapter is a civil violation as provided for in Chapter

1.18 BCC, for which a monetary penalty may be assessed and abatement may be required as

provided therein.

3. In addition to or as an alternative to any other penalty provided by this chapter or by law, any

person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (Ord. 4818 §

17, 1995; Ord. 4216 § 1, 1991; Ord. 3683 § 8, 1986; Ord. 3589 § 1, 1986; Ord. 3501 § 1, 1985;

Ord. 2953 § 12, 1981; Ord. 2055 § 2, 1974; 1961 code § 17.01.140.)

22B.10.180 Variance from sign code.

A. Scope. This section establishes the procedure and criteria that the city will use in making a

decision upon an application for a variance from the provisions of the sign code.

B. Applicability. This section applies to each application for a variance from the provisions of

the sign code except as otherwise provided in BCC 22B.10.200 relating to exemptions from the

sign amortization program.

C. Purpose. A variance is a mechanism by which the city may grant relief from the provisions of

the sign code where practical difficulty renders compliance with the provisions of that code an

unnecessary hardship, where the hardship is a result of the physical characteristics of the subject

property and where the purpose of that code can be fulfilled.

D. Who May Apply. The property owner or his or her authorized agent may apply for a variance

from the provisions of the sign code.

E. Applicable Procedure. The city will process an application for a variance from the provisions

of the sign code through Process II, LUC 20.35.200 et seq.

F. Submittal Requirements.

http://www.codepublishing.com/wa/bellevue/html/Bellevue01/Bellevue0118.html#1.18








1. The director shall specify the submittal requirements, including type, detail and number of

copies, for a variance application to be deemed complete and accepted for filing.

2. The director may waive specific submittal requirements determined to be unnecessary for

review of an application.

G. Decision Criteria. The director may approve or approve with modifications an application for

a variance from the provisions of the sign code if:

1. The variance will not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitation

upon signage and uses of other properties in the same vicinity and zone; and

2. Such variance is necessary because of special circumstances, which are not the result of

voluntary actions of the applicant, relating to the size, shape, topography, location or

surroundings of the subject property, to provide it with signage use rights and privileges

permitted to other properties in the same vicinity and zone; and

3. The granting of such variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or

injurious to the property or improvements in the same vicinity zone; and

4. The variance is the minimum necessary to meet the need of the applicant.

H. Limitation on Authority. The director may not grant a variance to:

1. Any dimensional requirement of the Sign Code to the extent of greater than 15 percent of that

dimension. However, additional variation beyond 15 percent on sign location and height may be

considered by the director pursuant to the decision criteria of this section;

2. The number of signs permitted;

3. Any provision of the Sign Code which, by the terms of that code, is not subject to a variance.

I. Time Limitation. A variance automatically expires and is void if the applicant fails to file for a

sign permit or other necessary development permit within three years of the effective date of the

variance. The director may extend a sign variance, not to exceed two years, if:

1. Unforeseen circumstances or conditions necessitate the extension of the variance; and

2. Termination of the variance would result in unreasonable hardship to the applicant, and the

applicant is not responsible for the delay; and

3. The extension of the variance will not cause substantial detriment to existing uses in the

immediate vicinity of the subject property; and

4. The applicant has demonstrated reasonable diligence in attempting to meet the time limit

imposed; and

5. Conditions in the immediate vicinity of the subject property have not changed substantially

since the variance was first granted.

J. Assurance Device. The director may require a reasonable performance or maintenance

assurance device in conformance with LUC 20.40.490 to assure compliance with the provisions

of the sign code and the variance as approved. (Ord. 5357 § 14, 2002; Ord. 4818 § 18, 1995;

Ord. 3683 § 10, 1986.)

22B.10.190 Appeals.

The decision of the director approving, approving with modifications or denying a sign permit or

interpreting the provisions of the sign code may be appealed using the appeal provisions of

Process II, LUC 20.35.200 et seq. (Ord. 4818 § 19, 1995; Ord. 3683 § 12, 1986.)

22B.10.200 Nonconforming signs.

A. General. To ease the economic impact of this code on businesses with substantial investment

in signs in existence on the date of adoption of this code, this section provides for up to nine

years of continued use of a nonconforming sign in its existing state. During this period, it is

expected that the sign may be amortized on federal income taxes; however, whether it may be so

amortized shall not affect the application of this section. Similar treatment is accorded signs in

areas annexed to the city after the code’s enactment.

B. Nonconforming signs.

1. Notification of Nonconformity or Illegality. The director shall, as soon as practicable, survey

the city for signs which do not conform to the requirements of this code. Upon determination that

a sign is nonconforming or illegal, the director shall use reasonable efforts to so notify, either

personally or in writing, the sign user or owner of the sign, and where practicable the owner of

the property on which the sign is located, of the following; provided, that the business licensee of

the business with which the sign is associated shall be presumed to be the sign user under this

code:

a. The sign’s nonconformity or illegality;

b. Whether the sign may be eligible for a nonconforming sign permit.

If the identity of the sign user, owner of the sign, or owner of the property on which the sign is

located cannot be determined after reasonable inquiry, the notice may be affixed in a

conspicuous place on the sign or on the business premises with which the sign is associated.

2. Signs Eligible for Nonconforming Sign Permit. Any sign which does not conform with the

provisions of this code is eligible for a nonconforming sign permit; provided it meets all of the

following requirements:








a. The sign is either located within the city limits on the date of adoption of this code, or located

in areas annexed to the city thereafter;

b. The sign must be an on-premises sign;

c. The sign must be a primary sign;

d. The sign must not be a temporary sign;

e. The sign must not be a sign prohibited by BCC 22B.10.150;

f. The sign must not be an incidental sign; and

g. Either:

i. The sign was covered by a sign permit on the date of adoption of this code, if one was required

under applicable law; or

ii. If no sign permit was required under applicable law for the sign in question, the sign was in all

respects in compliance with applicable law on the date of adoption of this code.

3. Number of Nonconforming Signs Permitted. Each sign user having nonconforming signs

meeting the requirements of subsection (B)(2) of this section shall be permitted to retain one

(only) such sign along each street upon which the business premises fronts. A nonconforming

sign permit must be obtained for each sign to be retained.

4. Permit for Nonconforming Signs. A nonconforming sign permit is required for each

nonconforming sign designated under subsection (B)(3) of this section. The permit shall be

obtained by the sign user or the sign owner, or the owner of the property upon which the sign is

located, within 60 days of notification by the city (under subsection (B)(1) of this section) that

the sign is nonconforming. The permit shall be issued for a fee and shall expire at the end of the

applicable amortization period prescribed in subsection (D)(2) of this section. Applications for a

nonconforming sign permit shall contain the name and address of the sign user, the sign owner,

and the owner of the property upon which the sign is located, and such other pertinent

information as the director may require to ensure compliance with the code, including proof of

the date of installation of the sign. A nonconforming sign for which no permit has been issued

within the 60-day period shall within six months be brought into compliance with the code or be

removed. Failure to comply shall subject the sign user, sign owner or owner of the property on

which the sign is located to the remedies and penalties of subsection C of this section.

5. Loss of Nonconforming Status. A nonconforming sign shall immediately lose its

nonconforming designation if:

a. The sign is altered in any way in structure or copy (except for changeable copy and normal

maintenance described in subsection E of this section), which tends to or makes the sign less in

compliance with the requirements of this code than it was before the alteration; or


b. The sign is relocated to a position making it less in compliance with the requirements of this

code; or

c. The sign is replaced; or

d. Any new primary sign is erected or placed in connection with the enterprise using the

nonconforming sign; or

e. No application for a nonconforming sign permit is filed by the sign user, sign owner, or owner

of the property upon which the sign is located within 60 days following notification by the city

(under subsection (A)(1) of this section) that the sign is nonconforming and that a permit must be

obtained. If a sign loses its nonconforming status pursuant to subparagraphs a, b, c, d, or e, any

permit or designation for what had been designated as a nonconforming sign shall become void,

the director shall notify the sign user, sign owner or owner of the property upon which the sign is

located of cancellation of the permit or designation, and the sign shall immediately be brought

into compliance with this code and a new permit secured therefor, or shall be removed.

C. Illegal Signs. Any illegal sign is any sign which does not comply with the requirements of this

code within the city limits as they now or hereafter exist, and which is not eligible for a

nonconforming sign permit under BCC 22B.10.200(B)(2) may be immediately removed by the

city if the sign is located on city property or right-of-way. The city may remove an illegal sign

located on private property no less than 10 days following the mailing of notice to the property

owner or person in charge of the premises that the sign is illegal and must be removed.

D. Amortization Period for Nonconforming Signs. Nonconforming signs for which a

nonconforming sign permit has been issued may remain in a nonconforming state for nine years

after the date of installation of the sign, or six years after notification by the city of the sign’s

nonconformity, whichever is longer. Thereafter, subject to subsection F of this section, the sign

shall be brought into conformity with this code with a permit obtained therefor, or be removed;

provided, however, that the amortization period established by this section may be used only so

long as the sign retains its nonconforming status (see BCC 22B.10.200(B)(5)); and, provided

further, that upon any change in land use or occupancy, or change in business name, such

nonconforming signs shall, within six months, be brought into conformity with this code with a

permit obtained therefor, or be removed. The authorization provision of this code shall not apply

to signs the advertising or informative content of which are oriented toward and visible from the

main traveled portion of the interstate system or other state highway.

E. Nonconforming Sign Maintenance and Repair. Nothing in this section shall relieve the owner

or user of a nonconforming sign or owner of the property on which the nonconforming sign is

located from the provisions of this code regarding safety, maintenance and repair of signs,

contained in BCC 22B.10.140, and from the provisions on prohibited signs, contained in BCC

22B.10.150; provided, however, that any repainting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance or

repair of the sign or sign structure shall not modify the sign structure or copy in any way which

makes it less in compliance with the requirements of this code, or the sign will lose its

nonconforming status. (See subsection (B)(5) of this section.)





F. Sign Amortization Exemption Process.

1. Applicability. This subsection F applies to each sign which is required to be removed pursuant

to subsection D of this section following the amortization period.

2. Purpose. A sign amortization exemption is a mechanism by which the city may provide relief

from the effect of the sign amortization program when its enforcement would fail to noticeably

improve the appearance of the neighborhood and the city.

3. Who May Apply. The property owner or the person displaying the sign which is required to be

removed pursuant to subsection D of this section may apply for a sign amortization exemption.

4. Special Filing Requirement. The applicant must submit a completed application for a sign

amortization exemption within 60 days of notification by the city (under subsection (B)(1) of this

section) that the sign is nonconforming, or is thereafter barred from making such application. If a

completed application is not filed, the sign is illegal and in violation of this code.

5. Applicable Procedure. The city will process an application for a sign amortization exemption

through Process II, Bellevue City Code (Land Use Code) Section 20.35.200 et seq.

6. Submittal Requirements.

a. The director shall specify the submittal requirements, including type, detail and number of

copies, for a sign amortization exemption application to be deemed complete and accepted for

filing.

b. The director may waive specific submittal requirements determined to be unnecessary for

review of an application.

7. Decision Criteria. The director may approve or approve with modifications an application for

a sign amortization exemption if:

a. The sign is compatible with the architectural design of structures on the subject property; and

b. The sign substantially complies with the requirements of the sign code for the land use district

in which it is located; and

c. The sign complies with Bellevue City Code (Land Use Code) Section 20.20.830 (Street

intersection sight obstruction); and

d. If illuminated, the sign is oriented away from residentially developed or zoned property or is

adequately screened so that the source of light is not directly visible.

8. Effect of Exemption. If the director approves or approves with modification a sign

amortization exemption, that sign may remain until removal is required pursuant to subsections

(B)(5) or (C) of this section.



9. Assurance Device. The director may require a reasonable performance or maintenance

assurance device in conformance with Bellevue City Code (Land Use Code) Section 20.40.490

to assure compliance with the provisions of the sign code and exemption as approved.

10. Fee. The applicant shall pay a fee upon application which is equal to that land use review and

processing fee required for a variance to the sign code. (Ord. 5151 § 5, 1999; Ord. 4818 § 20,

1995; Ord. 3763 § 1, 1987; Ord. 3683 § 9, 1986; Ord. 2953 § 13, 1981; Ord. 2568 § 2, 1978;

Ord. 2045 § 5, 1974; 1961 code § 17.01.150.)

22B.10.210 Conflicting provisions.

If any provision of this code is found to be in conflict with any provision of any zoning, building,

fire, safety or health ordinance or code of the city, the provision which establishes the higher

standard shall prevail. (1961 code § 17.01.170(A).)

22B.10.220 Severability.

If any provision of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid,

the remainder of the chapter or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances

is not affected, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable. (Ord.

3589 § 2, 1986.)







Chapter 22B.10 SIGN CODE

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Transcript of Chapter 22B.10 SIGN CODE