HomeMy WebLinkAbout4678A Ordinance - Amending PMC Title 17 Sign Code and Creating Title 18 Public Arts & Murals Scriveners ErrorsOrdinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 1
ORDINANCE NO. 4678A
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PASCO, WASHINGTON,
AMENDING PASCO MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 17.10 DEFINITIONS,
SECTIONS 17.15.010 INTERPRETATION OF SIGN ALLOWANCE TABLE
AND 17.20.010 PERMITS, FEES AND INSPECTION, AND CREATING A
NEW TITLE 18 PUBLIC ART AND MURALS.
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the first comprehensive Downtown Pasco Master
Plan in January 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Downtown Pasco Master Plan Framework includes a vison for creating
a Downtown that reflects Pasco’s history, landscape, and culture; and
WHEREAS, the vision is to be implemented by establishing a public mural and public art
program; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that the addition of public art in Downtown
Pasco is a benefit that embraces both the cultural and physical landscape of the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASCO,
WASHINGTON DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That Chapter 17.10 entitled “Definitions” of the Pasco Municipal Code
shall be and hereby is amended and shall read as follows:
17.10.010 Generally.
For the purpose of this title, certain abbreviations, terms, phrases, words, and their
derivatives shall be construed as specified in this chapter and are to be used only
for the implementation of this title. Words used in the singular include the plural,
and the plural the singular. Words used in the masculine gender include the
feminine, and the feminine the masculine.
“Alley” means a public street not designed for general travel and used primarily as
a means of access to the rear of residences and business establishments.
“Building” means any structure built for the support, shelter, or enclosure of
persons, animals, chattels, or property of any kind.
“Building code” means the building codes of the City adopted by PMC Title 16.
SCRIVENER’S ERRORS
This Ordinance corrects Scrivener’s errors and replaces Ordinance No. 4678
See text highlighted in yellow
Ordinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 2
“Building Official” means the Building Official of the City and/or the person
designated to enforce the sign code by the City Manager.
“Building line” means a line established by ordinance beyond which no building
may extend.
“Change of copy” means the change of a logo, and/or message upon the face or
faces of a legal sign.
“City” means the City of Pasco, Washington.
“Community event” means a community-wide event open to the general public and
sponsored by a public agency, a public or private school, or a not-for-profit civic
organization.
“Curb line” means the line at the face of the curb nearest to the street or roadway.
In the absence of a curb, the City Engineer shall establish the curb line.
“Display surface” means the area made available by the sign structure for the
purpose of displaying the advertising message.
“District” or “zoning district” means any district established pursuant to the
provisions of PMC Title 25.
“Durable” means a nonbiodegradable material that withstands degradation from the
elements such as weatherproof card stock, aluminum, metal, UV-protected plastics,
treated or painted wood concrete, stone and similar materials.
“Erects” means to build, construct, attach, place, suspend, or affix, including the
painting of a wall sign.
“Face of building” means the general outer surface of any exterior wall of a building
or other structure.
“Facade” means the entire building front or street wall face, including the grade to
the top of the parapet or eaves, and the entire width of the building elevation.
“Fence – subdivision” means a common fence constructed along the rear line of
residential lots that back on arterial streets and constructed as part of the subdivision
improvements.
“Filling station, public motor fuels” means any area of land, including any structure
or part thereof, that is used or designed to be used for the supply of motor fuels;
also deemed to be included within this term shall be: Any area or structure used or
designed to be used for polishing, greasing, washing, spraying (other than paint),
dry cleaning, or otherwise cleaning or servicing such motor vehicles.
Ordinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 3
“Frontage” means the measurement of the length of the property line or building
front.
“Hearing Examiner” means the Pasco Hearing Examiner as set forth in Chapter
25.195 PMC.
“Incombustible material” means any material which will not ignite at, or below, a
temperature of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit during an exposure of five minutes, and
which will not continue to burn or glow at that temperature.
“Mansard roof” means a sloped roof or roof-like facade architecturally able to be
treated as a building wall.
“Multiple-building complex” means a group of commercial or industrial structures.
“Multiple-tenant building” means a single structure that houses more than one retail
business, office or commercial venture, but that does not include residential
apartment buildings sharing the same lot, access and/or parking facilities.
“Nonconforming signs” are those which were lawfully installed, but which do not
comply with the requirements of this title.
“Nonstructural trim” means the molding, batons, caps, nailing strips, latticing,
cutouts or letters and walkways that are attached to the sign structure.
“Parapet” means a false front or wall extension above the roof line.
“Parcel” means the real property on which a business is located or the portion of
real property designated for use of a business. Parcel shall include all adjacent
property used by a business including yards, parking lots, and storage yards. Where
more than one business is located within a building, the property on which that
building is located is considered one parcel.
“Perimeter” means a square or rectangle required to enclose the sign area.
“Periphery of right-of-way” means that portion of the right-of-way lying behind the
street improvement. (See definition for “Street improvements.”)
“Person” means and includes persons, firms, partnerships, associations,
corporations, and other business entities.
“Premises” means the real estate as a unit, upon which is displayed the sign or signs
mentioned in this chapter.
Ordinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 4
“Private road or driveway” means every way or place in private ownership and used
for travel of vehicles by the owner or those having express or implied permission
from the owner, but not by other persons.
“Projection” means the distance by which a sign extends over public property or
beyond the property line.
“Right-of-way (ROW)” means that area of land dedicated for public use or secured
by the public for purposes of ingress and egress to abutting property and other
public purposes, including that space between the adjacent property line and the
back of the street and/or sidewalk improvements.
“Roadway” means that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used
for vehicular travel, exclusive of the sidewalk or shoulder. In the event a highway
includes two or more separated roadways, the term “roadway” shall refer to any
such roadway separately but shall not refer to all such roadways collectively.
“Roofline” means the top edge of a roof or parapet or the top line of a building
silhouette.
“Setback” means the distance measured on a horizontal plane between a public
right-of-way line or a property line and the closest portion of a sign thereto.
“Sidewalk” means that property between the curb lines or the lateral lines of a
roadway and the adjacent property, set aside and intended for the use of pedestrians,
or such portion of private property parallel and in proximity to a public highway
and dedicated to use by pedestrians.
“Sign” means a name, identification, description, display or illustration that is
affixed to, or represented directly or indirectly upon, a building, structure, or piece
of land and that directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, person,
institution, organization or business. However, a “sign” shall exclude any display
of official court or public office notice, emblem or insignia of a nation, political
unit, school, or religious group. A “sign” shall not include a sign located completely
within an enclosed building unless the public may view the sign from a roadway or
sidewalk, or the context of this chapter shall so indicate.
“Sign, abandoned” means a sign that no longer correctly directs or exhorts any
person nor advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, product or activity
conducted or available on the premises whereon such sign is located.
“Sign area” means the total area of a sign visible from any one viewpoint or
direction, excluding the sign support structure, architectural embellishments, or
framework that contains no written copy, and includes only one side of a double-
faced sign. Individual letter signs using a wall as the background without added
decoration or change in wall color shall be calculated by measuring the perimeter
Ordinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 5
enclosing each letter. The combined total area of each individual letter shall be
considered the total area of the sign. Module signs consisting of more than one sign
cabinet shall be computed by adding together the total area of each module.
Perimeter or sign area shall be established by the smallest rectangle enclosing the
extreme limits of the letter module or advertising message being measured.
“Sign – awning” means a sign that is hung from and below a building awning or
canopy that may extend outwards under the awning or canopy and over the
walkway or parking area.
“Sign – banner” means flexible material on which a sign is painted or printed that
is attached to a building or displayed on the grounds.
“Sign – billboard” means a sign or sign structure supported by one or more uprights
and braces in the ground or on a building roof upon which general advertising
matter is placed, usually by the poster method, erected entirely upon private
property.
“Sign – blade or projecting” means a sign that is wall-mounted perpendicular to the
building that may extend upwards and above the facade and/or outwards and over
the walkway or parking area.
“Sign – business” means a sign which directs attention to a business or profession
conducted, or to a commodity, service, or entertainment sold, or offered upon the
premises where such sign is located, or to which it is affixed.
“Sign – canopy” means a sign that is painted onto the face or edge of an awning or
canopy that is mounted to the building facade.
“Sign – changing message center” means an electronically controlled public service
time and temperature sign, message center, or readerboard where different copy
changes of a public service or commercial nature are shown on the same lamp bank.
“Sign – combination” means any sign incorporating any combination of the
features of freestanding, projecting and roof signs. “Combination sign” shall
include signs commonly referred to as “fin signs.”
“Sign – community event regional” means a sign that identifies events occurring at
a regional sports/entertainment/convention/trade facility containing 60 or more
acres located within 1,000 feet of a freeway interchange and adjacent to a highway
of statewide significance.
“Sign – construction” means a temporary sign designating the contractor(s),
architect(s), and engineer(s) participating in a construction project underway on the
same premises. A construction sign may also include the name of the project.
Ordinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 6
“Sign – directional” means any sign designated and used solely for the purpose of
indicating the location or direction of a place on the premises upon which the sign
is located.
“Sign – directional off-premises kiosk” means a structure erected by the City or a
private party through a license agreement with the City in approved locations
bearing multiple off-premises directional signs.
“Sign – directional traffic” means a sign that is located to guide or direct pedestrian
or vehicular traffic to parking entrances, exits and service areas.
“Sign – directory of tenants” means a sign that identifies the building or project
name and the tenants which share a single structure or development.
“Sign – double-faced” means a sign with two faces.
“Sign – electrical” means a sign or sign structure in which electrical wiring,
connections, and/or fixtures are used as part of the sign proper.
“Sign – flashing” means an electrical sign or portion thereof that changes light
intensity in a sudden transitory burst or that switches on and off in a constant pattern
with more than one-third of the light source that is not constant being off at any one
time.
“Sign – follow-through” means a sign which identifies the location of a business
for the purpose of participating in the Washington State Department of
Transportation Motorist Information Sign Program.
“Sign – freestanding pedestal” means a self-supported sign permanently attached
directly to the ground upon a pedestal base or monument foundation and not
attached to any building, wall or fence (also called pedestal or monument sign).
“Sign – freestanding pole” means a self-supported sign permanently attached
directly to the ground supported by upright poles or posts or braces placed on or in
the ground (also called ground or pole sign).
“Sign – freeway” means a freestanding sign located on the premises where the
business, product or service is located, with said sign being within 250 feet of I-
182, SR-395 or SR-12.
“Sign – freeway interchange” means a sign that provides only regional
identification for a group of businesses within an area defined by a state-recognized
business association where the businesses collectively occupy a minimum of 15
acres of land.
Ordinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 7
“Sign – garage or yard sale” means a sign advertising a private sale of personal
household possessions; not for the use of any commercial venture.
“Sign height” means the vertical distance measured from the adjacent grade at the
base of the sign support to the highest point of the sign or sign structure, whichever
is higher.
“Sign – identification” means a sign of an informational nature that directs attention
to certain uses other than businesses, individual private residences.
“Sign – inflatable” means a large balloon or balloon-like object greater than 18
inches in any dimension that uses blown air or a gas to remain inflated.
“Sign – informational private” means a sign placed for the convenience of the
property owner used for the sole purpose of designating property control and
warning signs such as “no trespassing,” “no dumping,” “patrolled by dogs,” etc.
“Sign – informational public” means a sign placed for the convenience of the public
used for the sole purpose of designating restrooms, hours of operations, entrances
and exits to buildings and parking lots, help wanted, public telephones, public
notary, etc. Also included are plaques, tablets or inscriptions that are an integral
part of a building.
“Sign – interior” means any sign attached to the interior surface of the window of
any building or structure, or maintained within the building or structure.
“Sign – landmark” means a sign or plaque that is attached to the surface of the
building or on a site that identifies or describes the historical, cultural, social, or
other significance of a building or site.
“Sign – limited duration” means any sign advertising real estate sales or rentals or
construction projects utilized for a specified period of time.
“Sign, marquee or readerboard” means a sign that displays a changing message
using manually mounted lettering or electronic printout that may be mounted on a
building or freestanding pedestal or pole.
“Sign, marquee or readerboard – portable” means a sign that displays a changing
message using manually mounted lettering or electronic printout that may be
mounted on an easel, trailer, or other movable equipment.
“Sign – nameplate” means a sign which indicates no more than the name and
address of the resident of the premises.
Ordinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 8
“Sign – nonconforming” means any sign lawfully constructed prior to the
enactment of the ordinance codified in this title, which fails to conform to the
provisions of this title.
“Sign – off-premises” means a sign that carries a message of any kind or directs
attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, or
offered elsewhere than upon the premises where such sign is located, or to which it
is affixed. Signs identifying a business complex and containing the names of
multiple businesses within the complex shall not be considered an off-premises
sign.
“Sign – off-premises directional” means a sign providing directions to a public or
other community event or facility in a location different than the property on which
the sign is posted.
“Sign – off-premises informational” means a sign providing information about
events conducted at a public or other community facility in a location different than
the property on which the sign is posted.
“Sign – open house” means a sign welcoming viewers to a piece of residential real
estate that is being offered for sale.
“Sign – pedestrian-oriented” means a sign the primary purpose of which is to
provide information for pedestrians and bicyclists.
“Sign – political” means a temporary sign that identifies a candidate(s) for public
elective office; urges a particular vote on a ballot measure in a pending public
election, whether local, state or national; or expresses an opinion on a public issue.
“Sign – portable” means an unlighted business sign, including paper, cardboard,
wood or metal, that is capable of being moved easily and that is not permanently
affixed to the ground, structure or building. This includes a sidewalk or sandwich
board signs, except those worn by a person.
“Sign – poster” means a decorative placard or advertisement intended to advertise
a movie, theater production, video or CD, or other product or special event that is
being conducted or offered for sale.
“Sign – readerboard” means a lighted or unlighted business 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.
“Sign – readerboard, portable” means a lighted or unlighted business 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. A portable readerboard is capable of being
Ordinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 9
moved or trailer mounted and is not permanently affixed to the ground, structure or
building.
“Sign – real estate” means a temporary sign erected by the owner, or his/her agent,
that advertises the real estate upon which the sign is located for rent, lease or sale,
or directing people to the property.
“Sign – real estate directional” means a temporary and/or portable sign that is
intended to assist people finding the location of difficult-to-locate property that is
for sale, rent, or lease.
“Sign – revolving” means any sign that rotates or turns in a circular motion by
electrical or mechanical means and does not exceed eight revolutions per minute.
“Sign – roof” means a business sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet of a
building or structure. Mansard roof signs shall be considered wall signs.
“Sign – sandwich or A-frame” means a temporary portable two-faced board-style
sign that is readily movable and has no permanent attachment to a building,
structure, or the ground.
“Sign – special event” means a temporary sign advertising activities concerning a
drive or event of a political, civic, seasonal, cultural, philanthropic, educational or
religious event or organization that will occur intermittently.
“Sign structure” means any structure supporting or capable of supporting any sign
defined in this chapter. A sign structure may be a single pole or may or may not be
an integral part of the building or structure.
“Sign – temporary” means any real estate, open house, special event, garage sale,
or political sign corresponding to a specific event and displayed for a limited period
of time.
“Sign – tract” means signs used for the sale of real property in a platted subdivision.
“Sign – wall” means any sign, mural or graphic design which is attached parallel
to, or flat against, or is painted on, the wall or exterior of a building or structure
having a commercial message or identification.
“Sign – wall mural or artwork” means a mural or artwork painted on a building wall
that may or may not have a commercial message, name, or other advertisement
incorporated. (Exterior surface color alone is not considered a mural or artwork.)
“Sign – wall-mounted” means a sign attached or erected parallel to and extending
from the facade or wall of any building to which it is attached. A wall sign is
supported through its entire length with the exposed face of the sign parallel to the
Ordinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 10
plane of said wall or facade. A sign painted on the wall of a building or a sign
painted or attached to a marquee shall be considered a wall-mounted sign.
“Sign – window” means any sign which is painted or mounted onto an exterior
window pane, or which is hung directly inside the window, including
advertisements for services or products in the form of decals, emblems, paint,
exposed neon, banners, etc., within three feet of the window pane.
“Sign – window, temporary indoor” means any sign (or poster) of a temporary
nature displayed within a commercial building on the inside of the glass or in close
proximity to the window and may be viewed by persons outside of the building.
“Street” means a public or private way open to general public use including all
classes of roadways and excepting alleys, driveways, and interstate freeways, but
including major internal circulation corridors within parking lots.
“Street frontage” means the side of the building facing a street that abuts the
property on which the building is located.
“Street improvements” means the paved roadway, and adjoining curb, gutter,
sidewalk and landscaping.
“Structure” means anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires
location on the ground or attachment to something having location on the ground.
“U.L.” means Underwriters Laboratory.
Zone, Zoning District. See definition under “District.”
[Ord. 4190 § 1, 2014; Ord. 3909 § 1, 2009; Ord. 3790 § 2, 2006; Code 1970
§ 17.03.010.]
Section 2. That Section 17.15.010 entitled “Interpretation of sign allowance table” of
the Pasco Municipal Code shall be and hereby is amended and shall read as follows:
17.15.010 Interpretation of sign allowance table.
(1) The sign allowance table, as incorporated herein, determines whether a specific
sign is allowed in a zone district or by land use activity. The zone district or land
use activity is identified in the left column and the specific sign allowances are
located in the rows of the table.
(2) If no symbol or number appears in the table box at the intersection of the
column and row, the sign is not allowed in that category or is not subject to an
allowance.
Ordinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 11
(3) If a number appears in the table box at the intersection of the column and row
or in the column or row heading, the sign may be allowed subject to the appropriate
requirement and specific conditions indicated in the table footnotes.
(4) All applicable requirements shall govern a sign whether or not the
requirements are cross-referenced in the table.
Sign Allowance Table
Permit requirement
| Material restrictions
| | Number of signs
| | | Allowable surface area in sq. ft. (1)
| | | | Height in feet (2)
| | | | | Projection over ROW to curb line
| | | | | | Spacing in linear feet (3)
| | | | | | | Visible ground plane/passage
area (4)
| | | | | | | | Setback from adjacent
property line
| | | | | | | | | Setback from ROW in
feet (5)
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Duration (days)
| | | | | | | | | | | Notes
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Access, landmark, and informational signs - all zones
entry/exit freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
yes durable 1 4 4 5 0 per exit/
entry
landmark wall sign/plaque yes durable 1 10 8 5 0 per building
frontage
informational -
private (6)
wall sign no durable 1 2 8 5 0 per building
frontage
freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
no durable 1 6 4 5 0 per street
frontage
informational -
public
wall sign no durable 1 2 8 5 0 per building
frontage
Ordinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 12
freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
no durable 1 6 4 5 0 per street
frontage
Permanent signs
Residential districts - RT, R-S-20, R-S-12, R-S-1, R-1, RFAH-1/1A, R-2, R-3, R-4, RMHP
identification -
dwelling unit
wall sign no durable 1 2 8 5 0 per property
freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
no durable 1 2 4 5 0 per property
identification -
bldg complex
wall sign yes durable 1 24 2
0
5 0 per building
frontage
freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
yes durable 1 24 4 5 0 per street
frontage
daycare facility wall sign yes durable 1 16 2
0
5 0 per building
frontage
commercial freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
yes durable 1 16 1
5
5 0 per street
frontage
school/religiou
s use (15)
wall sign yes durable 1 24 2
0
5 0 per building
frontage
freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
yes durable 1 40 1
5
5 0 per street
frontage
freestanding
marquee/reader-
board sign
yes durable 1 24 1
5
5 0 per street
frontage
Office/commercial districts - O, C-1, C-2, C-3, C-R, BP, I-1, I-2, I-3
Composite allowance - all sign surfaces
maximum per
sign
window sign (11) no transparent n
a
25
%
1
5
per
building/street
frontage
awning sign per
business
yes durable 1 24 1
5
-
2
8 may extend
over
walkway
canopy sign yes maintained n
a
25
%
2
4
-
2
8 may extend
over
walkway
wall sign yes durable n
a
25
%
n
a
1
4
0
Ordinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 13
wall sign -
murals/artwork (7)
yes maintained n
a
25
%
n
a
0 of
commercial
message
blade/projecting
sign
yes durable 1 12
5
-2 -
2
5 0
freestanding
pedestal sign
yes durable 1 35
0
1
5
0 5 0
*freestanding
marquee/readerbo
ard sign
yes durable 1 48 1
5
5 0 per street
frontage
*freestanding pole
- tenant directory
sign
yes durable 1 12 3
5
0 6 5 0 up to 12
tenants per
sign
*freestanding pole
sign
yes durable 1 35
0
3
5
0 6 5 0
off-premises
directional sign
(14)
yes durable 1 5 1
5
5 0
Commercial/industrial districts - C-3, C-R, BP, I-1, I-2, I-3
maximum per
sign
freeway sign yes durable 1 35
0
7
0
50
0
6 3
5
3
5
per freeway
frontage
per freeway or freeway
interchange (9)
sign
yes durable 1 48
0
7
0
50
0
6 3
5
3
5
per 15-acre
site
minimum
frontage
property
and freeway
readerboard (9)
sign
yes durable 1 15
0
3
5
50
0
6 3
5
3
5
per 15-acre
site
minimum
Limited duration signs
Undeveloped property
Residential -
lot
freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
yes durable 1 24 8 5 0 15 after closing
- tract freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
yes durable 1 60 8 5 0 15 after last
closing
Commercial -
lot
freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
yes durable 1 24 8 5 0 15 after closing
Ordinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 14
- tract freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
yes durable 1 60 8 5 0 15 after closing
Construction wall/banner sign yes durable 1 24 8 5 0 co
ns
t
freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
yes durable 1 32 8 5 0 co
ns
t
Real estate sales/rentals per building or property
Residential
zones
window/poster
sign
no 1 2 0 15 after closing
freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
(10)
no durable 1 6 8 5 0 15 after closing
freestanding sign
(10)
no durable 2 2 8 5 0 15 after closing
Commercial
zones (12)
window/poster
sign
no 1 2 0 15 after closing
wall/banner sign no durable 1 6 2
0
5 0 15 after closing
freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
(9)
no durable 1 6 8 5 0 15 after closing
Temporary signs
Open house -
real estate
sales
sandwich-
directional (10)
no durable 4 6 4 5 0 after event
sandwich-site (10) no durable 1 6 4 5 0 after event
Special event - sales, charities, etc.
Schools,
churches,
parks, farmers
mkt, Xmas
trees
sandwich-
directional (10)
no durable 4 6 4 5 0 after event
sandwich-site (10) no durable 1 6 4 5 0 after event
window poster no n
a
50
%
after event
window banner no durable 1 16 0 after event
wall sign/banner no durable 1 64 2
0
5 0 after event
Ordinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 15
banner - mounted
freestanding pole
no durable 1 10 2
0
-
2
8 5 0 after event
marquee/readerbo
ard - portable
no durable 1 18 4 5 0 after event
balloons (12) no biodegradab
le
1
5
2
0
5 after event
Residential
zones
sandwich-
directional (10)
no durable 2 6 4 5 0 after event
sandwich-site (10) no durable 1 6 4 5 0 after event
Commercial
zones
sandwich-
directional (10)
no durable 2 6 4 5 0 after event
sandwich-site (10) no durable 1 6 4 5 0 after event
window poster no n
a
50
%
after event
window banner no durable 1 16 0 after event
wall sign/banner no durable 1 64 2
0
5 0 after event
banner - mounted
freestanding pole
no durable 1 16 2
0
-
2
8 5 0 after event
marquee/
readerboard -
portable
no durable 1 18 4 5 0 after event
balloons (12) no biodegradab
le
1
5
2
0
5 after event
inflatables (13) yes nonflammab
le
1 35
0
7
0
25
0
5 0 after event
SR-12/395 and
I-182
inflatables (13) yes nonflammab
le
1 35
0
7
0
50
0
5 0 after event
Political (16) freestanding no durable n
a
6 4 5 0 10 after
election
* Freestanding signs are not allowed within the downtown overlay zone.
1 The area within a continuous perimeter enclosing the outer limits of the sign face, but not including structural
elements, which are not a part of the display. The area of a two-sided sign equals the area of one side. The area
of a spherical, cubical, or polyhedral sign equals 1/2 the total surface area.
2 Height: measured from the average finished grade at the sign foundation.
Awning signs shall be at least 8 and no more than 16 feet above the walkway.
Blade/projecting signs shall not extend more than 10 feet above the building facade or 6 feet from the face of
the building.
3 Spacing: the linear distance between signs in feet.
4 The area under the sign that shall be free of obstructions to allow passage of pedestrians and vehicles.
Ordinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 16
5 Setback: shall be that portion of any sign or sign structure that is closest to the property line.
6 Private informational signs must be for an original purpose and may not simply repeat the same message over
and over.
7 Artwork shall not detract from appearance of other buildings in the immediate vicinity. Reserved.
8 On private property adjacent to an arterial road: not within 100 feet of a public street intersection, 300 feet of
a residential district, within 250 feet of a freestanding sign of 200 sf of display area.
9 Freeway interchange signs must be located within 1,000 feet of an interchange, and 300 feet of ROW, on site
of business on a minimum 15-acre site.
10 Square feet per one face of a two-sided sandwich board.
11 Window signs may include credit card logos and advertise hours of operation and address.
12 Balloons shall be no larger than 18 inches in diameter, not attached to a roofline.
13 Inflatables shall be securely anchored to the ground and not create a traffic or other hazard in the event of
deflation.
Inflatables shall be measured by square feet of surface volume.
14 Off-premises directional signs shall be of the material, color, lettering font, and structure specified by the
Building Official.
15 Excepting Pasco High School Bulldogs stadium sign.
16 Campaign signs on private property are limited to 32 square feet in size.
[Ord. 3865 § 1, 2008; Ord. 3790 § 2, 2006; Code 1970 § 17.05.010.]
Section 3. That Section 17.20.010 entitled “Permits, fees and inspection” of the Pasco
Municipal Code shall be and hereby is amended and shall read as follows:
17.20.010 Permits, fees and inspection
No sign shall be erected, constructed, altered, relocated or modified without first
obtaining a permit pursuant to the provisions of this title unless specifically
exempted herein.
(1) Permit – Number Required. A separate permit shall be required for a sign or
signs for each business location. If the business entity’s sign is part of a group of
signs for a business location, only one permit shall be required at the time of
application.
(2) Permit – Time Limitation. If, after the issuance of a sign permit, the operations
authorized thereunder are not completed or substantially completed within 180 days
after the date of the permit, such sign permit shall be automatically null and void.
(3) Revocation of Permit. The Building Official may, in writing, suspend or revoke
a permit issued under provisions of this chapter whenever the permit is issued in
error or on the basis of incorrect information or whenever the sign is in violation of
any ordinance, regulation or provision of this chapter.
(4) Change of Copy. The holder of a permit, for the duration thereof, shall have
the right to change the advertising copy on the structure or sign for which the permit
was issued, without being required to pay any additional fees.
Ordinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 17
(5) Wall Sign and Mural Maintenance. Failure to properly maintain the media
used within a painted wall sign or mural or artwork as defined herein shall be
sufficient grounds to revoke the sign permit.
(6) Interpretation. In all applications for permits where a matter of interpretation
arises, the most restrictive definition shall prevail. Approval shall be dependent
upon the showing that the proposed sign meets the specific size and type criteria
required under this title and is compatible with the surrounding environment. The
Building Official shall consider the proposed sign’s form, proportion, scale, color,
materials, surface treatment, overall sign size, and the size and styling of the
lettering considering its relationship with other nearby signs, other elements of the
street and site improvements and with adjacent structures.
[Ord. 3790 § 4, 2006; Code 1970 § 17.07.010.]
Section 4. That a new Title 18 entitled “Public Art and Murals” of the Pasco Municipal
Code shall be and hereby is created and shall read as follows:
Title 18
PUBLIC ART AND MURALS
Chapter 18.05 MURALS
Sections:
18.05.010 Purpose and Intent.
18.05.020 Definitions.
18.05.030 Design and Cultural Intent.
18.05.040 Arts and Culture Commission Review.
18.05.050 Required Submittal Requirements.
18.05.060 Voluntary Submittal Requirements.
18.05.070 Public Notice and Review Process.
18.05.080 Review Criteria.
18.05.090 Voluntary Guidelines.
18.05.010 Purpose and Intent.
(1) To provide opportunities for art and murals in Pasco.
(2) Ensure that murals are not obscene.
(3) Ensure that murals are artwork and distinct from signs and commercial
messages.
Ordinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 18
(4) Encourage collaboration in the community and with the City Arts and Culture
Commission on public murals.
(5) Provide opportunity for review of proposed public murals by the City Arts and
Culture Commission.
(6) Ensure the mural program is constitutional and protects 1st Amendment rights.
18.05.020 Definitions.
“Public mural” means a mural or artwork paid for with public funds or funded by a
public program.
“Wall mural or artwork” means a mural or artwork painted on a building wall that
does not have a commercial message, name, or other advertisement incorporated.
All murals are not considered signs and therefore are not subject to the standards in
PMC Title 17 and may not be obscene. Exterior surface color alone is not
considered a mural or artwork.
18.05.030 Design and Cultural Intent-Public Murals.
(1) Communicate the rich history, culture, environment, and people of Pasco.
(2) Contribute to a well-designed and vibrant City of Pasco.
(3) Elevate professional artists by expanding opportunities for high-quality public
art.
(4) Enliven and enrich the public realm in Pasco as experienced by people.
18.05.040 Arts and Culture Commission Review-Public Murals.
All publicly funded murals are required to be reviewed by the Arts and Culture
Commission at a public meeting to verify the mural is not considered a sign , and
therefore regulated under PMC Title 17, and not considered obscene by a average
person. All applicants are encouraged to use the Arts and Culture Commission as a
resource in the planning, design, and implementation of murals.
18.05.050 Required Submittal Requirements-Public Murals.
(1) Complete mural application.
(2) Plan of the mural with scaled dimensions.
Ordinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 19
(3) Photo and description of the proposed mural location.
(4) Graphics depicting the proposed mural design including dimensions, colors,
text and other graphic elements.
18.05.060 Voluntary Submittal Requirements.
(1) Description of the mural theme and relevance to Pasco.
(2) Statement regarding how the proposed mural is consistent with the design
principles, guidelines and review criteria.
(3) The name and qualifications of the professional artist selected for the mural
project. Mentorships between professional artists and youth or developing artists
are encouraged.
(4) Artist portfolio demonstrating professional experience and qualifications for
public art murals.
(5) Pictures and photos of completed murals.
(6) Maintenance plan for the proposed mural.
(7) Timeline and any phasing for implementation.
18.05.070 Public Notice and Review Process-Public Murals.
(1) All publicly funded mural applications shall be reviewed by the City of Pasco
Arts and Culture Commission at a public meeting.
(2) Applicants are encouraged but not required to notify adjacent property owners
and residents at least 14 days prior to the review meeting with the Arts and Culture
Commission. Property owners and residents within 300’ of the property where the
mural is proposed should be notified. Applicants may provide confirmation to the
City that proper notice was given in accordance with these recommended options.
(3) The Arts and Culture Commission shall review the application at a public
meeting and allow for public comment.
(4) The Arts and Culture Commission shall summarize the results of the meeting
and a recommendation regarding whether the mural violates any of the review
criteria to City staff.
Ordinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 20
(5) The Community and Economic Development Department shall consider input
from the Arts and Culture Commission and the public in denying any mural request
for being obscene or constituting a sign and therefore regulated under PMC Title
17.
18.05.080 Review Criteria-Public Murals.
(1) The mural does not include elements that would constitute a sign and be subject
to the sign code.
(2) The mural does not contain content considered to be obscene by an average
person.
18.05.090 Guidelines-Public Murals.
Mural projects shall be consistent with the following guidelines. The Arts and
Culture Commission may provide input and recommendations on the design of the
proposed mural but does not have approval or denial authority.
(1) The mural contributes community and artistic value, is designed and created by
or at the direction of, a professional public artist. Mentorship programs are
encouraged with professional public artists and emerging artists.
(2) The mural is visually interesting and expressive of the community’s history,
culture, environment, and/or people.
(3) The mural contributes positively to the experience in the public realm with an
emphasis on the experience of pedestrians.
Section 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or word
of this Ordinance should be held to the invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent
jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality thereof shall not affect the validity or
constitutionality of any other section, subsection, sentence, clause phrase or word of this
Ordinance.
Section 6. Corrections. Upon approval by the city attorney, the city clerk or the code
reviser are authorized to make necessary corrections to this Ordinance, including scrivener’s errors
or clerical mistakes; reference to other local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations; or
numbering or referencing of ordinances or their sections and subsections.
Section 7. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take full force and effect five (5) days
after approval, passage and publication as required by law.
Ordinance – Amending PMC 17 Sign Code and Creating PMC Title 18 Arts and Murals - 21
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco, Washington, on this 21st day of August,
2023.
_____________________________
Blanche Barajas
Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________ ___________________________
Debra Barham, CMC Kerr Ferguson Law, PLLC
City Clerk City Attorneys
Published: _____________________________