PORT TOWNSEND— The Jefferson County commissioners on Monday approved a new sign code, meant to clarify the standards for both commercial and noncommercial signs in unincorporated areas.
The measure was unanimously approved, although the vote took place in the afternoon session. Commissioner David Sullivan was not in the morning session due to a medical issue and was not present for the testimony.
“This is solid,” said Department of Community Development Director Carl Smith of the 44-page document that he presented to the commissioners.
“It’s fair; it provides more opportunity for the use of signs and more assurance that it will be controlled.”
The ordinance goes into effect immediately upon its approval.
Smith said the development of the new code had three purposes, to protect free speech as well as aesthetics and safety.
The sign code revision has been in process since 2006, after a citizen lawsuit rendered part of the sign code invalid.
The new code rectifies the situation as it allows people to display an unrestricted noncommercial message on their property.
“The new code provides more channels for both free and commercial speech,” Smith said.
“It has been crafted to meet the test of key court cases.”
In an effort to maintain Jefferson County’s rural, uncluttered character, large billboards and actively moving signs are prohibited, he said.
Moving signs cannot contain, rotating, revolving or moving parts, include banners, streamers or spinners, or flashing, blinking or alternating lights, the code states.
Exceptions to this are granted for the promotion of festivals or special events.
Changing message signs also are restricted, as they must be text based and not include any flashing graphics.
They also must be turned off between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. if they are within 300 feet of a residentially zoned property.
Sandwich board signs, which are limited to 12 square feet per side, are restricted to two per business and must be removed after business hours.
The prohibition against large billboards is defined by a portion of the code that defines the maximum size of any sign is 64 square feet, or 6 feet by 8 feet,
An exception is that the county administrator can grant an exception up to 50 percent “if the administrator finds that the larger sign is consistent with other parts of the sign code.
During public testimony in front of the county commissioners, Tom Thiersch said this provision leaves open the possibility of corruption in a way that the administrator can grant an exemption to a friend or associate.
Commissioner John Austin said this was unlikely as to do so would endanger the administrator’s position.
Smith said the new rules will be applied without consideration of content, other than forbidding signs with any commercial message on county land.
Any existing signs that are currently in use that do not comply with the new code must do so within five years, Smith said.
Code violators will receive two warnings about a lack of compliance before a summons is issued, Smith said.
Some enforcement could be complaint driven but Smith expects that most violations will be determined by proactive effort by DCD staff who are observing the signs.
To view the entire code go to http://tinyurl.com/PDN-Sign-Code.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
