Title
Approval of an Ordinance Updating the City of Olympia Sign Code
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use and Environment Committee recommends approval of the Olympia Sign Code amendments, which retain the current "hold times" for signs with an electronic message.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the ordinance amending the Olympia Municipal Code related to Signs on second reading.
Report
Issue:
Whether to adopt the Olympia Sign Code update, retaining the current "hold times" for signs with an electronic message.
Staff Contact:
Joyce Phillips, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.570.3722
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
The ordinance has been revised from first to second reading, revisions are outlined below.
After City Council completed its first reading of the draft ordinance (See Attachment), a modification has been proposed to address a conflict between two code sections pertaining to signs in the public right of way. Section 18.43.060.A.7 contained language that limits the ability to place signs in the public right of way with the exception of certain sign types. The language has been revised to clarify that the provision does not apply to temporary signs with a non-commercial message when placed in conformance with Section 18.43.085. The revised language is included in the ordinance attached to this staff report.
Background
Work to update the sign code began in late 2016, primarily in response to the US Supreme Court case known as Reed v. Town of Gilbert, AZ, which addressed sign content and standards for temporary signs. The City also wanted to update the sign code in order to increase clarity, provide more consistency across standards and zoning districts, and to streamline and simplify the code.
An advisory committee was used to consider policy changes to how the city addresses signs, changes in the sign industry and new sign types, and options to pro...
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