10.38.210 Administrative adjustment of sign standards allowed.
(a) Administrative adjustment of sign standards were previously prohibited by Sections 10.30.020(a) and (d)(3). However, immediately prior to the instant revised sign code being adopted, the city separately amended Sections 10.30.020(a) and (d)(3) so as to remove such prohibition. Thus, administrative adjustment of the standards, restrictions and requirements applicable to signs and sign structures is now allowed.
(b) A comprehensive design plan shall be required whenever administrative adjustment is sought as to one or more standards, restrictions or requirements of this chapter or whenever such is otherwise required as part of a detailed sign plan.
(c) A comprehensive design plan shall include a narrative description and a site plan, consistent with the following provisions:
(1) The narrative description shall explain why the otherwise-applicable standards, restrictions and requirements are not adequate and require adjustment.
(2) The narrative description shall explain how the sign or sign structure relates to other signs and sign structures, the character of the zoning district, neighboring land uses, and the immediate surroundings including but not limited to existing and proposed structures, buildings and uses.
(3) For multiple-building complexes and multiple-tenant buildings, the narrative description shall explain how the total available sign area will be allocated between or among each occupant, business, event, activity or use that exists or occurs at the property.
(4) The site plan shall itemize the physical characteristics of the sign and sign structure, including their respective sizes, heights, shapes, colors, locations and relation to landscaping.
(d) No requestor shall have any entitlement to an administrative adjustment. The city shall make available one or more forms to be used by requestors seeking an administrative adjustment. Each submitted request for an administrative adjustment shall be reviewed by the administrative official in accordance with the procedures, review criteria and authority of Section 10.30.020.
(e) Written Decision. The administrative official shall process the requestor's request for an administrative adjustment in accordance with Section 10.30.020, Chapter 21.05 and WAC 365-196-850, and shall issue a written decision to the requestor or requestors. The administrative adjustment shall be granted only if the administrative official determines that granting the request will not be materially disruptive, adverse or conflicting with or to neighboring land uses, the zoning district as a whole or the overall intent and purpose of this chapter. The administrative adjustment shall be not granted if the administrative official determines that granting the request will be materially disruptive, adverse or conflicting with or to neighboring land uses, the zoning district as a whole or the overall intent and purpose of this chapter. The administrative official may also conditionally approve the request subject to specific conditions, in order to uphold and accomplish the overall intent and purpose of this chapter and Section 10.30.020. Whenever the administrative official does not grant an administrative adjustment in response to a submitted request, the written decision shall explain the reason or reasons for the non-grant in sufficient detail to enable a potential appeal under Section 10.38.240 or other applicable law.
(f) Appeal. Any requestor who was not granted administrative adjustment may appeal the administrative official's written decision under Section 10.38.240. (Ord. 2134, § 1, 2021.)