A. Title. These regulations shall be known as the city of Soldotna “Sign Code,” may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as “this code.”
B. Purpose.
1. General. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, materials, construction, location, electrification, illumination, and maintenance of all exterior signs of a commercial nature intended to be viewed from public rights-of-way.
2. Objectives. Objectives of this code are to ensure fire and life safety, increase the effectiveness of visual communications, and avoid visual clutter which is harmful to vehicular and pedestrian safety, property values, business opportunities, and the community’s appearance.
C. Scope.
1. General. The scope of this chapter shall be to regulate signs of a commercial nature intended to be viewed from public rights-of-way. This code does not regulate government signs; the copy and message of signs; window signs; product dispensers and point of purchase displays; scoreboards on athletic fields; flags of any nation, government, or non-commercial organization; gravestones; commemorative plaques; display of addresses; or any display or construction not defined herein as a sign.
D. Permits.
1. Permit Required. No sign shall be installed or altered without a sign permit unless exempt under Section 15.08.030(B) of this chapter.
2. Application. Applications for sign permits shall be made in writing upon forms provided by the building official. Every application shall:
a. Indicate the name and address of the sign owner and the sign contractor or erector if applicable;
b. Provide the physical address of the proposed sign structure;
c. State the purchase price of the sign plus all installation costs including any associated excavation;
d. Illustrate any structural, electrical, mechanical or plumbing work involved;
e. Be signed by the applicant or the applicant’s authorized agent;
f. Include a signed Kenai Peninsula Borough Sales Tax Compliance Certification; and
g. Give such other data and information as may be required by the building official to assess the proposed sign’s compliance with this code and other applicable codes and regulations.
3. Submittal Documents. Unless otherwise specified by the building official, plans, specifications, engineering calculations, and diagrams shall constitute the submittal documents and shall be submitted in two sets with each application for a permit. When such submittals have not been prepared by a licensed architect or engineer, the building official may require the applicant to demonstrate that state law does not require that the plans or other documents be prepared by a licensed architect or engineer. Plans shall include the following:
a. Building elevation drawings showing the proposed sign location for building mounted signs.
b. For freestanding signs, a site plan shall be provided showing the proposed sign location and demonstrating that the sign will not interfere with sight triangles required under SMC Title 12, and shall comply with the projection, clearance, height and size requirements of this code.
c. Dimensioned drawings showing the size of the proposed sign, height above grade, and dimensions of supporting members.
d. Structural details including materials, foundations, and fastening systems.
e. Applications for freestanding signs shall include engineering calculations verifying the design is adequate to withstand an eighty-mph wind load and fifty pounds psf snow load.
f. Electrical plans showing wire type and size, type and method of connection, location and distance of home runs, components including listing information, unless the sign manufacturer is UL listed in which case the manufacturer’s listing data shall be provided.
g. Design drawings showing color, lettering, and logo design as applicable.
4. Final Permit Approval for Freestanding Signs--Scaled Location Drawing Required. In addition to the permit requirements of this subsection, applications for freestanding sign permits shall require a final approval upon completion of the installation to verify the sign meets the requirements of this code. The owner of the sign shall request final approval upon completion of the installation by submitting a signed final approval request along with the following:
a. A statement that the sign was installed as permitted;
b. A scaled location drawing shall accompany the application showing the location of the sign and distances from property lines;
c. If the sign was installed by a contractor, the final approval request shall also contain the signature of the contractor;
d. Additional data and information as may be required by the building official to assess the proposed sign’s compliance with this code and other applicable codes and regulations.
E. Fees.
1. Fee Schedule. The fee schedule set forth in the building code shall apply to sign permits. However, no additional fee shall be levied for signs associated with active building permits provided all other permit application and submittal drawings shall be required.
2. Variance Fee. A non-refundable two hundred-fifty-dollars fee shall be required for all applications for a variance from the requirements of this code.
F. Inspections.
1. General. All signs for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official.
a. Footing/Foundation Inspection. Footing/foundation inspections may be required by the building official for all signs having footings/foundations. For free standing signs, site inspections may be required to assure clearance from utilities, rights-of-way, and setbacks.
b. Structural Inspection. Structural inspection may be required for all signs to assure compliance with this and other related codes and ordinances.
c. Electrical Inspection. Electrical inspection shall be required for all electrified signs. Underground electrical inspection shall be required as applicable. Electrical work shall be in compliance with the electrical code.
G. Maintenance.
1. General. All signs and sign support structures, together with all of their supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in good repair and in a proper state of preservation. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times.
2. No Permit Required. Routine maintenance including painting, repainting, or cleaning of an advertising structure or the changing of the advertising copy thereon shall not require a permit.
3. Signs in Disrepair. The building official may, with notice, order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of this Section.
H. Enforcement.
1. Authority. The building official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of this code. For such purposes he shall have the powers of a law enforcement officer.
2. Right of Entry. When it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this code, or when the building official has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in a building or upon a premises, a condition contrary to, or in violation of, this code that makes the building or premises unsafe, dangerous, or hazardous, the building official may enter the building or premises at reasonable times to inspect or to perform the duties imposed by this code, provided that if such building or premises be occupied that credentials be presented to the occupant and entry requested. If such building or premises are unoccupied, the building official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. If entry is refused, the building official shall have recourse to remedies provided by law to secure entry.
3. Stop Orders. Whenever any work is being done contrary to the provisions of this code, or other pertinent laws or ordinances implemented through the enforcement of this code, the building official may order the work stopped by notice in writing served on any persons engaged in the doing or causing such work to be done, and any such persons shall forthwith stop such work until authorized by the building official to proceed with the work.
4. Board of Appeals. In order to provide for reasonable interpretation of the provisions of this code there is hereby established a board of appeals as provided in the building code.
5. Violations. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish, equip, use or maintain any sign or sign structure in this jurisdiction, or cause or permit the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this code.
a. A sign not authorized under this chapter is determined to be a public nuisance. The building official may give notice by certified mail or personal service to the owner of the land on which the sign is located, ordering the owner to remove the sign or bring it into conformity if it is permissible under this chapter.
b. If the owner of the land on which the sign is attached or located fails to comply within thirty days, the city council may direct removal of the sign at the expense of the owner of the land or of the person who erected the sign if the sign was erected without the permission of the owner of the land.
c. Any sign disclaimed by an owner of the property on which it is situated or situated on public land may be removed without notice.
d. The remedies of this section are in addition to any other applicable remedy or fine.
I. Variances.
1. Variances. In obtaining a permit, an applicant may apply to the planning commission for a variance from the height, allowable area and placement requirements of this chapter. In granting a variance, the commission may attach additional requirements or conditions necessary to carry out the spirit and purpose of this code in the public interest.
a. Application Procedure. An application for a variance along with all supporting information including plans, specifications and calculations shall be prepared and submitted for consideration and approval by the planning commission.
b. Fee. A non-refundable fee of two hundred fifty dollars shall be paid at the time of application for a variance.
c. General Standards. The following general standards shall be met before a variance may be granted:
1) Granting of the variance shall be in harmony with the general provisions of this code, the zoning code, and the comprehensive plan.
2) Granting of the variance shall not result in material damage to other properties in the neighborhood nor otherwise be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare.
3) Granting of the variance shall not cause conditions which obstruct the vision of drivers or pedestrians at intersections or crossings.
4) The sign for which the variance is requested shall be in harmony with surrounding buildings and properties.
5) The sign for which the variance is requested in all other ways complies with the requirements of this code and any other applicable codes and ordinances.
6) Proof of sales tax compliance from the Kenai Peninsula Borough.
J. Nonconforming Signs.
1. Except for signs which are prohibited by Section 15.08.030 of this code, signs which do not conform to the specific provisions of this code are exempt from permit requirements and eligible for nonconforming status provided that:
a. The sign is owned by the property owner or a business which is an occupant of the premises;
b. The sign was permanently installed on the premises prior to December 1, 1999, or signs permitted after December 1, 1999 that were made nonconforming by subsequent amendment to this code;
c. The building official determines that such signs are properly maintained and do not in any way endanger the public; and
d. The sign complies with all applicable laws, exclusive of the provisions of this chapter.
2. Any sign granted nonconforming status under this section shall be counted in determining any numerical limitation established by this chapter on the number of signs.
3. Nothing in this section exempts any legal, nonconforming sign from the maintenance provisions of this code.
4. A legal, nonconforming sign shall lose its legal status and must be brought into compliance when:
a. The sign is relocated for any reason; or
b. The sign suffers damage or deterioration to the extent of fifty percent of the replacement value of the sign; or
c. The structure or size of the sign is altered in any way except toward compliance with this section; or
d. The sign is determined to be abandoned as defined in this code. (Ord. 2007-16 §§ 2, 3, 2007; Ord. 709 § 1(part), 1999)

A. General. For the purpose of this code, certain terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall be construed as specified in either this chapter or in the building code. Where terms are not defined, they shall have their ordinary accepted meanings within the context in which they are used. Words 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.
B. Definitions.
“Abandoned sign” means a sign which no longer identifies or advertises a bona fide business, lessor, service, owner, product or activity, or for which no legal owner can be found.
“Aerial sign” means any sign or device anchored to the ground by a flexible tether and supported by a gas filled envelope.
“Animated sign” means any sign, except time and temperature units, which uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or to create a special effect or scene.
“Approved plastic materials” - see “Plastic materials, approved.”
“Area, sign” means the gross square footage enclosed by the outer limits of the signs display surface. The area shall include all supports and other components of the sign’s structure which contribute to the advertising message or the identification of the business such as structures depicting trademark designs, logos etc.
“Audio sign” means a sign that emits a noise or sound, spoken words, music or singing.
“Awning” means a shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building constructed of non-rigid materials on a supporting framework.
“Awning sign” means a sign painted on, printed on or attached flat against the surface of an awning.
“Banner” means a sign made of fabric or any non-rigid material with no enclosing framework.
“Billboard.” See “Off-premises sign.”
“Board of appeals” means the Soldotna city council.
“Building code” means the uniform building code promulgated by the International Conference of Building Officials, as adopted by this jurisdiction.
“Building official” means the officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this code or his duly authorized representative.
“Changeable copy sign (automatic)” means a sign on which the copy changes automatically on a lamp bank or through mechanical means, e.g., electronic message centers, electrical or electronic time and temperature units.
“Changeable copy sign (manual)” means a sign on which copy is changed manually in the field, e.g., reader boards with changeable letters.
“Clearance” means the smallest vertical distance between the grade of the adjacent street or street curb and the lowest point of any sign, including framework and embellishments, extending over that grade.
“Combination sign” means any sign incorporating any combination of the features of pole, projecting and roof signs.
“Commission” means the Soldotna planning and zoning commission.
“Construction sign” means a temporary sign identifying an owner, architect, contractor, subcontractors, material suppliers and/or financial institutions participating in construction on the property on which the sign is located.
“Copy” means the wording and advertising graphics on a sign surface in either permanent or removable letter form.
“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. (See Legal setback line)
“Direction/information sign” means an on-premise sign, designed primarily to give directions, instructions, or facility information and which may contain the name or logo of an establishment but no advertising, e.g. parking, or exit and entrance signs.
“Display surface” means the area made available by the sign structure for the purpose of displaying the advertising message.
“Election season” means the period of time beginning five months before a national, state or local election and ending two weeks thereafter.
“Election season sign” means a temporary sign the subject of which relates to the election season.
“Electric sign” means any sign structure containing electrical wiring, illumination, connections, fixtures or devices.
“Electrical code” means the National Electrical Code promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association and any amendments thereto as adopted by this jurisdiction.
Electronic Message Center. See “Changeable copy sign, automatic.”
“Facade” means the entire building front including the parapet.
“Festoons” means a string of ribbons, tinsel, small flags, or pinwheels.
“Fin sign” means a sign which is supported wholly by a one-story structure of an open-air business or by poles placed in the ground or partly by such a pole or poles and partly by a building or structure.
“Flashing sign” means a sign containing an intermittent or sequential flashing light source used primarily to attract attention.
“Freestanding sign” means a sign principally supported by a structure affixed to the ground, and not supported by a building, including signs supported by one or more columns, poles, or braces placed in or upon the ground. The term freestanding sign shall include ground signs and pole signs.
“Frontage” means the length of the property line of any one premise along a public right-of-way on which it borders.
“Frontage, building” means the length of an outside building wall adjacent to a public right-of-way.
“Government sign” means any temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained by or under the direction of the city, borough, state or federal government.
“Ground sign” has the same meaning as “freestanding sign.”
“Holiday” means any day specifically recognized and celebrated by national, state or local government and the commercial seasons of Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Saint Valentine’s Day, Saint Patrick’s Day, New Year’s Day, Soldotna Progress Days, and Halloween.
“Height, Sign” means the vertical distance measured from the highest point of the sign to the grade of the adjacent street or surface grade beneath the sign, whichever is less.
“Height, Building” means the vertical distance above a reference datum measured to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof or to the deck line of a mansard roof or to the average height of the highest gable of a pitched or hip roof. The referenced datum shall be selected by either of the following whichever yields a greater height of building:
1) The elevation of the highest adjoining sidewalk or ground surface within a five-foot horizontal distance of the exterior wall of the building when such sidewalk or ground surface is not more than ten feet above lowest grade.
2) An elevation ten feet higher than the lowest grade when the sidewalk or ground surface described in item one is more than ten feet above lowest grade. The height of a stepped or terraced building is the maximum height of any segment of the building.
“Illuminated sign” means a sign with an internal artificial light or a sign that is illuminated externally by a light designed primarily for that purpose however situated.
“Incidental sign” means a small sign, emblem, or decal not exceeding one square foot in size, affixed to a building or an authorized sign informing the public of goods, facilities, or services available on the premises, e.g. a credit card sign or a sign indicating hours of business.
“Legal setback” means a line established by ordinance beyond which a building or structure may not be built. A legal setback line may be a property line.
“Lot” means a parcel of land legally defined on a subdivision map recorded with the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assessor, Kenai District Recorder’s office, or a parcel of land defined by a legal record of survey map.
“Maintenance” means for the purpose of this chapter, the cleaning, painting, repair or replacement of defective parts of a sign in a manner that does not alter the basic design or structure of the sign.
“Marquee” means a permanent, roof like structure or canopy of rigid materials supported by and extending from the facade of a building.
“Marquee sign” means any sign attached to or supported by a marquee structure.
“Nameplate” means a non-electric, on-premise, identification sign, not exceeding four square feet in area, giving only the name, address and/or occupation of an occupant or group of occupants.
“Noncombustible,” as applied to a building construction material, means a material that, in the form in which it is used, is either one of the following:
1) Material of which no part will ignite and burn when subjected to fire. Any material conforming to the applicable U.B.C. standard shall be considered noncombustible within the meaning of this section.
2) Material having a structural base of noncombustible material as defined in Item No. 1 above, with a surfacing material not over one eighth inch thick which has a
flame spread rating of fifty or less. “Noncombustible” does not apply to surface finish materials. Materials required to be noncombustible for reduced clearances to flues, heating appliances or other sources of high temperature shall refer to material conforming to Item No.l. No material shall be classed as noncombustible that is subject to increased combustibility or flame-spread rating beyond the limits herein established, through the effects of age, moisture, or other atmospheric condition. Flame-spread rating as used herein refers to a rating obtained according to tests conducted as specified in the applicable U.B.C. standard.
“Non-structural trim” means the molding, battens, caps, nailing strips, latticing, cutouts or letters and walkways attached to the sign structure.
“Notice board” means an area of a wall or wall sign, not exceeding thirty-two square feet in area, which is made available by an owner in a commercial zone for the convenience of the public for the advertising of sales and rentals or exchanges, gifts, lost and found, etc.
“Occupancy” means the portion of a building or premises owned, leased, rented or otherwise occupied for a given use.
“Off-premise sign” means a sign structure advertising an establishment, merchandise, service or entertainment, which is not sold, produced, manufactured, or furnished at the property on which the sign is located, e.g. billboards or outdoor advertising.
“On-premise sign” means a sign that pertains to the use of the premises on which it is located.
“Owner” means a person recorded as such on official records of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assessor’s office. For the purposes of this chapter, the owner of the property on which a sign is located is presumed to be the owner of the sign unless facts to the contrary are officially recorded or otherwise brought to the attention of the building official, i.e. a sign leased from a sign company.
“Painted wall sign” means any sign that is applied with paint or similar substance on the face of a wall.
“Parapet” means the extension of a false front or wall above a roofline.
“Plastic materials, approved” means and shall be those having an ignition temperature of six hundred fifty degrees or greater and a smoke-density rating not greater than four hundred-fifty when tested in accordance with the applicable U.B.C. Standards in the way intended for use, or a smoke density rating no greater than seventy five when tested in the thickness intended for use by the applicable U.B.C. Standard. Approved plastics shall be classified as either CC1 or CC2, in accordance with the U.B.C. standards.
“Point of purchase display” means advertising of a retail item accompanying its display such as an advertisement on a product dispenser.
“Pole cover” means covers enclosing or decorating poles or other structural supports of a sign.
“Pole sign” has the same meaning as “freestanding sign.”
“Portable sign” means any sign designed to be moved easily and not permanently affixed to the ground or to a structure or building.
“Premises” means a parcel of land with its appurtenances and buildings which, because of its unity of use, may be regarded as the smallest conveyable unit of real estate.
“Projecting sign” means a sign, other than a flat wall sign, which is attached to and projects from a building wall or other structure not specifically designed to support a sign.
“Projection” means the distance by which a sign extends over public property or beyond the building line.
“Real estate sign” means any temporary sign advertising the real estate upon which the sign is located as being for rent, lease or sale or directional sign indicating the location of an available property, such as “open house” signs, when posted in accordance with Section 15.08.030(B)(1)(g) or (h) of this chapter.
“Roof sign” means any sign erected over or on the roof of a building.
“Roofline” means the top edge of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, excluding any cupolas, pylons, chimneys or minor projections.
“Rotating sign” means a sign in which the sign itself or any portion of the sign moves in a revolving or similar manner. Such motion does not refer to methods of changing copy.
“Sign” means any device, structure, fixture, or placard using graphics, symbols, and/or written copy, designed primarily for the purpose of advertising or identifying any establishment, products, goods, services, political organization, person or viewpoint of any kind. The term sign includes complex signs designed to permit dividing the surface among advertisements for several different businesses, or products, or which consists of several different, physically connected facets, containing related or unrelated advertising, in a zig zag, double faced, triangular, square, or other multifaceted design, with or without cabinets. The term sign shall not apply to graphics or advertising copy applied directly to the building’s exterior surface such as painted walls and murals.
“Sign structure” means any structure that supports or is capable of supporting any sign as defined in this code. A sign structure may be a single pole and may or may not be an integral part of a building.
“Signs, area of” (For determining maximum allowable area for a sign under this chapter) means the total area enclosed by the outermost edges or projections of the signs structure. For two sided signs, where the area of each surface is the same, the area shall be calculated as the surface area of one side only.
“Special event” means an advertising event, such as a “sale,” “grand opening,” or “liquidation” for which the use of temporary signage and decorations is allowed for any separately owned business.
“Structure” means that which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner.
“Subdivision identification sign” means a freestanding or wall sign identifying a recognized subdivision, condominium complex, or residential development.
“Temporary sign” means a sign constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, or other light material, without a frame or with a light-weight frame, used in connection with a special event or a holiday event and which poses no serious potential hazard to the public in the event that it comes loose from wind or other cause.
“U.B.C. standards” means the Uniform Building Code standards, promulgated by the International Conference of Building Officials, as adopted by the City of Soldotna.
“Under canopy sign” means a sign suspended beneath a canopy, ceiling, roof, or marquee.
“Use” means the purpose for which a building, lot, sign, or structure is intended, designed, occupied or maintained.
“Variance” means a deviation from the strict application of the requirements of this code.
“Wall sign” means a sign attached parallel to and extending not more than one inch from the wall of a building when the clearance is not more than eight feet; or a maximum projection of six inches when the clearance is in excess of eight feet. This definition includes painted, individual letter, and cabinet signs, and signs on a mansard as well as any area customarily used for the posting of changeable posters advertising goods or services.
“Window sign” means a sign installed inside a window intended to be viewed from the outside.
“Yard sign” means a temporary sign installed to advertise the sale of household goods of the seller not as a part of a retail business and includes “garage,” “moving,” “yard,” “rummage,” “antique,” “estate” and similar sales. (Ord. 2007-16 § 4, 2007; Ord. 719 § 1, 2000; Ord. 709 § 1 (part), 1999)

A. Signs in Right-of-Way. No sign other than an official traffic sign or similar sign shall be erected within two feet of the lines of any street, or within any public right-of-way, including section lines, public easements, or public road or street easements, unless specifically authorized by other ordinances or regulations of this jurisdiction or by specific authorization of the code official.
B. Visibility Standards.
1. Traffic Visibility. No sign or sign structure shall be erected at the intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, nor at any location where by its position, shape, or color it may interfere with or obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
2. No sign or sign structure shall be erected in such a way that interferes with the visibility standards under Title 12 of this code.
C. Prohibited Signs. The following types of signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:
1. Abandoned signs;
2. Signs that imitate, resemble or obstruct the view of traffic or government signs and signals;
3. Signs attached to trees, utility poles, public benches, street lights, or signs in the right-of-way, except for signs in the right-of-way which have been authorized by a lease with the state or city, and real estate and election signs temporarily posted on trees located only on private property with the owners permission;
4. Signs placed on vehicles or trailers which, as parked or located, are designed primarily to display said sign, except signs or lettering on buses, taxis, or vehicles operating during the normal course of business;
5. Off-premise signs;
6. Portable signs (including portable, changeable copy signs that have not been designed and constructed as required by this code);
7. Animated and flashing signs, except automatic changeable copy signs, electrical or electronic time and temperature units in commercial zoning districts and holiday decorations in all zoning districts;
8. Audio signs;
9. Signs which cause interference with radio, television, or telephone reception;
10. Any sign not complying with requirements of the zoning code for visibility of traffic at access points for automobiles;
11. Any sign not authorized by this code or any sign permitted by this code for which a permit has not been obtained;
12. Signs with heights in excess of that allowed under this code; and
13. Signs with areas in excess of that allowed under this code.
D. Exempt Signs.
1. General. Unless otherwise provided herein, the following signs are allowed in all zoning districts without a permit. These exemptions shall not be construed as relieving the owner of the sign from the responsibility of its erection and maintenance, and its compliance with the provisions of this code or any other law or ordinance regulating the same.
a. Signs less than six feet above grade;
b. Temporary construction signs less than thirty-two square feet in area provided that the following conditions are met:
1) One sign is allowed for each street frontage of a construction project,
2) Signs may be erected no more than seven days prior to beginning of construction,
3) Signs shall be removed within fourteen days of issuance of a certificate of occupancy;
c. Direction/information signs provided the following conditions are met:
1) One sign is allowed per curb cut, per street adjacent to the premises,
2) Signs shall not exceed six square feet in area or six feet in height,
3) Holiday or special event decorations including banners, pennants or festoons;
d. Nameplates;
e. Election season signs;
f. Signs relating to temporary traffic hazards;
g. Real estate signs provided the following conditions are met:
1) Two signs not exceeding four square feet in area are allowed per lot or premise, however, one sign of up to thirty-two square feet may be substituted for the two, four square feet signs in all but single-family and single-family/two-family residential districts,
2) Signs must be removed within fourteen days of the sale, rental, or lease,
3) The sign indicates the responsible party and posting date, and
4) Signs shall be placed only on private property with the permission of the property owner;
h. Real estate “for sale” directional signs shall be limited to three off-premises signs located on private property, with the property owner’s permission, per offered property. Such signs shall not exceed four square feet in size and shall be removed within fourteen days of the sale, rental or lease of the property;
i. Real estate “open house” signs shall be limited to three off-premises signs located on private property, with the property owner’s permission, per offered property. Such signs shall not exceed four square feet. Such signs are permitted only when the realtor, seller or agent is in attendance at the property for sale;
j. Incidental signs;
k. Yard sale signs provided the following conditions are met:
1) Signs shall not exceed four square feet in area,
2) Signs shall bear the name, address, and phone number of the responsible person and dates of the event,
3) Signs shall be erected no more than one day prior to the event,
4) Signs shall be removed within one day following the event,
5) Signs shall be placed only on private property with the permission of the owner, and
6) Erection of temporary yard signs shall be for no more than four consecutive days and no more than twelve days total per premise, per calendar year;
l. Special Enforcement Provision. Non-complying signs may be confiscated and the property owner penalized as provided under Soldotna Municipal Code, Chapter 1.08 and this chapter.
2. Maintenance and Copy Revision Exempt. The following activities are exempt from permitting requirements.
a. The changing of the advertising copy or message on a painted or printed sign only. Except for theater marquees and similar signs specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy, electric signs shall not be included in this exception.
b. Painting, repainting or cleaning of an advertising structure or the changing of the advertising copy or message thereon shall not be considered an erection or alteration which requires a sign permit unless a structural change is made.
E. Generally Permitted Signs. Unless otherwise specified elsewhere in this chapter, the following signs shall be allowed, with a permit, in all zoning districts:
1. One freestanding or wall sign not exceeding sixty-four square feet in area for subdivision identification per neighborhood, subdivision or development.
2. One wall sign not to exceed two square feet in area for home occupations and permitted conditional non-residential uses.
F. Design and Construction.
1. Design.
a. General. Signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed to resist wind and seismic forces as specified in this section. All bracing systems shall be designed and constructed to transfer lateral forces to the foundations. For signs on buildings the dead and lateral loads shall be transmitted through the structural frame of the building to the ground in a manner as not to overstress any of the elements thereof. The overturning moment produced from lateral forces shall in no case exceed two-thirds of the dead load resisting moment. Uplift due to overturning shall be adequately resisted by proper anchorage to the ground or to the structural frame of the building. The weight of earth superimposed over footings may be used in determining the dead load resisting moment. Such earth shall be carefully placed and thoroughly compacted.
b. Design Loads.
1) Wind Loads. Signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed to resist a wind force of eighty miles per hour as specified in the building code.
2) Seismic Loads. Signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed to resist the seismic forces for seismic zone 4 as specified in the building code.
3) Combined Loads. Wind and seismic loads need not be combined in the design of signs or sign structures; only that loading producing the larger stresses need be used.
4) Allowable Stresses. The design of wood, concrete, steel or aluminum members shall conform to the requirements of the building code. Loads, both vertical and horizontal, exerted on the soil shall not produce stresses exceeding those specified in the building code.
5) The working stresses of wire rope and its fastenings shall not exceed twenty-five percent of the ultimate strength of the rope or fasteners.
6) Working stresses for wind or seismic loads combined with dead loads may be increased as specified in the building code.
2. Construction
a. General. The supports for all signs or sign structures shall be placed in or upon private property and shall be securely built, constructed and erected in conformance with the requirements of this code.
b. Materials. Materials of construction for signs and sign structures shall be of the quality and grade as specified in the building code. In all signs and sign structures the materials and details of construction shall, in the absence of specified requirements, conform to the following:
1) Structural Steel. Structural steel shall be of such quality as to conform to the building code. Secondary members in contact with or directly supporting the display surface may be formed of light gauge steel, provided such members are designed in accordance with the specifications of the design of light gauge steel as specified in the building code and in addition shall be galvanized. A secondary member, when formed integrally with the display surface, shall be not less than twenty-four hundredths inch in thickness. When not formed integrally with the display surface, the minimum thickness of the secondary members shall be one hundredth inch. The minimum thickness of hot rolled steel members furnishing structural support for signs shall be one-fourth inch, except that, if galvanized, such members shall be not less than one and eight-tenths inch thick. Steel pipes shall be of such quality as to conform to the building code. Steel members may be connected with one galvanized bolt, provided the connection is adequate to transfer the stresses in the members.
2) Anchors and Supports. Anchors and supports when of wood and embedded in the soil, or within six inches of the soil, shall be of a material as specified in the building code. Such members shall be marked or branded by an approved agency.
3) Combustible Materials. Signs shall be constructed of materials approved for the use intended and complying with construction types and fire resistance requirements of the building code unless otherwise specified under this code. Exception: No combustible materials other than approved plastics shall be used in the construction of electric signs.
4) Non-Structural Trim. Non-structural trim and portable display surfaces may be of wood, metal, approved plastics or any combination thereof.
c. Anchorage. Members supporting unbraced signs shall be so proportioned that the bearing loads imposed on the soil in either direction, horizontal or vertical, shall not exceed safe values. Braced ground signs shall be anchored to resist the specified wind and seismic load acting in any direction. Anchors and supports shall be designed for safe bearing loads on the soil and for an effective resistance to pullout amounting to a force twenty-five percent greater than the required resistance to overturning. Anchors and supports shall penetrate to a depth below ground greater than forty-eight inches. Signs attached to masonry, concrete, steel or wood shall be safely and securely fastened by means of metal anchors, bolts or approved expansion screws of sufficient size and anchorage to safely support the loads applied.
No wooden blocks or plugs or anchors with wood used in connection with screws or nails shall be considered proper anchorage, except in the case of signs attached to wood framing.
No anchor or support of any sign shall be connected to, or supported by, an unbraced parapet wall, unless such wall is designed in accordance with the requirements for parapet walls specified for seismic zones in the building code.
d. Display Surfaces. Display surfaces in all types of signs may be made of metal, glass or approved plastics.
1) Glass thickness and area limitations shall be as set forth in Table No. 1.
2) Sections of approved plastics on wall signs shall not exceed two hundred twenty-five square feet in area.
Exception: Sections of approved plastics on signs other than wall signs may be of unlimited area if approved by the building official. Sections of approved plastics on wall signs shall be separated three feet laterally and six feet vertically by the required exterior wall construction.
Exception: Sections of approved plastics on signs other than wall signs may not be required to be separated if approved by the building official.

e. Approved Plastics. The building official shall require that sufficient technical data be submitted to substantiate the proposed use of any plastic material and, if it is determined that the evidence submitted is satisfactory for the use intended, he may approve its use.
3. Projection and Clearance.
a. General. Signs shall conform to the clearance and projection requirements of this section and Tables No. 2 and 3.
b. Clearance from High Voltage Power Lines. Signs shall be located not less than six feet horizontally or twelve feet vertically from overhead electrical conductors which are energized in excess of seven hundred fifty volts. The term “overhead conductors” as used in this section means any electrical conductor, either bare or insulated, installed above the ground, except conductors enclosed in iron pipe or other material covering of equal strength.
c. Clearance from Fire Escapes, Exits and Standpipes. No sign or sign structure shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit or standpipe.
d. Obstruction of Openings. No sign shall obstruct any openings to such an extent that light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that required by the building code. Signs erected within five feet of an exterior wall in which there are openings within the area of the sign shall be constructed of noncombustible material or approved plastics.
e. Projection Over Alleys. No sign or sign structure shall project into any public alley below a height of fourteen feet above grade, nor project more than twelve inches where the sign structure is located fourteen feet to sixteen feet above grade. The sign or sign structure may project not more than thirty-six inches into the public alley where the sign or sign structure is located more than sixteen feet above grade.
f. Clearance from Streets. Signs shall not project within two feet of the curb line.

G. Illumination and Electrification.
1. General.
a. Signs in all zoning districts shall be arranged so that no light or glare is directed or reflected to adjoining lots and streets or into residential windows. Where feasible, dark backgrounds shall be used to reduce glare.
b. Electric signs shall be constructed of noncombustible material except as provided by this code.
c. The enclosed shell of electric signs shall be watertight, except that service holes, fitted with watertight covers, shall be provided into each compartment of such signs.
2. Lights Prohibited. The following lights are prohibited:
a. Exposed incandescent lamps with external reflectors and without a light screen or comparable diffusion;
b. Any exposed incandescent lamp in excess of twenty watts unless a screen is attached;
c. Any revolving beacon or beam;
d. Any flashing illumination;
e. Any illuminated sign in a single-family or single/two-family residential district.
Exception: Subdivision identification, church and synagogue signs.
3. Design and Installation. Illuminated and electrified signs shall be designed and installed in compliance with the electrical code.
a. Materials. Wires, boxes, fittings, raceways, devices and other materials used in the electrification or illumination of signs shall be approved and listed for the use intended.
b. Manufacturer Listing and Approval. Illuminated or electrified signs utilizing manufactured cabinets shall bear the label of an approved third-party testing agency and the manufacturer’s listing number or all of the component parts shall be listed and approved for the use intended.
c. Erector’s Name. Every electric sign projecting over any street or alley or public place shall have painted on the surface of the sign the name of the sign erector and date of erection. Such name and date shall be of sufficient size and contrast to be readable from a reasonable distance. Failure to provide such name and date shall be grounds for rejection of the sign by the building official. (Ord. 2007-16 § 5, 2007: Ord. 709 § 1 (part), 1999)

A. Roof Signs.
1. General. Roof signs shall be constructed of materials approved for the use intended and complying with construction types and fire resistance requirements of the building code unless otherwise specified under this code.
Exception. No combustible materials other than approved plastics shall be used in the construction of electric signs.
2. Design. Roof signs shall be thoroughly secured and anchored to the frame of the building over which they are erected and shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of this code.
3. Projection and Clearance.
a. General. Roof signs may project over public property or beyond a legal setback line in accordance with projections specified in Section 15.08.030.
b. Clearance and Access. Passage clear of all obstructions shall be left under or around and immediately adjacent to, all signs exceeding a height of four feet above the supporting roof. Such passages shall not be less than three feet wide and four feet high and shall be at parapet or roof level.
There shall be one such passage or access opening as follows:
1) For each roof sign upon a building;
2) An access opening for every fifty lineal feet of horizontal roof sign extension;
3) Within twenty feet of walls and parapets when roof signs are at right angles to a face of the building.
4. Height. No sign shall be erected having a height measured from the roof to the bottom of the sign of less than two feet nor an overall height greater than ten feet measured from the highest part of the building structure to the top of the sign structure.
5. Area. No sign shall be erected having an area in excess of eighty-one square feet as determined in Section 15.08.020 of this chapter.
B. Freestanding Signs.
1. General. Freestanding signs shall be constructed of materials approved for the use intended and complying with construction types and fire resistance requirements of the building code unless otherwise specified under this code, except no combustible materials other than approved plastics shall be used in the construction of electric signs.
2. Design. All supports of freestanding signs shall be placed upon private property and shall be securely built, constructed and erected to conform to the requirements specified in this code.
a. Pole Signs--Cover Required. Pole supported signs shall be provided with a pole cover as defined in Section 15.08.020.
3. Projection and Clearance. Freestanding signs shall not project over public property or beyond a legal setback.
a. Pole Signs. Projection of pole signs shall conform to the requirements of Section 15.08.030(F)(3).
4. Height. No sign shall be erected having an overall height greater than that allowed under Section 15.08.050, Requirements based on zoning district.
5. Area. No sign shall be erected having an area in excess of eighty-one square feet; except in a Commercial District one freestanding sign of up to one hundred ten square feet may be installed with all other permitted signs limited to eighty-one square feet.
6. Setback Requirements. Freestanding signs shall be placed a minimum of five feet back from all property lines, subject to the visibility standards and other requirements of this code; except that freestanding signs located in the commercial district shall be placed a minimum of twenty feet back from the curb line. The setback requirement shall apply to all elements of the sign, including the frame and base.
C. Wall Signs.
1. General. Wall signs shall be constructed of materials approved for the use intended and complying with construction types and fire resistance requirements of the building code unless otherwise specified under this code.
2. Design. Wall signs shall be designed in conformance with the requirements of this code.
3. Projection and Clearance.
a. Projection. No wall sign shall have a projection over public property or beyond a legal setback line greater than the distances specified in Table No. 2 on this code nor extend above any adjacent parapet or roof of the supporting building.
b. Thickness. The thickness of that portion of a wall sign which projects over public property or a legal setback line shall not exceed the maximum as set forth in Table 3.
4. Height. No sign shall be erected having an overall height greater than that allowed under Section 15.08.050, requirements based on zoning district.
5. Area. No sign shall be erected having an area in excess of eighty-one square feet as determined in Section 15.08.020 of this chapter.
D. Projecting Signs.
1. General. Projecting signs may be used in place of freestanding or wall signs in commercial or industrial districts.
2. Materials. Projecting signs shall be constructed of materials approved for the use intended and complying with construction types and fire resistance requirements of the building code unless otherwise specified under this code.
3. Design. Projecting signs shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of this code.
4. Projection and Clearance.
a. Projection. Signs may project over public property or a legal setback line a distance determined by the clearance of the bottoms thereof above the level of the sidewalk or grade immediately below, as set forth in Table No. 2 of this chapter.
b. Thickness. The thickness of a projecting sign exclusive of letters and trim shall not exceed that set forth in Table No. 3.
5. Height. No sign shall be erected having an overall height greater than that allowed under Section 15.08.050, requirements based on zoning district.
6. Area. No sign shall be erected having an area in excess of sixteen square feet as determined in Section 15.08.020 of this chapter.
E. Combination Signs.
1. General. Combination signs shall be constructed of materials approved for the use intended and complying with construction types and fire resistance requirements of the building code unless otherwise specified under this code.
The individual requirements of projecting and pole signs shall be applied for combination signs incorporating any or all of the requirements specified in this code.
2. Design. All supports for combination signs shall be placed in or upon private property and shall be securely built, constructed, and erected to conform to the requirements specified in this code.
3. Projection and Clearance.
a. Projection. Combination signs may project over public property or a legal setback line as specified in Table No. 2 of this chapter.
b. Thickness. The thickness of that portion of a combination sign which projects over public property shall not exceed the maximum set forth in Table 3.
4. Height. No sign shall be erected having an overall height greater than that allowed under Section 15.08.050, requirements based on zoning district.
5. Area. No sign shall be erected having an area in excess of eighty-one square feet as determined in Section 15.08.020 of this chapter.
F. Marquee Signs.
1. General. Signs may be placed on, attached to, or constructed in a marquee. Such signs shall, for the purpose of determining projection, clearance, height, and material, be considered a part of and shall meet the requirements for a marquee as specified in the building code.
2. Height. No sign shall be erected having an overall height greater than that allowed under Section 15.08.050, requirements based on zoning district.
3. Area. No sign shall be erected having an area in excess of eighty-one square feet as determined in Section 15.08.020 of this chapter.
G. Temporary Signs.
1. General. Unless regulated elsewhere in this code, no temporary sign shall exceed one hundred square feet in area. Temporary signs of rigid material shall not exceed twenty-four square feet in area or six feet in height, nor shall any such sign be fastened to the ground.
2. Duration. Temporary signs may remain in place for a period not exceeding sixty days.
3. Support. Every temporary cloth sign shall be supported and attached with wire rope of three eighth-inch minimum diameter. No strings, fiber ropes or wood slats shall be permitted for support or anchorage purposes. Cloth signs and panels shall be perforated over at least ten percent of their area to reduce wind resistance, except temporary cloth signs over private property not exceeding sixty square feet may be supported and attached with wire or fiber rope which will meet the requirements of this code.
4. Projection. Cloth signs may extend over public property. Such signs, when extended over a public street, shall maintain a minimum clearance of twenty feet. Temporary signs, other than cloth, when eight feet or more above the ground, may project not more than six inches over public property or beyond the legal setback line.
5. Clearance. Cloth signs may extend across a public street only by permission of the governing body and shall be subject to all related laws and ordinances.
6. Height. No sign shall be erected having an overall height greater than that allowed under Section 15.08.050, requirements based on zoning district.
7. Area. No sign shall be erected having an area in excess of eighty-one square feet as determined in Section 15.08.020 of this chapter.
H. Aerial Signs or Devices.
1. General. Aerial signs shall be securely anchored.
2. Time Limit. Aerial signs or devices shall be allowed to be displayed for a period of fifty-five days per year at any one location. This may be extended for an additional fifty-five days by the city manager or his designee upon a determination that extension will not harm or interfere with adjacent properties and that the sign or device has been maintained in compliance with the requirements of the code.
3. Height. Aerial signs shall have a minimum height of one hundred feet above adjacent grade and a maximum height of one hundred fifty feet. (Ord. 2007-16 § 6, 2007: Ord. 739 § 1, 2001; Ord. 719 § 2, 2000; Ord. 709 § 1(part), 1999)

A. Rural Residential, Single-Family and Single/Two-Family Districts.
1. General. Unless prohibited elsewhere in this code, the following signs are allowed, with a permit, in the RR, SF, SF/TF districts.
a. For churches and synagogues, one freestanding sign, not to exceed sixty square feet in area and one wall sign not to exceed twenty square feet in area;
b. For home occupations and permitted conditional uses (such as commercial fishing guides, day care centers, bed and breakfast operations), one wall sign not to exceed two square feet in area;
Exception: In Rural Residential districts commercial uses allowed under SMC Title 17 may have one freestanding sign with a maximum area of thirty-two square feet.
2. Height. No sign shall be erected having an overall height greater than ten feet above adjacent grade.
3. Location on Property. No specific setback distance shall be required from property lines except as required under Section 15.08.040(B)(6) of this chapter.
B. Multi-Family Districts.
1. General. Unless regulated elsewhere in this code, the following signs are allowed, with a permit, in multi-family residential zoning districts:
a. One freestanding or wall sign for subdivision identification per neighborhood, subdivision or development, not exceeding sixty square feet in sign area;
b. For churches and synagogues, one freestanding sign not to exceed sixty square feet in area and one wall sign not to exceed twenty square feet in area;
c. For professional offices, one freestanding sign or wall sign per premises not to exceed sixty square feet in area and one wall sign not to exceed twenty square feet in area. Where a professional office occupancy has more than one street frontage, additional signs shall be allowed on the additional frontage, but not to exceed two freestanding and two wall signs per premises;
d. For home occupations and permitted conditional uses (such as commercial fishing guides, day care centers, bed and breakfast operations), one wall sign not to exceed two square feet in area.
2. Height. No sign shall exceed twenty feet in height.
3. Location on Property. No specific setback distance shall be required from property lines except as required under Section 15.08.040(B)(6) of this chapter.
C. Limited Commercial, Parks and Recreation, and Institutional Districts.
1. General. Unless regulated elsewhere in this code, the following signs are allowed, with a permit, in the LC, PR, and Inst. Districts.
a. For churches and synagogues, one freestanding sign and one wall sign.
b. For all other authorized uses, one freestanding sign per premises and one wall sign per occupancy. Where a building is located on a corner, or has more than one street frontage, additional signs will be allowed on the additional frontage, but not exceeding two freestanding signs per premises and two wall signs per occupancy.
c. For parks and recreation and institutional, one aerial sign or device.
2. Height. No sign shall be erected having an overall height greater than twenty feet.
3. Area. No sign shall be erected having an area in excess of sixty square feet as defined in Section 15.08.020 of this chapter.
4. Location on Property. No specific setback distance shall be required from property lines except as required under Section 15.08.040(B)(6) of this chapter.
D. Commercial and Industrial Districts.
1. General. Unless regulated elsewhere in this code, the following signs are allowed, with a permit, in the commercial and industrial districts:
a. One freestanding sign per premise;
b. One wall sign per occupancy;
c. One roof sign per occupancy;
d. One awning sign per occupancy, not to exceed thirty-five percent of the surface area of the awning;
e. One marquee sign, not to exceed two square feet in sign area for each linear foot of marquee surface, including front and sides;
f. One under-canopy sign per occupancy;
g. One notice board per premises;
h. A projecting sign may be used instead of any allowed wall or freestanding sign, but the maximum area shall not exceed sixteen square feet;
i. Where a building has more than one street frontage, additional signs will be allowed on the additional frontage. However, the total number of signs shall not exceed two freestanding signs per premises; two wall signs per occupancy, two awning signs per occupancy; two marquee signs per occupancy; or two under canopy signs per occupancy;
j. Where a lot has in excess of three hundred feet of frontage, one additional freestanding sign will be allowed for each additional two hundred feet of street frontage. Such signs may be placed no closer than three hundred feet to any other freestanding sign on the same premises;
k. One aerial sign or device.
2. Height. No sign shall be erected having an overall height greater than thirty-five feet, except that all freestanding signs shall be limited to a maximum of twenty feet in height.
3. Area. No sign shall be erected having an area in excess of eighty-one square feet, except that a freestanding sign may have an area up to one hundred ten square feet, as determined in Section 15.08.020 of this chapter.
a. Limitation. One freestanding sign up to one hundred ten square feet is permitted per premise, with all other additional freestanding signs limited to eighty-one square feet.
4. Location on Property. No specific setback distance shall be required from property lines except as required under Section 15.08.040(B)(6) of this chapter. (Ord. 2007-16 § 7, 2007: Ord. 719, §§ 2--4, 2000; Ord. 709 § 1 (part), 1999)