Planning 2016-03-24 Minutes - 2016 Housekeeping Code Amendments

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Page 2 Public Hearing Minutes March 24, 2016 • Clarification: business entrances that do not have a facade and meet certain criteria are allowed smaller signs of up to 50% of the maximum allowance. There was no policy change, the criteria language was moved to a different location. • Flexibility for granting permit extensions beyond 30 days based on reasonable circumstances. • Allowance of a non - content neutral center identification sign on each business owner's premise. • Increase the size of the fuel canopy signs to a 10 sq. ft. maximum. • Increase the number of signs allowed on residential property to two without a sign permit in lieu of political sign provisions. • Allow one additional sign (maximum of 50 sq. ft.) in addition to individual tenant signs for each premises totaling 25,000 sq. ft. or more that does not qualify for the Master Sign Program and has gone through design review. Delete real estate portable sign provisions as these are content based. Staff s response to comment letters: Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT): WSDOT has their own sign regulations. WSDOT provided comments on the signs that can be seen from the free -way and the limited access. Staff informed WSDOT that the City's code states the applicant is supposed to obtain any permits needed from WSDOT. Also, the applicant is supposed to comply with WSDOT's regulations. However, staff said because WSDOT's codes are also content related they need to review their own regulations and revise their codes. Southcenter Square Property Owner: The property owner requested amendments to allow a property identification sign. Staff said their property qualifies for the Master Sign Program. In 2011 a Master Sign Program was approved for the property. However, Carter's already had one sign and even under the Master Sign Program a second sign on the same facade is not allowed. Language is being proposed that could be added to the Master Sign criteria to allow the sign area for a facade to be divided into two signs as long as they are at least 20 ft. apart. This provision would apply to only one location on the premise. Staff said it would help with place making and is much nicer than some of the other signs that are currently allowed, which were approved under the Master Sign Program. Staff is supportive of the change. The proposed language was provided in Exhibit -3 Testimony Kevin McNulty, representative for the Parkway Village provided some history on the land, ownership and the major facade improvements. Mr. McNulty said they renovated, went through design review, changed the name to Parkway Village, and did some signage improvements and removed all of the non - conforming signs. He said they went from an outdated look to a new village concept for retail look and they have already seen increased activity for the vacant spaces. He said they worked to maximize their signage but that they are very limited to showcase their new branding efforts. The proposed Sign Code revision would allow for placement of an additional sign on the top of their building. It would prominently display the new center name and they believe the branding Parkway Village at Southcenter enhances the overall shopper draw. It would significantly add strength to the entire retail neighborhood. Mr. McNulty said sales have already increased by 15 — 25 percent. The applicant would like to see the proposed sign code adopted so they can place a signage on their building. He said that the McNulty family have lived and worked in the Tukwila area for a century and their renovations show a renewed commitment to the area. Staff responded to the inquiries from the Commissioners regarding the regulations for the type of sign, and also who would review the project. Leshya Wig, Wig Properties, Owners of Southcenter Square, said they built their property in 2007. At the time they also constructed a 60 ft. tall tower and the intent was for the tower to contribute to the overall ambience of