HomeMy WebLinkAboutCDN 2018-02-27 Item 2D - Discussion - Foster High School Reader Board SignCity of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Community Development and Neighborhoods Committee
FROM: Jack Pace, DCD Director
BY: Minnie Dhaliwal, Planning Supervisor
CC: Mayor Ekberg
DATE: February 21, 2018
SUBJECT: Foster High School Reader Board
ISSUE
Response to public comment about the Foster High School sign.
BACKGROUND
The Foster High School reader board is a 14.5 foot tall pole sign with an electronically
changeable face. It became non -conforming with the adoption of the 2010 Sign Code which only
allows monument or wall signs. In residential zones the height limit of signs is 5 feet and the
maximum area is 30 square feet per face with a total of 60 square feet. The Foster High School
reader board is slightly larger than allowed, with a face of 36 square feet.
The decision to stop allowing construction of pole signs was a key recommendation of the Sign
Code Advisory Committee which was comprised of representatives from the City Council,
Planning Commission, Tukwila residents and business community. There was extensive public
outreach during this update process.
DISCUSSION
The sign is in a 10 -year grace period, however immediate compliance was triggered under TMC
19.36.040 C 2 when the site went through design review. The remodel/expansion of Foster High
School received design review approval in June 2017. The District applied for a sign variance to
the Hearing Examiner (L17-0028) but asked that the application be put on hold when notified
that planning staff could not recommend approval because it did not meet the variance criteria
at TMC 19.28.030.
The request has not gone to the hearing examiner and no denial has been issued. Staff has
offered options such as removing the sign from the pole and converting it to a monument sign or
installing it on the building as a wall sign.
Governments may not regulate sign content or make special provisions for particular uses
(Reed vs. Town of Gilbert), so while the City may amend the sign code any changes would
apply to all signs in residential zones.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
None
RECOMMENDATION
Information Only.
ATTACHMENT
Photo of the sign
29
30
foster high school reader board photo