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Ordinance 25-009 SVMC 22.110.060 Prohibit Signs on traffic devicesCITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY SPOKANE COUNTY, WASHINGTON ORDINANCE NO.25 - 009 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY AMENDING TITLE 22, CHAPTER 110, SECTION 060 OF THE SPOKANE VALLEY MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROHIBIT SIGNS ON TRAFFIC DEVICES WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Chapter 22.110 of the Spokane Valley Municipal Code to define and prohibit public nuisances within the City; and WHEREAS, the City is in the process of reviewing and updating provisions of the Spokane Valley Municipal Code relating to signage within the City's territorial limits; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to revise the Spokane Valley Municipal Code to prohibit placement of non -official government signs on traffic devices or in a manner that would otherwise obstruct the travelling public's view of such devices, the purpose of which is to protect the City's interest in public safety of the public using City rights -of -way; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on the placement of signage on or otherwise obstructing traffic devices are necessary to protect public safety; and WHEREAS, regulation of the City's rights -of -way is a valid exercise of the authority granted to the City by the Washington Constitution and Revised Code of Washington; WHEREAS, on June 3, 2025, the City Council held a public hearing for which notice was duly published in accordance with the Spokane Valley Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, the amendment, as set forth below, is consistent with the goals and policies of the City's Comprehensive Plan and bears a substantial relation to public health, safety, welfare, and protection of the environment; and NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Spokane Valley, Washington, does ordain as follows: Sectionl. Findings and Conclusions. The City Council acknowledges that it conducted appropriate investigation and study and held a public hearing on the proposed development code amendments. The City Council hereby makes the following findings and conclusions: A. Growth Management Act Policies — The Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) provides that each city shall adopt a comprehensive use plan and development regulations that are consistent with and implement the Comprehensive Plan. B. City of Spokane Valley Goals and Policies — The City of Spokane Valley has adopted goals and policies consistent with the GMA and adopted goals and policies, set forth below. a. Land Use Policy LU-PP8. Ensure that neighborhoods are served by safe and convenient motorized and non -motorized transportation routes. b. Transportation Goal T-G5. Maintain and enhance a comprehensive multimodal transportation system that promotes, supports, and improves the safe, efficient, and reliable movement of people, vehicles, and goods. c. Transportation Policy T-P9. Provide and maintain quality street, sidewalk, and shared -use path surfaces that provide a safe environment for all users. C. Conclusions a. The amendments to SVMC 22.110.060 are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan policies and goals to maintain and enhance a multimodal transportation system that promotes, supports, and improves the safe movement of people and vehicles, ensure that neighborhoods are served by safe motorized and non -motorized transportation routes, and invest in infrastructure beautification. b. The amendments to SVMC 22.110.060 bear a substantial relationship to public health, safety and welfare, and protection of the environment. c. The proposed City initiated code text amendment to SVMC 22.110.060 is consistent with the City's adopted Comprehensive Plan and the approval criteria in SVMC 17.80.150(F). c. The amendment to SVMC 22.110.060 is consistent with RCW 36.70A (GMA) which stipulates that the Comprehensive Plan and development regulations be subject to continuing evaluation by the City. Section 2. Amending SVMC 22.110.060. SVMC 22.110.060, titled "General provisions applicable to all signs" is hereby amended as follows: SVMC 22.110.060 General provisions applicable to all signs. A. All signs illuminated with exterior lighting shall have lighting confined to the sign, and positioned and shielded to minimize impacts to the surrounding area(s). Gooseneck reflectors and lights are permitted on permanent freestanding and wall signs; provided, that lighting or glare does not extend beyond the property line. B. Electronic signs shall be permitted on the same basis as other signs, subject to the requirements of Table 22.110-1. All electronic message centers (EMCs) are required to have automatic dimming capability that adjusts the brightness to the ambient light at all times of the day and night. Written documentation that the EMC is equipped with the automatic dimming device shall be submitted with the sign permit application. C. A roof -mounted sign may be substituted for an allowed freestanding sign; provided, that the height of the sign structure may not exceed the maximum height requirements of the zoning district in which the sign is located. D. Signs located within the airport hazard area shall conform to the location and height regulations set forth in SVMC 19.110.030, Airport Hazard Overlay. E. No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained in a manner that prevents the free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape. F. No sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape except official signs. G. Any sign erected or maintained within five feet of public rights -of -way shall be smooth and free of nails, tacks and wires. H. All signs shall be maintained in good repair pursuant to SVMC 22.110.110. I. No sign shall block the view of fire protection equipment from approach. J. Except for official government signs, signs are prohibited from being: 1. Placed on or attached or otherwise affixed to (i) any part of a traffic control device, including but not limited to traffic signs, (ii) any structure within or part of any right-of-way, (iii) any traffic structure, facility, or device that channels traffic, including but not limited to traffic islands and round -a -bout centers, or (iv) any portion of a bridge, including but not limited to any structure attached to a bridge, when such bridge is within or part of a right-of-way; or 2. Placed either (i) in a location that partially or completely obstructs the view of any portion of a device, structure, or facility described in paragraph 1(i) or (ii) of this subsection J, or (ii) between the travelled portion of a right-of-way and a guardrail within or part of that right-of-way. As used in this subsection J, "structure" does not include unimproved ground or landscape vegetation, and "guardrail" includes any structure designed to prevent a vehicle from crossing over a right-of-way boundary. Section 3. Remainder of SVMC 22.110 Unchanged. The remaining provisions of SVMC 22.110 are unchanged by this amendment. Section 4. Severability. If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance should be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of any other section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance. Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect five (5) days after the date of publication of this Ordinance or a summary thereof in the official newspaper of the City. PASSED by the City Council this Yd day of June 2025. Mayor, Yam Haley ATTEST: 1 Marci P erson, City Clerk Approved As To Form: