DPD

Director’s Rule 11-97
Applicant:
City Of Seattle
Department of Construction and Land Use		 Page Supersedes: N/A
  Publication: 9-4-97 Effective:
Subject:
Sign Height and Building Facades		 Code and Section Reference:
SMC 23.55.028
SMC 23.55.030
Ordinance Authority: 3.060.040 SMC Type of Rule: Code Interpretation
Index: Land Use Codes Approved Date

Section 23.55.028.D.5.b. regulating signs in NC1 and NC2 zones, states the following:

The maximum height for any portion of a wall or under-marquee sign shall be twenty feet or the height of the cornice of the structure to which the sign is attached, whichever is greater.

Section 23.55.030, regulating signs in NC3, C1 and C2 zones, and Section 23.55.036, regulating signs in IB, IC, IG1 and IG2 zones, state the same thing, with the addition of canopy and marquee signs to the list.

RULE:

The maximum height for placement of wall and under-marquee signs in NC1 and NC2 zones shall be 20 feet or the height of the facade of the structure to which it is attached, whichever is greater. For buildings with a cornice or parapet extending more than 20 feet above grade, all and under-marquee signs may extend to the top of the cornice or the parapet. On an existing building, a facade over 20 feet tall shall not be extended for the purpose of increasing the allowable height of a wall sign. For a new building, the facade above the roof elevation shall be consistent with the architectural design of the building, and shall also not be extended for the purpose of increasing the allowable height of a wall sign. Rooftop features such as mechanical and stair penthouses shall not be considered part of a facade.

In NC3, C1, C2 and all industrial zones, this rule shall also apply to wall, marquee, under-marquee, and canopy signs.

REASON:

Cornices or parapets are allowed to project (with limitations) above the roof of structures of which they are a part, and are therefore the highest point of the facade of the structure. For the purposes of this rule, a cornice or a parapet on an exterior wall shall be considered part of the facade. Since the code states that the listed signs may go to the height of the cornice or 20 feet, whichever is greater, it is appropriate to allow the sign to the top of the facade of the structure if there is no cornice, and to the top of the cornice or parapet if either is present. Artificially extending a facade to increase the height of a wall sign does not meet the intent of the code.